Environmental Science and Sustainability is a free course that gives high school students a clear, evidence-based understanding of how Earth’s systems work and how people affect them. This environmental science for high school course covers ecosystems and energy flow, biodiversity, the carbon and water cycles, climate science, energy resources, pollution, food and water systems, and practical sustainability solutions.
Environmental science connects biology, chemistry, physics, geography and economics. It helps students understand headlines about climate, energy and conservation, evaluate claims critically and make informed choices. Rather than focusing only on problems, the course highlights trade-offs and real solutions, from international agreements that repaired damage to the ozone layer to local projects students can lead themselves.
What you will learn
- Use systems thinking to analyse environmental issues
- Explain energy flow, food webs and the importance of biodiversity
- Describe the carbon and water cycles and human impacts on them
- Explain the greenhouse effect and the evidence for climate change
- Compare energy sources and types of pollution, including their trade-offs
- Conduct an environmental audit and design an evidence-based action plan
Who this course is for
This course is for students in Grades 9 to 12 (about ages 14 to 18), and for anyone wanting a solid introduction to environmental science. It assumes basic middle school science knowledge.
A note for parents and teachers
Environmental topics can feel overwhelming, and some students experience worry about the future. This course aims to be accurate and hopeful: it presents scientific consensus where it exists, acknowledges uncertainty and debate where they exist, and emphasises that individual, community and policy actions all matter. Statistics are rounded and drawn from widely cited scientific bodies; because figures such as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels change over time, encourage students to check the latest data from sources like NASA, NOAA, the IPCC and the UN Environment Programme.
How the course works
There are ten lessons of about fifteen to twenty minutes each, with worked examples, key takeaways and practice questions with answers. The final lesson is a hands-on audit and action plan project.