Department of Education
Region III
DIVISION OF MABALACAT CITY
Name: __________________________________ Grade & Section: ________________
School: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Science 8 (Q4 – Lesson 7)
Effects of Human Activities in the Ecosystem
I. Introduction
Have you asked your grandparents how their place was or used to be
when they were your age? They may say that it was different now because
then there were a lot of trees or they were able to swim on the river or catch
some fish or that they could even get some fruits in their backyard. This
shows that we are all dependent on nature and the resources provided by
biodiversity. But overdependence and uncontrolled use of these resources
may lead to the destruction of the environment.
How can we reduce the negative impact on the environment? This
lesson will examine, design, and evaluate solutions that could reduce the
human environmental impact.
II. Learning Competencies
➢ Suggest ways to minimize human impact on the environment.
(S8LT-IVj-25)
III. Objectives
After going through this Learning Activity Sheets, you are expected to:
1. identify the human activities that may affect the ecosystem;
2. determine the advantages and disadvantages of human
activities on the environment; and
3. suggest ways to minimize human impact on the environment.
IV. Discussion
Organisms are indeed dependent to their environment to obtain the
materials they need to survive. Ecosystem goods and services are
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fundamental to human activity. But too much dependence will lead to the
destruction of our Mother Nature.
Our ecosystem encompasses all living things and non-living things. All
these components make up the environment and they are critical for the
natural and normal functions of all the activities on Earth. Due to the
intricacy and interconnectedness of all components in the environment, any
activity that disturbs the natural balance of these may affect the ecosystem.
Human actions affect the balance in the ecosystem. Here are some various
human activities that affect our ecosystem.
Monoculture, in agriculture, is the
practice where a single crop, livestock
species, or plant of one species that
are genetically uniform at a time. It
has been used in industrial farming
and organic farming allowing for
increased efficiency in planting and
harvesting as well as lowering the
cost for farmers. Although increased
efficiency in planting and harvesting,
Source www.google.com/
it has been criticized for resulting in
Figure 1. Corn Plantation. unsustainable environment. It can
increase the risk of exposure to pest and diseases, pressures, reduced
nutrients on the soil or soil degradation and deforestation.
Using of pesticides,
insecticides, and herbicides in
farming. Pesticides are chemicals
that may be used to kill fungus,
bacteria, insects, plant diseases,
snails, slugs, or weeds among
others. These chemicals can work
by ingestion or by touch and death
may occur immediately or over a
long time. Source www.google.com/
Figure 2. Pesticides in our food
Insecticide on the other hand system
is a type of pesticide that is used to specifically target and kill insects while
herbicides are used to kill undesirable plants or weeds. Using these
methods in agriculture harm the environment. With the use of pesticides,
hundreds of gallons of chemicals are introduced into the environment which
affects wildlife, insects, water quality, and air quality.
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Examples of good insects are bees which play a significant role in the
pollination of the food that we eat. Herbicides can infect drinking water and
the air we breathe. Chemicals can get in the water from runoff during
precipitation or they may just enter your drinking water by contamination of
the well system and or aquifer.
The use of chemical fertilizers. The term “chemical fertilizer” refers
to any number of synthetic compound substances created to maximize crop
yield and increase plant production. Some fertilizers contain nitrogen while
others are phosphate-based or potassium. Continuous and uncontrolled
use of the chemical fertilizer may degrade and increase the acidity of the
soil. Fertilizers may run off to bodies of water like rivers, ponds, lakes, and
accumulation of this may cause the death of these bodies of water. Also,
when it enters the surface water, the nutrients they release stimulate
microorganism growth or alga bloom.
The growth and reproduction of microorganisms reduce the dissolved
oxygen content of the water body. Without sufficient dissolved oxygen in
surface water, fish and other aquatic organisms suffocate resulting in their
death and degrade the water quality and cause unpleasant odors.
Deforestation is the permanent
removal of trees to make room
for something besides the
forest. This can include clearing
the land for agriculture or
grazing, or using the timber for
fuel, construction, or
manufacturing. Forest provides
more than a home for a diverse
Source www.livescience.com/
collection of living things.
Figure 3. Deforestation.
They are also important resources for many around the world. People
rely on trees for firewood, timber, and charcoal. Not only that, three-
quarters of Earth’s freshwater comes from forested watersheds and the loss
of trees can affect water quality. They also play a key role in the local water
cycle by helping to keep balance water on land and water in the
atmosphere. But when deforestation occurs, that balance can be thrown off,
resulting in changes in precipitation and river flow.
