Concepts:

Human beings live within the world's ecosystems. Increasingly, humans modify ecosystems as a result of 
population growth, technology, and consumption. Human destruction of habitats through direct harvesting, 
pollution, atmospheric changes, and other factors is threatening current global stability, and if not addressed, 

ecosystems will be irreversibly affected. (NSES Content Standard C:  Population and Ecosystems, Level 5-8)

            Natural and human-induced hazards present the need for humans to assess potential danger and risk. Many 
          changes in the environment designed by humans bring benefits to society, as well as cause risks. Students should 
          understand the costs and trade-offs of various hazards--ranging from those with minor risk to a few people to 
          major catastrophes with major risk to many people. The scale of events and the accuracy with which scientists  and engineers can (and cannot) predict events are important considerations. (NSES Content Standard F:  Natural and Human-Induced Hazards, Level 9-12)) 

Humans have a major effect on other species. For example, the influence of humans on other organisms occurs           through land use--which decreases space available to other species--and pollution--which changes the chemical  composition of air, soil, and water.(NSES Content Standard F:  Science and Technology in Local, National, and Global Challenges, Level 9-12)