Earth Science B includes the study of minerals and their origins, rocks and their origins, weathering and erosion, oceanography, structure of the earth, and history of the earth derived from rocks. While not prerequisites, Earth Science A and B do provide a firm foundation for this course. The effects of human activity on the environment are given special attention. Environmental Science A explores the nature of ecosystems-such as the environmental history of the great lakes, energy flow from plants to animals and other living things, cycles of nutrients, world population, organization of biological communities, and the effects of pollution. In Environmental Science B, students study such topics as urban and non-urban land use, water use, nonrenewable resources, energy resources, food resources and the effects of an increasing human population.
Attention is given to plant propagation, identification, genetics, behavior, and requirements.
Laboratory work is adjusted to utilize the indoor greenhouse as well as maintenance of school flowerbeds. Topics covered in Horticultural Science A include careers in horticulture, plant structure and behavior, conditions affecting plant growth, plant propagation, control of disease, weeds and pests, and greenhouse management. Horticultural Science B includes plant identification, soils and their preparation, crop plants, management of lawns, and landscaping. Horticultural Science B includes plant identification, soils and their preparation, crop plants, management of lawns, and landscaping. At EPA, students work with environmentalists in the monitoring of streams and watersheds within the county.