Trees also absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating greenhouse gas
emissions produced by human activity. As climate change continuous, trees
play an important role in capturing excess carbon dioxide.
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Another human activity that
affects our environment is
dynamite fishing, blast fishing, or
fish bombing which is a destructive
fishing practice using explosives to
kill fish for easy collection. It is
extremely destructive as the
explosion destroys the coral reefs
that support the fish. Scientific
studies showed that reefs can take Source www.google .com/images
more than a century to recover once
Figure 4. Dynamite fishing that
the live coral cover has been
destructs the coral reefs
destroyed.
Dynamite fishing is one of the most pervasive fishing techniques and
it is banned by most countries.
Another that is common to our
everyday life is the use of plastic
shopping bags to carry items like food
and clothes which are commonly used
even though we know they can damage
the environment. Plastic is durable, low
cost, and water resistant although
almost all plastics are made from
chemicals that come from the
production of fuels. A plastic bag takes
many years to decompose.
Source www.google.com/images/
Toxic substances released on the soil
Figure 5. Plastic bags wash when plastic bag perishes under
away on the bodies of water. sunlight or burned. Animals may also
get tangled and drown in plastic bags.
Animals often confuse the plastic bags for food and consume them,
therefore blocking their digestive process. The burning of plastics in
incinerators also increases climate gases and toxic air pollution.
Achieving a Sustainable Environment
Environmental sustainability is responsibly interacting with the
planet to maintain natural resources and avoid jeopardizing the ability of
future generations to meet their needs. But humans degrade the
environment and ecosystem because of their needs and want, we pollute
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our environment and destroy the natural habitats of animals and plants.
And worst, we are unaware that we reach our limit and continuously
consume more. All the negativity that happens in our environment today
will be passed on to the next generation to prevent such; we much know
how to achieve sustainability.
What role should humans play to achieve a sustainable
environment? How should we change the way we live to ensure its
sustainable for future generations? Individuals have a role to play and so
do institution that contribute to the cause on a larger scale. A nation
implementing sustainability can change the environmental status of its
country. In our country, environmental laws are already being studied
and mandated as follows.
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the
Nationals Air Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout
the Philippines, while minimizing the possible associated impacts to the
economy.
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
The law aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution
from land-based sources such as industries and commercial
establishments, agriculture, and community or household activities. It
provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and
minimize pollution on water.
Wildlife Resources and Conservation Act 9147
It is an act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife
resources and their habitats which aim to promote ecological balance
and enhance biological diversity, regulate the collection and trade of
wildlife, to pursue the Philippine commitment to international
conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats and initiate or
support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity.
Executive Order No. 193- Enhanced National Greening Program
The Enhanced National Greening Program (E- NGP) is the
rehabilitation of 1.2M hectares of denuded forest lands by 2022 and
maintenance and protection of existing forests in the Philippines. It was
signed last November 2015 which is the continuation of the National
Greening Program of 2011.
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The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998
It is an act providing for the development, management, and
conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources. Integrating all laws
pertinent thereto, and for other purposes and in which states the safety
and quality standards on aquatic organisms and fishery products for
domestic consumption and international trade.
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
This law aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological
solid waste management program that shall ensure the protection of
public health and the environment. The law ensures proper segregation,
collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste through the
formulation and adaptation of the best eco- waste products.
All in all, the purpose of these laws is to protect the environment
and wildlife. This also serves as a guide for society. As a student, how
will you build a sustainable community? How will you stop the
destruction of our environment and wildlife degradation in a small way?
The human activities mentioned in the first part of our lesson were
not as easy to eradicate but we can do something to conserve and protect
our environment by doing some desirable practices as described below.
1. Grow a variety of crops instead of only one crop.
2. Use insects to fight other insects. This is known as biological
control of insect pests.
3. Instead of chemical fertilizers, try organic farming using natural
fertilizers for crops, compost and animal manure can be used as
natural fertilizers.
4. Replanting trees in cleared areas or simply allowing the forest to
regenerate over time can restore the forest. Also, go paperless
whenever possible and plant a tree when possible.
5. Educate the locals about the dangers of dynamite fishing and
should be taught an alternative way to make money by employing
ecotourism.
6. Minimize the use of plastic. Modify. Plastic bags can be reused or
used for different purposes. Use eco-friendly materials as an
alternative.
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V. Activities
Activity # 1
Identify the human activities that may affect the environment.
14 9 11
6 13
12
8 4
10
1
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Across:
2.Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability if
future generation to meet their needs.
3.Use to kill weeds and undesirable plants.
