Winter 2015
Environmental Science 1: Physical Processes
Course Description
The Human Environment: Physical Processes (3) UC:CSU
Prerequisite: None
Lecture, 3 hours
An Introductory course which deals with the relationships between humans and the planet, and how we deal with such factors as pollution, consumption of natural resources, population, energy, and land use.
WINTER 2015 SYLLABUS
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Older Materials:
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Textbook: Please note, the photo on the cover of the custom edition will appear smaller than this: |
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Assignment Guidelines:
Assignments do not require a cover sheet (unless otherwise specified), however you are required to include your name, course name, section number, and date of submission on ALL assignments (see sample below). If you are unclear about this, please ask me! ALL assignments must be typed, unless otherwise noted. Extra Credit submissions? Require documentation (photo, citations, ticket stubs, or equivalent).
| sample assignment format for all classes updated.pdf |
Course Materials (by chapter, in the same order as the schedule on the syllabus):
Chs 13 &14 (atmosphere & climate, respectively)
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image source: http://scijinks.jpl.nasa.gov/solstice/
image source: http://physics.weber.edu/schroeder/ua/SunAndSeasons.html
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2. To help you review chapter 13, print these materials (worksheet and blank global circulation model) & bring 'em to class: |
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image source: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c8_p4.html
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image source: http://www.extension.org/pages/13116/electromagnetic-spectrum#.VCCe3xZTaf4
3. Ch 13 HOMEWORK(s) (exam prep):
A. In order to prepare for Lecture #1, complete the following: Define atmosphere, name its 4 temperature layers, review the earth-sun animation link (above), define weather vs. climate (see Mark Twain's quote), define inversion, print worksheet, blank global circulation model (watch Joseph Kittinger's "space jump" video, below).
B. For Lecture #2: List natural sources of air pollutants, list EPA's 6 criteria pollutants, define industrial and photochemical smogs, familiarize yourself with CFCs, ozone depletion, Montreal Protocol, acidic deposition, & indoor pollution (if you are unclear about any of these processes, take advantage of the links I have provided below!).
4. Ch 14 HOMEWORK(s) (exam prep):
A. Lecture #1: Watch Naomi Oreskes and Rob Dunbar videos (links are below). Diagram and explain the Greeenhouse Effect.
B. Lecture #2: List the following: (1) GHGs (include sources, relative effectiveness), (2) natural influences on climate & aerosols, (3) proxy indicators; familiarize yourself with IPCC & Kyoto Protocol & answer the question "what two US activities produce the largest portions of US carbon dioxide emissions?".
C. Lecture #3: Why is the volume of our oceans increasing (why are sea levels rising)? In other words, how is global warming playing a role?
D. Use the study guide to test yourself on the key topics:
| ch_14_study_guide.doc |
Watch the atmosphere in action:
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Image source: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/82852835/
Air Quality Sites:
http://www.epa.gov/air/data/index.html; http://www.epa.gov/air/where.html; http://airnow.gov/
The (positive) Influence of Air Quality Regulations:
Pennsylvania, before and after! http://www.takepart.com/photos/amazing-photos-show-1940s-pittsburgh-blanketed-air-pollution/the-collection?cmpid=tpenviro-eml-2013-11-30-restaurant&cmpid=organic-share-email (a before picture below, on the left).
And, in China (below, right)... regulations aren't there yet!
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/01/chinas-toxic-sky/100449/
The (positive) Influence of Air Quality Regulations:
Pennsylvania, before and after! http://www.takepart.com/photos/amazing-photos-show-1940s-pittsburgh-blanketed-air-pollution/the-collection?cmpid=tpenviro-eml-2013-11-30-restaurant&cmpid=organic-share-email (a before picture below, on the left).
And, in China (below, right)... regulations aren't there yet!
