Value of the Case Study Set for an IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Classroom
This case study set offers students valuable insights into the complexities of water systems, sustainability, and the environmental challenges surrounding water access and management. Each case study encourages critical analysis, problem-solving, and exploration of real-world solutions. The activities foster understanding of global and local issues related to water security, pollution, food production, and climate change, providing students with a holistic view of environmental systems.

List of Case Studies with Summation:

1. Freshwater Ecosystems and Urban Runoff
   Students explore how urban runoff impacts freshwater ecosystems and investigate solutions to manage and reduce pollution​(Case Study_ Freshwater …).
2. Groundwater Depletion and Agricultural Practices
   Students assess the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices on groundwater levels and explore water conservation strategies​(Case Study_ Groundwater…).
3. The Hydrological Cycle and Human Impact
   Students examine how urbanization and deforestation alter the hydrological cycle and explore sustainable water management practices​(Case Study_ The Hydrolo…).
4. Water Pollution and Eutrophication
   Students analyze how nutrient runoff from agriculture leads to eutrophication in water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and local communities​(Case Study_ Water Pollu…).
5. Water Pollution and Microplastics
   Students investigate the sources, ecological impacts, and health concerns associated with microplastic pollution in aquatic systems​(Case Study_ Water Pollu…).
6. Water Security and Equity
   Students examine the socio-economic and political factors contributing to water security and propose solutions to ensure equitable access to water​(Case Study_ Water Secur…).
7. Water Stress and Transboundary Disputes
   Students explore the challenges of managing shared water resources between nations, focusing on conflict resolution and sustainable management​(Case Study_ Water Stres…).
8. Aquatic Food Production Systems and Sustainability
   Students assess the environmental and sustainability challenges of aquatic food production, including overfishing and unsustainable aquaculture practices​(Case Study_ Aquatic Foo…).
9. Climate Change and Ocean Stratification
   Students analyze the effects of climate change on ocean stratification, focusing on nutrient distribution, oxygen levels, and marine biodiversity​(Case Study_ Climate Cha…).
10. Desalination and Its Environmental Impacts
    Students evaluate desalination as a solution to water scarcity, weighing its benefits against the environmental challenges of energy use and brine disposal​(Case Study_ Desalinatio…).