5.Destructive fishing practice using explosives to kill fish for easy
collection.
7.Process of converting waste materials into new materials, or objects.
8.Catering for tourist wishing to experience the natural environment
without damaging it.
10.Substances released when plastic bag burned.
14.Rehabilitation of 1.2 hectares of denuded forest lands by 2022.
15.Growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic-based
fertilizer or pesticides.
Down:
1. Used to kill insect pests.
4. The use of a natural resource has exceeded the sustainable capacity if
a system.
6. Permanent removal of trees or the outright rival of forest.
9. It takes many years to decompose.
11. Cultivation of a single crop in a large area.
12. The process of replanting an area with trees.
13. May increase the soil acidity.
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Activity # 2
Identify the human activities shown in the pictures. For each human
activity, cite 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages to the environment.
1.) Human activity: _______________________
Advantages Disadvantages
a.) _____________________________ a.) _____________________________
b.) _____________________________ b.) _____________________________
2.) Human activity: _______________________
Advantages Disadvantages
a.) _________________________________ a.) _________________________________
b.) _________________________________ b.) _________________________________
3.) Human activity: _______________________
Source: www.google.com/images/
Advantages Disadvantages
a.) _________________________________ a.) _________________________________
b.) _________________________________ b.) _________________________________
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Activity # 3
Answer the question briefly based on the given criteria below
5 4 3 2 1
Explanation
Explanation is Explanation is Explanation is Explanation is
is not
complete with incomplete with incomplete with incomplete with
related to
no minimal major minor
the
misconceptions misconceptions. misconceptions. misconceptions.
question.
1. Write about 5 ways in which you could care for the environment at your
home.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. As a student, how you will build a sustainable community?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Write six tips on how we can save the Earth. Write your suggestion on
the box below on how to minimize the human impact on the
environment.
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VI. Assessment
Read each item carefully. Choose the correct answer and write the LETTER
of your answer before the number.
______1. A farmer is using a crop duster to help spray chemicals on his
crops to kill insects. The chemical the farmer uses seeps into the
soil and drains into the nearby river. How does this affect the
animals that live in the river?
A. The chemical give them more energy
B. They change color
C. They get sick or die
D. They swim away
______2.Which human activity would be most likely to harm the
environment?
A. Burning coal and oil to generate electric power.
B. Limiting the use of chemicals that kill weeds.
C. Planting trees to control soil erosion
D. Stopping the draining of swamps.
______3. Which human activity would preserve non-renewable resources?
A. Deforestation
B. Heating homes with fossil fuels
C. Recycling
D. Remove carnivores from the forest
______4. It refers to the cultivation of a single crop in large areas.
A. Agriculture C. Monoculture
B. Dynamite fishing D. Using of chemical fertilizers
______5. Which of the following choices is a benefit of human technology?
A. Air pollution C. Improved quality of life
B. Disruption of watersheds D. Urban sprawl
______6. Which of the following human constructions would have the least
effect on an ecosystem?
A. Rice farm C. Sub-divisions of homes
B. Shopping center D. Wind farm
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_______7. Which of the following choices is a benefit of human technology
that positively impacts the environment?
A. Ability to live comfortably in large homes.
B. Ability to make new products from used materials.
C. Ability to travel long distances.
D. Capacity to produce large quantities of food.
_______8. Ecotourism is becoming a very popular vacation option. Which
choice is a possible positive ecological effect of ecotourism?
A. Ecotourism can provide needed income for poorer countries.
B. Infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and sewage can be
supplied to native people as well as tourist.
C. Jobs in the tourism industry can be created for people living in
the tourist zone.
D. Tourists may care more about saving an ecosystem they have
personal experience and enjoyed.
_______9. Soil degradation is an increasing global problem. Two main
reasons for this are
A. Agriculture and deforestation
B. Climate change
C. Deforestation and overgrazing
D. Industrialization and farming
_______10. Deforestation__________________________
A. Allows for the growth of younger trees
B. Allows for primary succession
C. Followed by using the land for farming
D. Increases soil erosion
________11. Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do for your local
environment and planet because:
A. They produce oxygen.
B. They provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
C. They remove carbon dioxide and contaminants from the air.
D. All the above
________12.A(n) _____________ can occur when water runoff carrying fertilizer
enter a body of water
A. Algal bloom C. Bacteria
B. Algae explosion D. Parasites
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________13. Overexploitation means________________________
A. Harvesting of what we only need for daily consumption
B. Not using resources at all
C. Using a resource at a reasonable level
D. Using a resource to extinction or near extinction
________14. What is one negative effect of using chemical fertilizer?
A. Air pollution C. It adds up nutrients.
B. Global Warming. D. The soil becomes acidic.
________15. As a student, what is one way you can use your voice to make
environmental changes? Choose the best answer
A. Recycle C. Use clean energy
B. Take public transportation D. All the above
VII. Reflection
List the negative effects on the environment and write your suggested
solution to minimize the negative effect in ecosystem.
