GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

Environmental Science Magnet Course Progression

Grade 9: Environmental Ecology and Sustainability

5 Credits Ecology and Sustainability is the first course for students enrolled in the Cedar Creek Environmental Science Magnet. Environmental Ecology and Sustainability will provide a strong foundation in the concepts of ecology, geology, sociology and biology that will allow for further understanding of the Earth and the sustainability of life on it. Integrated in the course is a laboratory component which will improve observational skills, allow for the development and completion of well designed experiments. Students will interpret and share results and conclusions with their instructor and classmates. Environmental Ecology and Sustainability will focus on utilizing a GIS computer software program which will allow students to become proficient in the cutting edge technology associated with environmental studies. Students will also become involved in a Personal Research Project in the field of Environmental Science. This course emphasizes lab work, critical thinking, and ethical problem solving. This course will also create an open forum for discussion and research of current issues/advances in the field of environmental science. 5 Credits Prerequisite:Environmental Ecology and Sustainability or the recommendation of the Science Supervisor. Sustainability is intended to expand the student’s knowledge of environmental science and its applications so that he/she may make informed decisions in the future. Environmental Systems and Sustainability emphasizes lab work, critical thinking, and ethical problem solving. Environmental Systems and Sustainability will also create an open forum for discussion and research of current issues/advances in the field of environmental science. Environmental Systems and Sustainability is the second course for students enrolled in the Cedar Creek Environmental Science Magnet. Students taking Environmental Systems and Sustainability will continue with the on-going Environmental investigations that were started in the first year course. There will be further discussion of case studies and concepts using high level deductive-reasoning and empirical data analysis. Environmental Systems and Grade 10: Honors Environmental Systems and Sustainability