Environmental science and natural resources

Professionals working in environmental science are interested in the wise stewardship of earth’s resources. These professionals may be involved in waste management and recycling, water conservation, creation and development of greener fuels, or stewardship of other natural resources. For example, an engineer in this field might work on a water distribution system for farms that conserves water while still meeting the needs of livestock and crops.

Another subset of workers in this field may be involved in researching better ways to protect and regenerate soils so we can grow more food to meet the growing population or setting policies to protect soil and water.

The prospects for careers in this field are expected to grow, as people invest in sustainability and reducing environmental impact. If you are interested in helping protect our planet while meeting the needs of a growing population, this career pathway might be for you.

Environmental science and natural resources resources at GNG

unit 3 lessons

AFNR natural resources

How do we impact natural resources by our activities? This unit helps meet some of the AFNR curriculum standards for natural resources. Students will learn how to test texture and other physical characteristics of soil, conduct water quality tests,…

unit 5 lessons

AFNR plant systems

How do we develop and manage plant systems? Each plant is classified according to broad categories based on characteristics they share. New DNA technology has allowed us to be more specific in determining the “relatives” of plants. This…

leader

Andy Michel

Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University

Knows about: ohio state university, agriculture education, agronomist, biotechnology, entomology, pest management, pests.

leader

Chuck Crawford

Environmental Science Teacher at Dublin Jerome High School

Knows about: agriculture education, data, environmental science, simulations, urban farming.

Video

Global aquaculture

Have you considered a career in aquaculture? Watch and learn more about this fast-growing, global career.

leader

Greg LaBarge

Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems at The Ohio State University Extension

Knows about: ohio state university, agronomist, extension, nutrients, plant science, water quality.

leader

Harold Watters

Retired Associate Professor, Field Specialist for Agronomic Systems

Knows about: ohio state university, extension, farming, nutrients, soybeans, water quality.

unit 5 lessons

Here, fishy fishy: aquaculture systems

How does soymeal feed compare to fishmeal feed when raising Tilapia in an aquaculture system? Take on multiple roles within an aquaculture farm including set-up and maintenance of tanks, test water quality, investigate possible feed sources and monitor fish health and growth.

Video

International agriculture development

Are you interested in travel and helping others? Then a career in international agriculture development may be for you.

leader

Jane Hunt

Education Consultant at Education Projects & Partnerships LLC

Knows about: biology, biotechnology, environmental science.

leader

Laura Lindsey

Associate Professor; Soybean and Small Grain Production at The Ohio State University; Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Knows about: ohio state university, commodities, extension, plant/crop science, soybeans.

leader

Libby Dayton

Soil Scientist at the Ohio State University

Knows about: ohio state university, nutrients, plant science, water quality, soil science.

unit 7 lessons

Managing nutrient and pesticide needs in agriculture

Why do farmers spend time and money to apply chemicals to their fields? In this threaded PBL*, (an effort to integrate agricultural understandings into the normal sequence of an Environmental Science classroom) students will conduct several “close reads” (reading for…

leader

Matthew Stroud

Product Agronomist at DuPont Pioneer

Knows about: dupont pioneer, agribusiness, agronomist, research and development, soybeans, test plot.

unit 2 lessons

Nitrogen fixation and legumes: say what?

How do legumes fix nitrogen? If the atmosphere is about 80% Nitrogen (N2), but plants cannot use that form, how do they get nitrogen? In this unit, students plant and care for soybeans under one of five different…

unit 6 lessons

Oh soy good! Milk types and food security

How might soymilk, and other types of milk, help ensure food security? Investigate various milk sources and their composition through core disciplines of Science, Math, Social Studies and Language Arts to discover the availability of milk types within multiple cultures…

unit 2 lessons

Photoperiod: the floral initiator

What drives plants to flower and reproduce? In this lesson students will plant and care for soybeans under one of three different photoperiod regimes: First month: 16 hours; Second month: 14 hours; third month: 12 hours (control) 16 hours for…

Video

Precision agriculture

Matt Liskai the President/Co-Owner of Green Field Ag talks about his career in precision agriculture.

e-learning

Soybeans 101

What do you know about soybeans? This course provides an overview of soybeans. Students learn about the parts of the soybean plant and the many uses of soybeans. Information is also provided about the process of growing and exporting soybeans.

unit 4 lessons

Soybeans as a chemical feedstock

Can agriculture provide greener, more sustainable products? Soybeans contain several components which innovators and entrepreneurs find valuable when creating greener products. What are the chemical building blocks in a soybean?

unit 1 lesson

Soy McCoy coloring book

What is a soybean? What value does it have? For younger students, a coloring book that introduces soybeans: the history and the uses in animal agriculture, bioproducts and the local grocery store. This is perfect for ag days, camps or after…

leader

Steven Hart

Vice President of Market Development at Global Aquaculture Alliance

Knows about: aquaculture, careers, soy-based products, world hunger.

e-learning

Water quality

What factors are used to judge water quality? What human activities might lead to cultural eutrophication and harmful algal blooms? Students will learn about the process and effects of cultural eutrophication and describe ways to reduce risk.

unit 3 lessons

Where does our food come from, anyway? Sustainable ag systems

How do growers’ decisions affect the sustainability of agricultural systems? Understand and appreciate food producers through this case study and determine what decisions must be made on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis to maintain an environmental system that will continue…