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/01/chinas-toxic-sky/100449/
Image source: http://www.takepart.com/photos/amazing-photos-show-1940s-pittsburgh-blanketed-air-pollution/the-collection?cmpid=tpenviro-eml-2013-11-30-restaurant&cmpid=organic-share-email
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image source: http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/23/chinese-unease-growing-at-flipside-of-progress/
More dramatic imagery: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84271
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Indoor Air Quality - Auto Interiors:
Carbon Dioxide:
Supreme Court Decision:
Will EPA limit GHG emissions?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/24/science/earth/24epa.html?ref=earth
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/science/earth/31epa.html?_r=1&ref=science
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/24/science/earth/24epa.html?ref=earth
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/science/earth/31epa.html?_r=1&ref=science
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CO2 Monitoring, Hawaii (Charles Keeling/The Keeling Curve): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/science/earth/22carbon.html?ref=earth http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/12/22/science/earth/20101222-carbon/index.html Ozone Depletion & Climate Change sites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUfVMogIdr8&p=E04EA9C8EC15841D&playnext=1&index=23 (ozone) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wrEvc2URE&feature=related (CFCs) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiJJgC7B_KY&feature=related (James Hansen on David Letterman) UN Panel: Ozone Layer on the Road to Recovery Sep 17, 2014 http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84382 |
image source: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/mlo/programs/coop/scripps/co2/co2.html
image source: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84382
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Rob Dunbar explains the implications of increased carbon emissions for our oceans:
http://www.ted.com/talks/rob_dunbar.html
So, what are the potential implications of increased ocean acidification? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GEv8TB01Z8&feature=plcp&context=C310ee98UDOEgsToPDskJS6WdO00Iseb_goyGUvUqv
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/OA/(ocean acidification)
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/10/01/science/20071002_ARCTIC_GRAPHIC.html (ice retreat)
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/OA/(ocean acidification)
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/10/01/science/20071002_ARCTIC_GRAPHIC.html (ice retreat)
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Science historian Naomi Oreskes talks about obfuscation of scientific consensus around climate: http://www.uspolicy.be/videos/7722 (shorter interview w/ Naomi Oreskes) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/205879-1 ("Doubt is their Product", David Michaels) http://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php ("getting skeptical about global warming skepticism"). How cool is this?!: http://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_sussman_the_world_s_oldest_living_things.html |
What climate change means to low-lying island nations:
El Niño / Climate Theme Page:
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Chs 15 & 16 (energy chapters)
ASSIGNMENT:
| ch_15_coal_trade-offs.xls |
| ch_15_coal_trade-offs.pdf |
Review Questions for Ch 15: If you have been studying effectively, you should be able to answer the questions in the following document (posted as both Word & .pdf files). We'll review your responses before the exam. Note: Substitute "Deepwater Horizon" for "ANWR".
| ch_15_questions.doc |
| ch_15_questions.pdf |
http://www.carbonscience.net/
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image source: http://www.brecorder.com/markets/energy/europe/171588-oil-above-$108-on-libyan-supply-worries-ukraine.html
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http://scitizen.com/future-energies/fossil-fuels-vs-the-public-interest_a-14-3585.html
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US Department of Energy: http://www.energy.gov
US Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.gov/
Natural Gas:
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=1052462 (hydraulic fracturing, Australia)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/13/national/main6862186.shtml (CBS News, "Fracking", USA)
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/index.cfm (EPA re: "Fracking")
http://www.desmogblog.com/about (check out their "fracking" report)
http://fracfocus.org/ (chemical disclosure registry)
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101022-breaking-fuel-from-the-rock/ ("Fracking graphic)
What is fracking? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSWmXpEkEPg (Dr. Anthony Ingraffea)
Who is Anthony Ingraffea? http://www.cee.cornell.edu/people/profile.cfm?netid=ari1
(Films: Gasland, Gasland II, Splitestate)
Methane hydrates:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/03/pictures/130328-methane-hydrates-for-energy/ (with additional links),
http://www.usgs.gov/video/wr/menlopark/labs/gashydrate.html
http://oilandenergyinvestor.com/2014/08/risky-business-methane-rich-fire-ice/#deeplink (linked to Deepwater Horizon spill 8/27/14)
Coal:
Centralia, Pennsylvania's ongoing coal fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHfnp2czZQ
December 2008 Sludge Spill, Tennessee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGmVCABMRRQ ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZhT4jx2XZ8
