Competency Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the hydrosphere.

Objectives

3.01 Analyze the unique properties of water including:

• Universal solvent.
• Cohesion and adhesion.
• Polarity.
• Density and buoyancy.
• Specific heat.

3.02 Explain the structure of the hydrosphere including:

• Water distribution on earth.
• Local river basin.
• Local water availability.

3.03 Evaluate evidence that Earth's oceans area reservoir of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms:

• Estuaries.
• Marine ecosystems.
• Upwelling.
• Behavior of gases in the marine environment.
• Value and sustainability of marine resources.
• Deep ocean technology and understanding gained.

3.04 Describe how terrestrial and aquatic food webs are interconnected.

3.05 Analysze hydrospheric data over time to predict the health of a water system including:

• Temperature.
• Dissolved oxygen.
• pH.
• Nitrates.
• Turbidity.
• Bio-indicators.

3.06 Evaluate technologies and information systems used to monitor the hydrosphere.

3.07 Describe how humans affect the quality of water:

• Point and non-point sources of water pollution in North Carolina.
• Possible effects of excess nutrients in North Carolina waters.
• Economic trade-offs.
• Local water issues.

3.08 Recognize that the good health of environments and organisms requires:

• Monitoring of the hydrosphere.
• Water quality standards.
• Methods of water treatment.
• Maintaining safe water quality.
• Stewardship.