Training Manual

Environmental Science for Youngsters

Prepared by

Dr. Aye Aye Win, Eco Lab / ALARM

Table of Content

Particular Page

Introduction of the Training Manual 1

Objectives of Training 1

1. What is the science 2

1.1 Branches of Science 3

1.1.1 The Physical Sciences 4

Physics 4

Chemistry 4

Astronomy 5

1.1.2 The Earth Sciences 5

Geology 5

Oceanography 6

Paleontology 6

Meteorology 6

1.1.3 The Life Sciences (Biology) 7

Biology and Life Sciences 7

Botany 7

Zoology 8

Genetics 8

Medicine 9

1.1.4 What is the Environmental Science 9

What is Environmental Studies 11

(i) Meaning of environment 11

(ii) Ecosystem 11

Species in ecosystem depend on each other 11

(iii) Natural processes in the environment 12

Nitrogen Cycle 12

Processes in the Nitrogen Cycle 13

Why is nitrogen important to life 13

Water Cycle 13

Evaporation 14

Condensation 14

Precipitation 14

Collection 14

The Carbon Cycle Steps 14

Rock Cycle 18

Composition of Air 19

Particular Page

2.1 Preparation of Hydrogen by Laboratory Method 20

Occurrence of Hydrogen 20

Laboratory Preparation of Hydrogen 20

Use of Hydrogen 21

2.2 Preparation of Oxygen by Laboratory Method 21

Occurrences of oxygen 21

Preparation of Laboratory Preparation of Oxygen 22

2.3 Preparation of Nitrogen by Laboratory Method 23

Laboratory preparation of Nitrogen 23

2.4 Preparation of Ammonia by Laboratory Method 24

Laboratory preparation of Ammonia 24

Procedure 24

Uses of ammonia 25

3 Introduction to Scientific Thought toward Multi Advantage 25

What will we do to get many kinds of products, methods of production 25

3.1 Identification of matter 26

3.2 Application of Chemical Analysis 26

3.3 Chemical analysis 27

3.4 Atomic Weight 27

3.5 Biology (Study of Living Things) 28

Characteristic of living things 28

Cells 28

Microscopic Examination 30

Cellular structure 31

3.6 Physics is generally defined as study of matter and motion 31

For crushing cars 33

Auto press Car 33

Expected Output 34

Reading Material 34

1

Training Manual of Environmental Science for Youngsters

Introduction of the Training Manual

There are multi advantages of science and activities that are found in

daily activities and object. The process of science, the way of building

knowledge and the construction of the new idea will give the better environment

the world around us.

This manual is based on the knowledge, environment and basic practical

science. In the world, every student needs fully aware of the knowledge in the

field of basic practical science and examining the subject practically. The

modern teaching method bases on the practical work that encourage the

students in studying the scientific field with better understanding of chemical

process and phenomena.

Moreover, it will promote the basic foundations of the scientific thoughts

creativity, philosophical reasoning and practical application. By actually doing

experiment in science, the students will develop their critical thinking skills as

well as discover scientific concept. This self discovery of scientific thought and

the value of interest in science for youngsters will guide scientific research. So

training gives youngsters trainees not only understanding the important facts,

law and basic concepts but also give the practical application of theoretical

knowledge to solving problems. Finally the values emerge from scientific

thought and learning intend to independent learner themselves.

Objectives of Training

1. To enhance the interest with science which guide to scientific research in

future

2. To know the nature of the science and working process of the scientist

and scientific examination

3. To encourage the youngsters trainees in the skill of practical works and to

develop the ability to inquire themselves

4. To promote the youngsters trainees for creativity, scientific thoughts,

philosophical reasoning and practical application in the field of science.

5. To know the values emerges from science that give multi advantage in

daily activities and object of human and to become independent learners

all by themselves.

2

1. What is the science

The word science comes from the Latin words for the knowledge.

Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the

natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on

evidence. Every things (we used) come from mind of the scientists in the

laboratories working on experiment .All scientists have one thing in common.

They all ask testable question about the world around them.

They diverse way to answer the

questions by the experimentation and

observation. The knowledge obtaining

is at the core of science. In the sciences,

for example, biologists study

biodiversity. Ecologists study how

plants and animals interact with their

environment.

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Scientist organizes and analyzes observation and experiment to look

paten and relation that might indicate fundamental generalities .For example

similar chemical element have similar reactivity and conductivities of heat.

Which is observed by chemist Mondeley (1871) and he classified and develop

the behavior of the element.

In biology, different species of organism can be classified different

physical trait. Charle Darwin studied different species of plants and animals on

scientific expectations. Darwin saw major different between the species.

Unexpectedly he also notices that there are very slight variation between the

species.

1.1 Branches of Science

The pure natural sciences are typically divided into the physical

sciences and the biological sciences, both of which can be subdivided. The

major physical sciences are physics, astronomy, chemistry, and geology; the

main biological sciences are botany and zoology.

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1.1.1 The Physical Sciences

Physics: The branch of science traditionally defined as the study of matter,

energy, and the energy and the interactions between them. Physicists study such

subjects as gravity, light, and time. Albert Einstein, a famous physicist,

developed the Theory of Relativity.

Chemistry: Branch of science concerned with the properties, composition, and

structure of element .The science that deals with the composition, properties,

reactions, and the structure of matter. Chemists study the composition of both

living and non-living material, and the reactions controlling the distribution of

material.

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Astronomy: The study of the universe beyond the atmosphere: stars, plane,

galaxies etc. Astronomy is the science dealing with all the celestial objects in

the universe, including the planets and their satellites (e.g. our Earth and the

moon), comets and meteors, the stars (including our sun), and interstellar

matter, the star systems known as galaxies, and clusters of galaxies.

Astronomers use telescopes (optical, radio, and others) to study stars, planets,

and galaxies.

1.1.2 The Earth Sciences

Geology: The science of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth, and the

physical, chemical, and biological changes that it has experienced or is

experiencing. Geologists study the formation, history, structure, and physical

composition of the earth.

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Oceanography: The exploration and study of the ocean.

Paleontology: The science of the forms of life that existed in prehistoric or

geologic periods.

Meteorology: The science that deals with the

atmosphere and its phenomena, such as weather and

climate

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1.1.3 The Life Sciences (Biology)

Biology and Life Sciences

The science and study of life is from the

tiniest microscopic organisms to the

largest whales in the sea. Biology studies how

living things grow, feed, move, reproduce, and

evolve over long periods of time. Biology is

useful to other sciences and professions that

deal with life, such as agriculture, forestry,

and medicine. Because there is such a huge

variety of living things on the earth, the

science of biology has many different branches

and areas of study.

Botany: The study of plants.

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Zoology: The science that covers animals and animal life.

Genetics: The study of heredity.

9

Medicine: The science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, disease,

and injury.

So, science refers to a body of knowledge, or a method of study devoted

to developing this body of knowledge, concerning the nature of the universe

gained through methodological observation and experimentation (scientific

method). Exactly what constitutes science and scientific methods are subjects

studied by the philosophy of sciences. The scientific method consists of various

principles and procedures that are objective and repeatable by other scientists.

1.1.4 What is the Environmental Science

Environment

al science is the

study of the

interaction of the

living and non-

living components

of the environment

with special

emphasis on the

impact of humans

on these

components.

Environmental

science is a very

dynamic area of

research and involves many different fields of study.

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By understanding of our environment, including the causes and possible

solutions to our current environmental problems we get wealthy environment.

Thus, an effective environmental scientist also must have a solid

background in economics, sociology, and political science. Political scientists

and economists study how we use and interact with our environment, and how

to make policy and communicate with government.

