22 Aug Is IB Environmental Systems and Societies Right for You?
It is sometimes very difficult for a student that is taking International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to choose a “correct” subject. Even though, there is a wide choice and options of subjects that are interdisciplinary, the IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is unique. ESS offers a unique blend of different subjects such as Geography, Biology and Ecology. There is even a little bit of Chemistry and Thermodinamics. It is relevant subject today when the world is dealing with many environmental issues, including the climate change and global warming. But, the real question is, is it the right subject for you?
We will explore what the IB Environmental Systems and Societies offers and who might like it.
What Is IB Environmental Systems and Societies?
IB Environmental Systems and Societies is a Group 3 (Humanities) and Group 4 (Sciences) subject that offers a bridge between different subjects. It is broad enough and multidisciplinary therefore it offers many different topics from the water pollution and climate change to the population dynamics. It links social systems with the environment and shows how connected everything is. It is able to show clear inputs and outputs going in both directions that show the impact of pollution on societies and humans. Such a negative link could be for example asthma developing in population due to high levels of ozone.
ESS syllabus
ESS syllabus covers a great range of environmental topics that are covered in scientific and social way. For example, if there is certain environmental issues in your area, how would that affect local environmental groups and indigenous population? How the local environment is changed as a result from the pollution? What about biodiversity and local species? IB environmental systems and societies cover topics such as sustainability, biodiversity and loss of tropical rainforests.
Why to Choose IB Environmental Systems and Societies?
ESS is interdisciplinary – studying ESS is not just a pure science. It also consists of many interesting case studies and real life scenarios where you will have a chance to see how people and environment are connected.
Helping the environment – at the moment there are many environmental issues that surround us. Therefore many students feel like wanting to help the Earth with this and therefore studying about environment is a logical step to take.
Great and fun option – it is a science, but not that serious as Physics or Chemistry. You will still be studying about interesting issues such as water conflicts.
Uni application – since ESS is a combined Group 3 and 4 subject it gives you a great range of Universities to apply to.
What Do You Need To Study ESS?
There are no some great range of academic skills required when you are about to take ESS. You will need some basic math skills together with:
Critical Thinking: some environmental issues would need to be evaluated from different world views and perspectives. Your own solution will need to be presented as well.
Research: in order to write your ESS IA, you need to do a lot of research of local and global environmental issues. What do you think needs your attention and help?
Data analysis: you will likely collect a great deal of data when you are writing your ESS IA. Then, you are expected to analyze the trends using tables, charts and graphs and write a conclusion.
Holding different perspectives: when analyzing a conflict between different groups such as government, local environmental groups and indigenous people it is important to remember that all of them hold different EVS (Environmental value system).
IB environmental systems and societies is now offered in both Standard (SL) and High (HL) level therefore it can be a great choice for you. It can be incorporated into your Uni goals easily as both Standard and High level subject.
Is IB Environmental Systems and Societies Right for You?
ESS is much more than just one more IB subject. It is an open invitation to students to dive deep into the world’s most important time events and environmental issues. It is a calling that we can not only learn about these environmental problems, but to really understand them and solve them. We can start from ourselves first and change our thoughts and actions towards the Earth. We can think about our behavior if it is environmentally friendly or it is devastating for the Earth. We can learn about what to change and what actions are more beneficial to the environment. For example, maybe focusing on recycling more will help the sea turtles and other marine organisms? Maybe starting composting is also going to be beneficial for the soil systems. Are people around us engaged enough in protecting the environment? Maybe we can share some information from the class with them and therefore be able to make a more considerable impact.
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