YOUTH INITIATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Waldorf Initiative in Viroqua, Wisconsin, USA
COURSES AND CLASSES
Main Lesson Block for 10th Grade
Oct 23—Nov 10, 2006
Ecology
Instructor: Vicki Ramsay
Ecology is the study of relationships. It is the science of making connections. From the Greek words oikos meaning “house,” or “place to live,” and logos meaning “the study of,” ecology is the study of living things and how they relate to their living and non-living environment.
When we listen to the sound of spring peepers singing love songs in June, perhaps we are struck by the sweet quality of their music. As summer progresses, the peepers grow quieter until, often unnoticed, we don’t hear them again until the following spring. Where do they go? What do they eat? What might eat them? How do they interact with other living things in their environment? How might they be affected by a housing development built near their pond? Or a landfill? Or a sawmill? What kinds of changes might their pond undergo through time?
These are the kinds of questions that the study of ecology tries to answer. Essentially, our fate is inextricably linked to the fate of the spring peepers and all other living organisms. We are all connected. Discovering the nature, strength, and longevity of these connections is vital to the ecologists’ role in helping humans to be better stewards of the environment that was entrusted to us.
This course will begin by exploring connections, learning about major geochemical cycles, food chains, energy pyramids, and relationships between the biosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere. During the second week, we will focus on some of the ways that humans have impacted these natural systems, often with devastating consequences. The third week will focus on solutions. How can we, as human beings, as good stewards of the land, the air, and the water that were entrusted to us, begin to heal some of harm that has been done to our world? It is within our capability, and quite within our power.
Because making connections includes human connections as well, students will be expected to develop a piece of curriculum that may be chosen to share with other schools. Our most effective learning comes through teaching. By taking an active role in finding solutions to some of the most pressing ecological problems, students will exemplify the qualities that each of us needs to possess if we want to effect a positive change for our world.