Sociologists and anthropologists are needed to address issues of societal

impacts and social justice. Philosophy and religious studies are important in

examining how we value our environment and how we make connections to it.

Journalists work to publicize important results of environmental research, and

artists describe and interpret our environment.

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What is Environmental Studies?

Environment has four realms i.e. atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere and

hydrosphere. Atmosphere is the gaseous envelope held by the gravitational

force around the earth. Biosphere is concentrated mainly on the surface of earth.

It includes all living species (individuals), Hydrosphere is the water domain. It

includes all lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, estuaries, bays, oceans and sea.

Earth’s outer crust is lithosphere. They interact with each other and make a life

supporting system. Thus, environment means the circumstances or that

surrounds an organism or groups of organism.

Environmental studies can be discussed as follows:

(i)Meaning of environment: Environment means all of the conditions, circumstances and influences

surrounding living things i.e. plants, animals and human beings. The various

biotic and a biotic factors are studied in this science.

(ii) Ecosystem:

There are three kinds of biodiversity. One type is genetic diversity, which

is the diversity of genes in a species. Species need certain genes, which produce

variation, to survive. If the diversity is lacking, the species may die out (in that

the species will not be able to adapt). Species diversity (another kind of

biodiversity) is the variety of living things in areas such as rainforests, reefs,

deserts, tundra, etc. The last type of biodiversity is ecological diversity.

Species in ecosystem depend on each other

Humans depend on plants and animals. For example, one quarter of all

prescription medicines in the U.S. have ingredients from plants: plants, clean

water and air, provide oxygen, and control erosion.

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Plants absorb greenhouse gases and help stop global warming. It is easier

for biodiverse ecosystems to recover from natural disasters. Healthy

biodiversity of species can provide a variety of food (like meat and produce).

Many recreational areas benefit from a healthy ecosystem, which promotes

tourism.

Biodiversity is beautiful and should be enjoyed.

(iii) Natural processes in the environment: It consists of study of natural cycles such as carbon-cycle, nitrogen -cycle, and

other elements, and food chains in the ecosystems, etc.

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen is used by lifeforms to carry out many of the functions of life.

This element is especially important to plant life. Yet, nitrogen in its gaseous

form is almost entirely unusable to lifeforms. It must first be converted or

‘fixed’ into a more usable form. The process of converting nitrogen is called

fixation.

There are specialized bacteria whose function it is to fix nitrogen,

converting it, so that it can be used by plants. There are still other bacteria who

do the reverse. That is, they return nitrogen to is gaseous form.

After nitrogen is fixed, it can be absorbed and used by plants, and

subsequently by animals.The process of nitrogen being fixed, used by plants

and animals, and later returned to the atmosphere is referred to as the nitrogen

cycle.

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Processes in the Nitrogen Cycle

Fixation - Fixation is the first step in the process of making nitrogen

usable by plants. Here bacteria change nitrogen into ammonium.

Nitrification - This is the process by which ammonium gets changed into

nitrates by bacteria. Nitrates are what the plants can then absorb.

Assimilation - This is how plants get nitrogen. They absorb nitrates from

the soil into their roots. Then the nitrogen gets used in amino acids,

nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

Ammonification - This is part of the decaying process. When a plant or

animal dies, decomposers like fungi and bacteria turn the nitrogen back

into ammonium so it can reenter the nitrogen cycle.

Denitrification - Extra nitrogen in the soil gets put back out into the air.

There are special bacteria that perform this task as well

Why is nitrogen important to life?

Plants and animals could not live without nitrogen. It is an important part

of many cells and processes such as amino acids, proteins, and even our DNA.

It is also needed to make chlorophyll in plants, which plants use in

photosynthesis to make their food and energy

Water Cycle

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Evaporation:

Heat from the Sun causes water on Earth (in oceans, lakes etc) to

evaporate (turn from liquid into gas) and rise into the sky. This water vapor

collects in the sky in the form of clouds.

