Value of the Case Study Set for an IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Classroom
This case study set provides students with practical, real-world examples of complex environmental challenges. By exploring topics such as ecosystem collapse, human impact on biodiversity, and sustainable resource management, students engage with critical environmental issues while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. These case studies encourage active learning, critical reflection, and collaborative discussions, preparing students to address global environmental challenges.

List of Case Studies with Summation:

1. Population Dynamics of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park
   Students explore the reintroduction of wolves and its cascading effects on elk populations, vegetation, and the overall ecosystem​(Case Study_ Population …).
2. The Impact of Invasive Species on Native Ecosystems
   Students examine how zebra mussels in the Great Lakes outcompete native species and disrupt aquatic ecosystems​(Case Study_ The Impact …).
3. The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystems
   Students investigate the critical role of species like sea otters in maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity​(Case Study_ The Role of…).
4. The Role of Pollinators in Agricultural Ecosystems
   Students explore how the decline of pollinators affects biodiversity and global food production​(Case Study_ The Role of…).
5. Tipping Points and Ecosystem Collapse
   Students assess the risk of ecosystem collapse in the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation and climate change​(Case Study_ Tipping Poi…).
6. Urbanization and Its Impact on Local Ecosystems
   Students analyze how urban expansion leads to habitat loss, pollution, and changes in local biodiversity​(Case Study_ Urbanizatio…).
7. Climate Change and the Distribution of Biomes
   Students explore how global warming is shifting the distribution of biomes, such as forests and deserts​(Case Study_ Climate Cha…).
8. Human Impact on Coral Reefs
   Students investigate the impact of human activities like overfishing and pollution on the energy flow and biodiversity of coral reefs​(Case Study_ Human Impac…).
9. Nitrogen Cycle Disruption in Agricultural Systems
   Students examine how the overuse of synthetic fertilizers disrupts the nitrogen cycle, leading to eutrophication and biodiversity loss​(Case Study_ Nitrogen Cy…).
10. Overfishing and Marine Ecosystem Health
    Students assess the ecological and economic consequences of overfishing, focusing on the collapse of fish populations and ecosystem stability​(Case Study_ Overfishing…).