"Bog People" (anaerobic environments) http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/09/bog-bodies/bog-bodies-text
Chilean coal miners: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-26/chile-taps-nasa-for-unheard-of-trapped-miner-rescue.html
The story of AshCrete: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/books/chap1/ecopioneers.htm
Coal ash rules inadequate: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/category/coal-ash/
Relevant NGOs: Earthjustice and Appalachian Mountain Advocates
(Films: Kilowatt Ours, Coal Country)
Centralia, Pennsylvania's ongoing coal fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHfnp2czZQ
December 2008 Sludge Spill, Tennessee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGmVCABMRRQ ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZhT4jx2XZ8
"Bog People" (anaerobic environments) http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/09/bog-bodies/bog-bodies-text
Chilean coal miners: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-26/chile-taps-nasa-for-unheard-of-trapped-miner-rescue.html
The story of AshCrete: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/books/chap1/ecopioneers.htm
Coal ash rules inadequate: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/category/coal-ash/
Relevant NGOs: Earthjustice and Appalachian Mountain Advocates
(Films: Kilowatt Ours, Coal Country)
Oil:
What does Matthew Simmons say about "Peak Oil"? http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-429585738009344102
How does M. King Hubbert explain "Peak Oil"? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW9Lm08UQQ
Nigerian Oil: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/02/nigerian-oil/oneill-text
(Film: Oil on Ice)
Tar Sands/Oil Shale:
Canada's Tar Sands: http://fora.tv/2011/08/30/Canadas_Oil_Sands
More images of same: http://www.ted.com/talks/garth_lenz_images_of_beauty_and_devastation.html
"HOME": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU
Canadian Tar Sands: http://www.ted.com/talks/garth_lenz_images_of_beauty_and_devastation.html
What does Matthew Simmons say about "Peak Oil"? http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-429585738009344102
How does M. King Hubbert explain "Peak Oil"? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW9Lm08UQQ
Nigerian Oil: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/02/nigerian-oil/oneill-text
(Film: Oil on Ice)
Tar Sands/Oil Shale:
Canada's Tar Sands: http://fora.tv/2011/08/30/Canadas_Oil_Sands
More images of same: http://www.ted.com/talks/garth_lenz_images_of_beauty_and_devastation.html
"HOME": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU
Canadian Tar Sands: http://www.ted.com/talks/garth_lenz_images_of_beauty_and_devastation.html
Chapter 16 (alternative, renewable energy sources)
Ch 16 Assignment: Alternative Energy
In-class group presentations** in which your group will:
1. explain the alternative energy type you represent (how does it work?), 2. the advantages & disadvantages it offers,
3. anything noteworthy (not every bit of information!) about the amount of energy/electricity derived from that source in the US or worldwide, and finally, 4. inform your classmates about its prospects for the future.
**Please note: not all of these points can be covered for each of the alternative energies discussed in the chapter, so please use your better judgement and consult with me if you need clarification.
TOPICS will be assigned from the following list: 1. bio-mass, -power, -fuels; 2. hydropower; 3. solar;
4. wind; 5. geothermal; 6. ocean tides, waves & currents; 7. hydrogen & algae; & 8. energy conservation* & renewables, in general.
You may make limited use of online videos/animations, to augment not substitute for some portion of your presentation!!!
In-class group presentations** in which your group will:
1. explain the alternative energy type you represent (how does it work?), 2. the advantages & disadvantages it offers,
3. anything noteworthy (not every bit of information!) about the amount of energy/electricity derived from that source in the US or worldwide, and finally, 4. inform your classmates about its prospects for the future.
**Please note: not all of these points can be covered for each of the alternative energies discussed in the chapter, so please use your better judgement and consult with me if you need clarification.
TOPICS will be assigned from the following list: 1. bio-mass, -power, -fuels; 2. hydropower; 3. solar;
4. wind; 5. geothermal; 6. ocean tides, waves & currents; 7. hydrogen & algae; & 8. energy conservation* & renewables, in general.
You may make limited use of online videos/animations, to augment not substitute for some portion of your presentation!!!
Suggested Resources (aside from the text):
National RENEWABLE ENERGY Laboratory: http://www.nrel.gov/
US Department of Energy: http://www.energy.gov
US Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.gov/
Past students' presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCCsOMnea2U
National RENEWABLE ENERGY Laboratory: http://www.nrel.gov/
US Department of Energy: http://www.energy.gov
US Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.gov/
Past students' presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCCsOMnea2U
PROVIDED BY ONE OF YOUR CLASSMATES (re: sludge spill):
Review Questions Chs 16 & 6 (human population), plus "Conservation":
| chs_16_6_conservation.pdf |
| chs_16_6_conservation.doc |
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http://pixgood.com/human-population-clipart.html
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Chs 11 & 17 Assignment: (mining & waste)
Using an Excel© Spreadsheet (no experience with Excel©? Give it a try!)