Condensation:

As water vapor in the clouds cools down it becomes water again, this

process is called condensation.

Precipitation:

Water falls from the sky in the form of rain, snow, hail, or sleet, this

process is called precipitation.

Collection:

Oceans and lakes collect water that has fallen. Water evaporates into the

sky again and the cycle continues.

The Carbon Cycle Steps

The Carbon Cycle Step 1

Carbon enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide from respiration

(breathing) and combustion (burning).

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The Carbon Cycle Step 2

Carbon dioxide is absorbed by producers (life forms that make their own

food e.g. plants) to make carbohydrates in photosynthesis . These producers

then put off oxygen.

The Carbon Cycle Step 3

Animals feed on the plants. Thus passing the carbon compounds along

the food chain. Most of the carbon these animals consume however is exhaled

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as carbon dioxide. This is through the process of respiration. The animals and

plants then eventually die.

The Carbon Cycle Step 4

The dead organisms (dead animals and plants) are eaten by decomposers

in the ground. The carbon that was in their bodies is then returned to the

atmosphere as carbon dioxide. In some circumstances the process of

decomposition is prevented. The decomposed plants and animals may then be

available as fossil fuel for future for combustion.

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Rock Cycle

Rock Cycle

All rocks are connected in a cycle of creation, change, and destruction

called the Rock Cycle. The rock cycle begins with molten rock (magma below

ground, lava above ground), which cools and hardens to form igneous rock.

Exposure to weathering and erosional forces, break the original rock into

smaller pieces. The smaller material (now called sediment) is carried away by

rivers, wind, glaciers, and other means and is eventually deposited elsewhere.

These sediments can then be buried and lithified (hardened), forming

sedimentary rock.

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Composition of Air

The air in our atmosphere is composed of molecules of different gases.

The most common gases are nitrogen (78%), oxygen (about 21%), and argon

(almost 1%). Other molecules are present in the atmosphere as well, but in very

small quantities.

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2.1 Preparation of Hydrogen by Laboratory Method

Occurrence of Hydrogen

Hydrogen occurs in free and combined state.

It is found trapped in certain rocks and minerals, mixed with natural gas

in gold mines and in traces in volcanic gases.

The sun and most of the stars are made of free hydrogen. It is the nuclear

fusion of hydrogen atoms which produces large amount of heat and light

energy.

In combined state, 1/9th part of water by weight consists of hydrogen. It is

a vital constituent of the cells and tissues of animal and plant kingdom.

Laboratory Preparation of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is prepared in the laboratory by treating granulated zinc with

dilute sulphuric acid or dilute hydrochloric acid in cold.

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Use of Hydrogen

2.2 Preparation of Oxygen by Laboratory Method

Occurrences of oxygen

Uncombined oxygen exists in air, forming 23% by weight (or

21% by volume) of the air. Oxygen in the combined state exists in

water, sand or silica, silicates, and rocks.

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Preparation of Laboratory Preparation of Oxygen

For the laboratory preparation of oxygen from any of the compounds like

lead dioxide, trilead tetraoxide, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium

chlorate or potassium permanganate, the arrangement of apparatus is, as per the

diagram (Fig.13.7).

The most common laboratory method of preparation of oxygen gas is by

heating a mixture of potassium trioxochlorate(V), KClO3, and manganese(IV)

oxide, MnO2, in a test tube. The potassium trioxochlorate(V) is decomposed in

the presence of the heat to form potassium chloride, KCl, and the oxygen gas,

O2.

2KClO3(s) + heat → 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)

The oxygen formed may be collected as either

Wet Oxygen – The oxygen is collected over water or

Dry Oxygen – The oxygen is collected over mercury

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2.3 Preparation of Nitrogen by Laboratory Method

Laboratory preparation of Nitrogen

In the laboratory, nitrogen is prepared by heating a mixture of ammonium

chloride and sodium nitrite and a small quantity of water. If ammonium nitrite is

heated by itself it decomposes to produce nitrogen gas. However, this reaction is

very fast and may prove to be explosive.

