Module 3: Life Around Us

This Module has been developed to complement the theme ‘Life around Us’ in the Environmental Studies curriculum. The Module mainly looks at humans in the environment and the living things that form the habitats which are the Maldives. A duty of care is the theme of the Module. A duty of care draws together the knowledge gained by learning, observation and investigation of the plants and animals which share the Earth with us and encourages students to be aware of their environment.

As living things make up the environment, an effective environmental program should focus its activities on living things and their interactions between the environment, for it is the human activities that brings turbulence to nature. Consequently the interrelated network of relationships between living things and the environment is the main focus of this Module.

This Module would definitely alert the students to be more cautious about living things, and care for them, believing that they are an important component in the natural cycle of the environment.

There are 6 teaching and learning Modules in this Resource series that are linked to themes in the Environmental Studies curriculum.

Each Module provides instructions for a number of activities that might be used with a class to explore aspects of the issue that is being addressed. These Modules do not comprise a complete unit; rather they may be used to supplement other work being done within a topic area and what is found in the established syllabus.

Overview of the Schools for a Healthy Environment Modules

Module 1: Ourselves

1. Island Environment
2. Traditional Knowledge
3. Environmental Impact Assessment
4. Common Diseases and Prevention

Module 2: Earth

1. Weather
2. Safe Drinking Water
3. Water Quality Monitoring

Module 3: Life Around Us

1. Mangroves
2. Beaches
3. Coral Reefs
4. School Gardens

Module 4: Resources from the Environment

1. Energy used at School and at Home
2. Conservation, Management and Reuse of Water
3. Managing Waste
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
5. Composting Waste

Module 5: Interdependence

1. Food Web
2. Exploring my Atoll
3. Ecological Footprints

Module 6: Science and Technology

1. Wind Energy
2. Solar Energy