Criteria
5 4 3 2 1
Explanation
Explanation is Explanation is Explanation is Explanation is
is not
complete with incomplete with incomplete with incomplete with
related to
no minimal major minor
the
misconceptions misconceptions. misconceptions. misconceptions.
question.
1. Deforestation
Negative Effects on the Environment: __________________________________
Solution: _____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Use of Chemical Fertilizer
Negative Effects on the Environment: __________________________________
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Solution: _____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Monoculture
Negative Effects on the Environment: __________________________________
Solution: _____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Used of Plastic bags
Negative Effects on the Environment: __________________________________
Solution : _____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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VIII. Reference
Blast Fishing. Retrieved March 17, 2021 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blast_fishing
Deforestation: Facts, Causes & Effects. Retrieved March 24, 2021 from
https://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html
Department of Education. 2013. Science 8 Learner’s Module.
Vibal Publishing House, Inc. Pasig City, Philippines.
Enhanced National Greening Program- DENR. Retrieved March 20, 2021 from
https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/priority-programs/national-greening-program
Environmental Implications of Excess Fertilizers and Manure on Water Quality. Retrieve
March 16, 2021 from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/environment-natural-
resources/environmental-implications-of-excess-fertilizer-and-manure-on-water-quality
Environmental Sustainability: What is It? Retrieved March 18, 2021 from
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-is-sustainability-3157876
Major Environmental Laws. Retrieved March 20,2021
fromhttp://ecac.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=43
The Importance of Using Chemical Fertilizers. Retrieved March 15, 2021 from
https://fruitgrowers.com/the-importance-of-fertilizers/
The Negative Environmental Effects of Plastic Shopping Bags. Retrieved March 20,
2021 from https://www.ibanet.org/Article/
What is the Difference Between Pesticides, Insecticides and Herbicides. Retrieved March 20,
2021 from https://www.llojibwe.org/drm/greenteam/pesticides_Article.pdf
Work text in Science and Technology Science Links.
2013. Rex Book Store, Inc. C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila Philippines
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1. Answers may vary
Reflection
1. B 6.D 11.D
2. A 7.B 12.A 1. Answers may vary
3. C 8.D 13.D 2. Answers may vary.
4. C 9.A 14.D 3. Answers may vary
5. C 10.D 15.A
Assessment Activity # 3
1. Deforestation
Advantages: - using timber, coal for
fuel
-Use for construction
manufacturing
Disadvantages-can cause soil Crossword Puzzle
erosion, and forest fire
- loss of habitat for some organisms ACROSS:
2.Use of plastic bags 2. SUSTAINABILITY
Advantages- Use to carry items like 3. HERBICIDE
food and clothes. 5. DYNAMITE FISHING
- Can last for a long time 7. RECYCLING
Disadvantages- released toxic to the 8. ECOTOURISM
soil and can cause air pollution 10. TOXIC
-Animals may eat it, get tangled and 14. GREENING PROGRAM
drown on it. 15. ORGANIC FARMING
3.Use of chemical fertilizers DOWN:
Advantages- Maximize the crop 1. INSECTICIDE
yield and plant production 4. OVERCONSUMPTION
-It can help plants to get more 6. DEFORESTATION
nutrients from the fertilizers. 9. PLASTIC
Disadvantages- Degrade and 11. MONOCULTURE
increase the acidity of the soil. 12. REFORESTATION
- Degrade water quality when 13. CHEMICAL FERTILIZER
runoff to the bodies of water.
Activity # 2 Activity # 1
IX. Answer Key
X. Development Team
Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheets
Writer: Melissa E. Cuarte
Editor: Cristina L. Dizon, PhD
Reviewers: Ala M. Elagio, Alice Y. Tayag, Joy M. Basa
Illustrator:
Layout Artist:
Management Team: Ericson S. Sabacan, EdD CESO VI
Leandro C. Canlas, PhD CESE
Elizabeth O. Latorilla, PhD
Sonny N. De Guzman, EdD
Cristina L. Dizon, PhD
Elizabeth C. Miguel, EdD
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Division of Mabalacat
P. Burgos St., Poblacion, Mabalacat City, Pampanga
Telefax: (045) 331-8143
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