For safety, a mixture of ammonium chloride and sodium nitrite

approximately in the ratio of 4:5 by mass, is heated mildly with a small quantity

of water. The presence of water prevents ammonium chloride form subliming

when heated. Initially, the two substances undergo double decomposition to

form sodium chloride and ammonium nitrite (Fig.12.6).

The ammonium nitrite so formed then decomposes to form nitrogen gas and

water vapor.

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Nitrogen gas is collected by downward displacement of water.

The nitrogen obtained form nitrogenous compounds is called " chemical

nitrogen" as it is free from other atmospheric gases. The vapor density of

chemical nitrogen is lower than that of atmospheric nitrogen as it contains no

noble gases.

1. Increased quality and yield of the crop

2. Increased tolerance of environmental pressures (salinity, extreme

temperature, drought)

3. Resistance to viruses, fungi and bacteria

4. Increased tolerance to insect pests

5. Increased tolerance of herbicides..

2.4 Preparation of Ammonia by laboratory Method

Laboratory preparation of Ammonia

Procedure

Ammonia is prepared by heating a mixture of calcium hydroxide and

ammonium chloride.

Ca(OH)2(s) + 2NH4Cl(s) CaCl2(s) + 2H2O(i) + 2NH3(g)

The tube in which ammonia is generated is fixed in a slanting position to

prevent the water formed from running back and crack the whole tube.

Concentrated sulphuric acid and anhydrous calcium chloride are not used to dry

ammonia because they react with it. Ammonia is collected by upward delivery

as it is lighter than air.

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Uses of ammonia

1. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers e.g. Ammonium sulphate.

2. It is used in softening water.

3. It is used in making nitric acid.

4. It is used in making plastics.

5. Ammonium chloride is used in dry cells.

6. It is used in making explosives

3. Introduction to Scientific Thought toward Multi

Advantage

What will we do to get many kinds of products and methods of

production

26

In order to get method of production, main understand is to understand

the matter and its forms weight, composition and bearing properties and

occupies space. Scientists called chemists study the chemistry of things: what

they are made of, how they behave in certain circumstances as well as on their

own, and how to identify certain chemicals. The process by which this is done is

called chemical analysis. There are two main types, called qualitative and

quantitative.

3.1 Identification of matter

Scientists identify unique characteristics of chemicals and contrast them

with other qualities within the subject in question. These processes are often

performed in specialized chemistry laboratories, as the equipment is specialized

and handling of certain chemicals.

3.2 Application of Chemical Analysis

Chemical analysis is used by a variety of professions and in a variety of

fields. Doctors and others in the medical and forensic fields often use chemical

analysis directly. Pharmaceutical companies and cosmetic companies often rely

on its results. This process can even be found in unlikely places, such as the

manufacturing of household goods, cleaning products and consumer foods. It

may also play a role in other day-to-day items, such as when a company would

27

try to emulate other corporations’ products, or when companies measure their

own environmental impact

3.3 Chemical analysis

To carry out analysis, basic principle is mole concept, relative mass and

conservation of mass. Matter is made up of extremely small particle called

atom. Atom contain sub atomic particle called proton, electron and neutron .In

structure of atom proton and neutron are in the center and electron round the

nucleus in circular orbit.

3.4 Atomic Weight

Different elements have different mass and different properties. Generally

atomic weight is number of proton plus number of number of electron.

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3.5 Biology (Study of Living Things)

Characteristic of living things

Biology is study of living things .It deal with the structure and function

associated with living things in their respective environment .Living thing made

up of cells , maintain their structure by taking chemical energy from the

environment respond to stimulate and reproduction. irritability, movement,

growth and adaptability.

Cells

Everything alive is made up of at least one cell. The smallest single thing

that can be considered alive is a cell.

1. All living things are made up of cells.

2. Cells are the basic units of structure, function and physiology in living

things.