As with all assignments, indicate name, course, section number, date & title.
Part I:
1. Inventory ALL ELECTRONICS in your home.
2. Indicate the amount you use each item (once-a-day? every waking moment? not once in last 9 months?)
Part II:
1. Conduct research to identify how to dispose of, recycle or donate (or other?) one of those items in an environmentally responsible manner (aside from giving it to a friend or family member!).
2. Provide me with a type-written explanation as to that process.
3. Include reference information (Examples: Did you speak to someone on the phone? If so, who? Did you access the information online? If so, at what website address?)
You might find this site of use: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/
Basel Action Network: http://www.ban.org/
As with all assignments, indicate name, course, section number, date & title.
Part I:
1. Inventory ALL ELECTRONICS in your home.
2. Indicate the amount you use each item (once-a-day? every waking moment? not once in last 9 months?)
Part II:
1. Conduct research to identify how to dispose of, recycle or donate (or other?) one of those items in an environmentally responsible manner (aside from giving it to a friend or family member!).
2. Provide me with a type-written explanation as to that process.
3. Include reference information (Examples: Did you speak to someone on the phone? If so, who? Did you access the information online? If so, at what website address?)
You might find this site of use: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/
Basel Action Network: http://www.ban.org/
Ch 11: (mining)
Gold Mining: http://www.eoearth.org/article/Gold_mining_and_sustainability:_A_critical_reflection
Global demand for metals: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/01/environment-ethics-mining
Global demand for metals: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/01/environment-ethics-mining
Ch 17: (waste management)
"the really big energy savings might come from holding on to our computers and smartphones just a little -- or a lot -- longer": http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/10/26/pm-the-power-to-run-the-internet/
how to properly dispose of waste - http://www.ehow.com/dispose-of-waste/
"Trashed" (film shown in class) - where does YOUR garbage go? Due one week from date assigned.
MIT's "Trash Track" website - http://senseable.mit.edu/trashtrack/
E-Waste videos - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml
("Electronic Wasteland", "E-Stewards", "Ship Breakers")
Closed-loop manufacturing:
1. (Okabashi Recyclable Shoes): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HzsxOV_1f0g
2. Ray Anderson (Interface) : http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/ray_anderson_on_the_business_logic_of_sustainability.html
a. Other books by Paul Hawkens:
http://www.paulhawken.com/paulhawken_frameset.html
3. Cradle-to-Cradle Design:
http://www.ted.com/talks/william_mcdonough_on_cradle_to_cradle_design.html
Hazardous Waste Collection Events:
http://www.lacity.org/san/solid_resources/special/hhw/collection_schedule.htm
CA information page:
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/
What to do with hazardous and electronic waste & recycling (LA County & LA City):
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/; http://lacitysan.org/services/index.htm
Professional organizations:
http://www.environmentalistseveryday.org/
San Francisco, Model City:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/us/26bcintel.html?ref=earth
Ch 7: AGRICULTURE
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/cary_fowler_one_seed_at_a_time_protecting_the_future_of_food.html (the future of food)
"Food Rules": http://fora.tv/2010/01/23/Michael_Pollan_on_Food_Rules_An_Eaters_Manual#Michael_Pollan_Dont_Eat_What_You_See_on_TV
Science Magazine Podcast (skip to minute 13:00) http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/science-podcast-8-april-2011/id120329020?i=92859151
Resistance to Monsanto's Round-up: http://www.grist.org/industrial-agriculture/2011-09-09-superweeds-go-mainstream
Food & Ag (Union of Concerned Scientists): http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/
Roger Doiron: My subversive (garden) plot (http://kitchengardeners.org/): http://www.ted.com/talks/roger_doiron_my_subversive_garden_plot.html
Mark Bittman on what's wrong with what we eat: http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html
Michael Pollan gives a plant's-eye view (corn!): http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pollan_gives_a_plant_s_eye_view.html
LA County Gardening Tips (and so much more!): http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Garden_Tips_for_Los_Angeles_County/
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: http://www.wwoof.net/
What is organic? http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=organic-agriculture.html
Find local farmers markets, CSAs & Farms: http://www.localharvest.org/
REVIEW Chs 7, 11 & 17:
"Food Rules": http://fora.tv/2010/01/23/Michael_Pollan_on_Food_Rules_An_Eaters_Manual#Michael_Pollan_Dont_Eat_What_You_See_on_TV
