DESCRIPTION

This class will provide strategies and methods for doing environmental research using the internet and online databases.  Learn to research environmental issues, prepare, present and market findings.  Explore useful environmental tools such as GIS, Energy 10 software, CDFG database Rare Find, etc.

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Develop the skills to effectively research environmental subjects, analyze the information, and communicate the results of that research. This process involves planning the research, searching for and analysis of information and its sources, and reporting on the results of the research.

PREREQUISITES

Advisory:  English Writing 100B and Reading 100 (or Language Arts 100), or English as a Second Language, ESL, 24 and 72 (or ESL 4).

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
	Pat Cornely	John Hogle
Office Hours Held: Days/Hours: Phone/Voicemail #: FAX Telephone(s): Office Location: E-mail Address:	From: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Mondays (408) 864-8628 (408) 864-5630 S54b CornelyPat@fhda.edu	From 10am-11pm Daily (408) 296-2089 None None jhogle@blueroom.com

REQUIREMENTS

Be prepared to spend twelve (12) hours per week attending class and using and studying the course materials.

1. Attend all lectures.
2. Complete all reading and research assignments.
3. Complete class assignments.
4. Participate in classroom activities.
5. Prepare final presentation.
6. Complete and turn in homework assignments on due dates.
   

OBJECTIVE

1. After completing the reading assignments and participating in the class sessions, you should be able to:
2. Assess and apply environmental and ecological concepts to modern life and a technologically based society.
3. Research the topics on world’s natural resources including air (the atmosphere), water (the hydrosphere), soil (the lithosphere) and species (the biosphere).
4. Research and analyze the history of human use and exploitation of the earth’s natural resources
5. Research and analyze the political system within the United States and its relationship to environmental degradation.
6. Research and analyze how ethics, politics and the current economic system within the United States has influenced environmental policies and regulation.
7. Research and present information on possible solutions to the current state of the world’s resources.
   

COURSE MATERIALS

1. There is no required textbook for this course.
2. Recommended supplemental text:  Miller, G.T., Living in the Environment, 13^th ed.
3. Class web site: http://www.blueroom.com/es90/
   

COMPLETE THE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

The due dates for each assignment are listed in your lecture schedule. 

1. Homework Assignments:  There are 8 homework assignments
2. Student Projects:  A final  “Energy Balance” exercise:  This will be presented to the rest of the class. Select an environmental topic; prepare a 5 – 8 page (double spaced) paper that includes your research on Federal, State laws or regulations, how biodiversity (water, air, species, soil, ecosystems, energy and minerals) is affected; identify non-profits, corporations and other groups affected by your topic.  Students are encouraged to work in groups of 2 or three.
3. Student “Class Journals/Folders”: This will also be turned in for credit.
   

TESTING AND GRADING

Final Grading and Point Breakdown:				Grading Scale
	Class attendance/participation	10		A =	88 – 100%
	Homework (8 x 7 points)	56		B =	78 – 87%
	Internet Search Groups	10		C =	68 – 77%
	Oral Presentation	12		D =	55 – 67%
	Final Assignment/WrittenReport	12		F =	54% & below
	Total Points	100

POLICY ON COPYING & CHEATING

Students who submit the work of others as their own or cheat on exams or other assignments receive a failing grade in the course and are reported to college authorities.  

OBTAINING FINAL GRADES

You may access your final grades through the Star System [408-777-9394 or 650-917-0509] or the Internet [https://regserv.fhda.edu/da-grades.html].

SCHEDULE

See the separate Schedule web page.