Pollution

Start with forms of pollution

The mind map Pollution gives you a starting point with branches for air, water, soil, light and noise pollution. It also introduces different categories of pollutants. Use the branches to organize your study, then look at An Endangered Planet for another map covering air, water and soil pollution, along with the loss of fauna.

As you study, compare the terms in the maps and note where their coverage overlaps. The different layouts can help you find a way to organize the material that works for you.

Explore human impacts

Next, look at How humans can affect the environment. Its branches connect pollution and waste with population, land, energy and materials. It also lists substances and materials such as pesticides, oil, plastic and metal.

Human Influences on Environment offers another route through the topic. Its branches include water and air pollution, fertilizers, eutrophication, toxic chemicals and biomagnification. School students can use the maps to practice identifying terms; teachers can use them as ready-made material for a discussion.

Use a quiz alongside a map

After studying a map, try one of the quizzes listed on the page. Keep the map nearby to check the terms you have been studying, then return to any branches you want to review. You can also use the flashcards in the collection for another way to work with the material.

Place the topic in the unit

Pollution is a section of Environmental Issues and Human Impact in Environmental science and ecology. The page's maps connect pollution with human impacts, so they can help you move between the topic and the wider unit. Pick a resource and start exploring.