Science Magazine Podcast (skip to minute 13:00) http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/science-podcast-8-april-2011/id120329020?i=92859151
Resistance to Monsanto's Round-up: http://www.grist.org/industrial-agriculture/2011-09-09-superweeds-go-mainstream
Food & Ag (Union of Concerned Scientists): http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/
Roger Doiron: My subversive (garden) plot (http://kitchengardeners.org/): http://www.ted.com/talks/roger_doiron_my_subversive_garden_plot.html
Mark Bittman on what's wrong with what we eat: http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html
Michael Pollan gives a plant's-eye view (corn!): http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pollan_gives_a_plant_s_eye_view.html
LA County Gardening Tips (and so much more!): http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Garden_Tips_for_Los_Angeles_County/
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: http://www.wwoof.net/
What is organic? http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=organic-agriculture.html
Find local farmers markets, CSAs & Farms: http://www.localharvest.org/
REVIEW Chs 7, 11 & 17:
| es_study_guide_chs_7_11_17.doc |
| es_study_guide_chs_7_11_17.pdf |
Ch 10: (environmental health & toxicology)
http://atrazinelovers.com/ (read re: Tyrone Hayes, PhD)
Ted Talk w/ Dr. Hays: http://www.ted.com/talks/tyrone_hayes_penelope_jagessar_chaffer_the_toxic_baby.html
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ (safe cosmetic database)
http://environment.about.com/od/pollution/a/toxic_cars.htm (air quality inside cars)
http://www.healthystuff.org/ (broader content)
http://www.ewg.org/ (environmental working group)
http://architecture.about.com/cs/buildyourhouse/a/sickhouse.htm (indoor air quality)
http://air-purifier-reviewsite.com/blog/15-house-plants-you-can-use-as-air-purifiers/ (house plants as air purifiers)
http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/2010/12/tedxgreatpacificgarbagepatch-arlene-blum/ (flame retardants)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6V22gwqxeY&feature=youtu.be (UCLA Institute of Environment & Sustainability talk re Green Chemistry)
http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/2010/12/tedxgreatpacificgarbagepatch-ken-cook/ (more from President of EWG)
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/ (Theo Colborn's "Our Stolen Future)
http://www.ewg.org/sites/humantoxome/ (Human Toxome Project)
http://www.drgreene.com/ (pediatrician's website)
http://www.ecomom.com/ (safe products for babies)
Ted Talk w/ Dr. Hays: http://www.ted.com/talks/tyrone_hayes_penelope_jagessar_chaffer_the_toxic_baby.html
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ (safe cosmetic database)
http://environment.about.com/od/pollution/a/toxic_cars.htm (air quality inside cars)
http://www.healthystuff.org/ (broader content)
http://www.ewg.org/ (environmental working group)
http://architecture.about.com/cs/buildyourhouse/a/sickhouse.htm (indoor air quality)
http://air-purifier-reviewsite.com/blog/15-house-plants-you-can-use-as-air-purifiers/ (house plants as air purifiers)
http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/2010/12/tedxgreatpacificgarbagepatch-arlene-blum/ (flame retardants)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6V22gwqxeY&feature=youtu.be (UCLA Institute of Environment & Sustainability talk re Green Chemistry)
http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/2010/12/tedxgreatpacificgarbagepatch-ken-cook/ (more from President of EWG)
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/ (Theo Colborn's "Our Stolen Future)
http://www.ewg.org/sites/humantoxome/ (Human Toxome Project)
http://www.drgreene.com/ (pediatrician's website)
http://www.ecomom.com/ (safe products for babies)
Ch 12: WATER
"Our Synthetic Sea" (online): http://www.algalita.org/movs/pelagic_plastic_mov.html
Bay-Delta: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/
Special Edition National Geographic re: Water: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/table-of-contents
The Majestic Plastic Bag - A Mockumentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw
Salton Sea Web Resource: http://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/
Bay-Delta: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/
Special Edition National Geographic re: Water: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/table-of-contents
The Majestic Plastic Bag - A Mockumentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw
Salton Sea Web Resource: http://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/
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DROUGHT: view image comparisons (NASA satellite data): http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84032&eocn=image&eoci=related_image AND http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=82910 |
Ready for Chs 10 & 12? Test your knowledge:
| review_questions_chs_10__12.doc |
| review_questions_chs_10__12.pdf |
Ch 1:
Ecological Footprint Assignment* (to be printed on ONE page!)