3. Living cells can come only from other pre-existing cells.

Modern cell theory adds two additional points:

4. Cells contain and pass on hereditary information during cell division.

5. All cells are relatively the same in relation to chemical composition and

metabolic activity.

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Plant Cell

Animal Cell

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Microscopic Examination

The cell structure can examine under the microscope.

Figure of Microscope

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Cellular structure

All living things consist of living substance called protoplasm which

organized into units called cell. Cell of plant and animals are organized into

tissue .and tissue are in turn organized into organ and system to carry out the

various life process.

3.6 Physics is generally defined as study of matter and motion.

The most basic of the sciences, physics, is all around us every day. If

you've ever wondered what makes lightning, why a boomerang returns, how ice

skaters can spin so fast, how Michael Jordan can "fly," why waves crash on the

beach, how that tiny computer can do complicated problems, or how long it

takes light from a star to reach us, you have been thinking about some of the

same things physicists study every day.

Lasers and

radioactive elements are

tools in the war on cancer

and other diseases.

Geophysicists are

developing methods to

give advance warning of

earthquakes. The work of

physicists made possible

the computer chips that

are in your digital watch,

CD player, electronic games, and hand-held calculator.

The laboratory of the physicist extends from the edge of the universe to

inside the nucleus of an atom. A physicist may work in a laboratory designing

materials for the computer chips of tomorrow. Physicists have orbited the Earth

as astronauts, and plumbed the oceans' depths. Individuals who have studied

physics seek to make instruments that diagnose and cure disease; to develop

safer and cleaner fuels for our cars and homes; to harness the power of the sea;

to calculate the movement of arctic glaciers; and to create smaller, faster

electronic components and integrated circuits.

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AT&T Bell Laboratories researcher Janis Valdmanis

makes equipment adjustments while measuring super-fast

electrical pulses through a new electro-optic technique.

(Photo courtesy AT&T Bell Laboratories.)

Pole vaulters and drummers

aren't research physicists, but they

make use of physical concepts such

as elasticity, momentum,

conservation of energy, vibration,

reverberation, and reflection to

hone their skills.

N

ASA astronauts in weightless spaceflight conditions.

The weightless conditions of spaceflight can be

simulated by flying an airplane in a special arc. (Photo

courtesy NASA.)

Since the hydraulic press works on the basis of Pascal's Law, its working

is similar to the one of the hydraulic system. A hydraulic press consists of basic

components used in a hydraulic system that includes the cylinder, pistons, the

hydraulic pipes, etc.The working of this press is very simple. The system

comprises of two cylinders, the fluid (usually oil) is poured in the cylinder

having a small diameter. This cylinder is known as the slave cylinder.

A hydraulic press is used for almost all industrial purposes. But basically

it is used for transforming metallic objects into sheets of metal. In other

industries, it is used for the thinning of glass, making powders in case of the

33

cosmetic industry and for forming the tablets for medical use. The other

common uses of the hydraulic presses are as follows:

For crushing cars: A hydraulic press is the heart of any car crushing system.

In this process, a hydraulic motor applies a large pressure on the fluids into the

cylinders. The fluid pressure makes the plates rise and with a large force, the

plate is driven on the car thereby crushing it

Auto press Car

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Expected Output

After learning this training ,trainees will realize the basic environmental

knowledge and scientific working process and scientific examination. They are

also good skill in practical work in laboratory that will lead the trainees to get

more talent about scientific thoughts , concept and theory. They will be

independent learner . Moreover they will be good at critical thinking

,creativity, philosophical thoughts and inquisitive sprit in science .So

Youngsters Environmental Training which will lead the trainees from practical

work to more precious and valuable research work in scientific field.

Reading Material

Environmental knowledge

Ecosystem Illustrations

Relation between Ecosystem and life Cycle

Chemistry in Daily

Methods of Analysis

Physic in Engine