SK – Environmental Science 20 Alignment Guide

This alignment guide connects Switch Classroom lessons to the Saskatchewan Environmental Science 20 curriculum, giving teachers a clear path to integrate energy and environmental topics into their classrooms. Through videos, data sets, and interactive activities, students explore air pollution, climate change, and technology’s environmental footprint while meeting curriculum indicators.

Students start by examining sources of indoor and outdoor pollutants—such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, VOCs, and carbon monoxide—and their impacts on human health. Lessons like Switch On Episode 1: Modern Cooking Fuels, Introduction to Coal, and Introduction to Bioenergy provide real-world examples of how energy use contributes to air quality challenges.

Building on this, lessons such as Introduction to Environmental Impacts and Science of Natural Gas allow students to investigate industrial and photochemical smog, as well as measures to mitigate pollution. Hands-on simulations give students experience making decisions about coal plant size and pollution controls.

The guide also integrates climate-focused content, with data-driven activities on electricity generation and emissions (Science of Solar, Oil, and Nuclear), and a specialized Life Cycle Assessment with Garvin Heath lesson that quantifies environmental impacts across a product’s lifespan.

Teachers can use this alignment to streamline planning while equipping students with essential skills in critical analysis, data interpretation, and environmental problem-solving.