1. Take the quiz on this website (www.myfootprint.org);
2. Print up your score (in numbers of planets and acres of land);
3. Indicate and print FIVE (5) ways that you can reduce your footprint (be thoughtful & realistic... we're not looking for a revolution here! For example, don't list that you are going to buy a Prius, start walking to & from work, 20 miles each way!)
4. Provide and print a critique of the quiz (in about one paragraph, explain why the quiz is effective & what it is lacking. In other words, do you think your score accurately reflects the way you live your life?)
* textbook pages 6 & 19
Not clear as to how to proceed? See template below.**
Scientific Method (GROUP) Assignment (more to come!)
This assignment is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you understand the scientific method by applying the scientific method.
Design a study/experiment to answer a question that you pose. You will be sharing your results with your classmates. You may use pdf, poster, video, handouts...
Keep in mind, I am familiar with Google myself... do not get an example online (I've seen 'em all). Design your own! Live dangerously, and conduct this assignment without the Internet as a crutch. Use your imagination - Ask a question(s) about the world around you (based on observations you've made), and design an experiment or study to answer that question.
Ask me to okay your idea before moving ahead with it.
1. Observe world around you.
2. Come up with a question(s) about the world around you.
3. Propose an explanation for why the world around you is the way it is.
4. Design an experiment to determine if your explanation for why the world is the way it is is valid.
5. Conduct your experiment.
6. Type-up your work, including your results.
7. Share them with your instructor and your classmates (you may use pdf, video, poster, handouts... anything else in mind? ask me).
8. Have fun with it. The presentations will be scored by your classmates, those with the highest numbers of votes, will earn extra credit.
Helpful link for Scientific Method -
You might find this helpful: http://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/
** Eco Footprint Template. Print screen ("PrtScn") to capture graph of acres.
| eco_footprint_template.doc |
| eco_footprint_template.pdf |
Ch 3:
Los Laureles, Tijuana River Watershed: http://www.ucsd.tv/loslaureles/
Ch 5:
| asian_mosquito_in_el_monte.pdf |
FINAL EXAM REVIEW:
Please note: the chapter order is a little different in the 4th edition of our text, but the concepts remain the same (in other words, this study guide still works!).
| ex_6_study_guide_chs_1_5.pdf |
| ex_6_study_guide_chs_1_5.doc |
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--------------------------------Miscellaneous------------------------------
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What's LA doin' to be "green": http://www.environmentla.org/
In Honor of Earth Day: http://video.pbs.org/video/1463378089/
What's the latest environmental news? http://www.emagazine.com/
--------------------------------Miscellaneous------------------------------
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What's LA doin' to be "green": http://www.environmentla.org/
In Honor of Earth Day: http://video.pbs.org/video/1463378089/
What's the latest environmental news? http://www.emagazine.com/
2010 in Review (per NY Times Environment Blog):
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/2010-an-untameable-spill-an-unpassable-bill/?ref=science
Free online videos (haven't reviewed them yet, but you might want to check 'em out):
http://education-portal.com/academy/course/environment-and-humanity.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=1598930&hq_l=16&hq_v=ba657feb8c
Something we all could stand to improve: our ability to critically analyze information sources (e.g. internet resources): http://guides.library.cornell.edu/criticallyanalyzing
http://education-portal.com/academy/course/environment-and-humanity.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=1598930&hq_l=16&hq_v=ba657feb8c
Something we all could stand to improve: our ability to critically analyze information sources (e.g. internet resources): http://guides.library.cornell.edu/criticallyanalyzing
Interested in a career in science?
Want to know what you can do for the environment? See these links (provided by myself and your classmates):
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/50/energy-vampires-fact-versus-fiction.html
Use www.blackle.com as your Google search engine - the black page reduces energy use!
"all you have to do is answer questions and for every right answer they will donate 20 grains of rice":
http://www.freerice.com/
or:
http://www.wfp.org/english/
