10-806-112Principles of Sustainability
Course Information
Description
Prepares the student to develop sustainable literacy, analyze the interconnections among the physical and biological sciences and environmental systems, summarize the effects of sustainability on health and well-being, analyze connections among social, economic, and environmental systems, employ energy conservation strategies to reduce the use of fossil fuels, investigate alternative energy options, evaluate options to current waste disposal and recycling in the U.S., and analyze approaches used by your community to promote and implement sustainability.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Develop sustainable literacy
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    you describe the science behind sustainability
    you explain the guiding principles of sustainability
    you analyze the differences between traditional conservation and preservation initiatives and sustainability
    you identify the energy sources that we use
    you describe key pieces of legislation and public policy related to the sustainability movement
    describe what is meant by Systems Thinking and the role this plays in sustainable systems and planning

  2. Analyze the interconnections among the physical and biological sciences and environmental systems
    Assessment Strategies
    through a report or presentation assessing your ecological footprint
    Criteria
    you map out your individual energy types and usage in your home
    you use scientific terminology
    you follow course presentation/report guidelines
    you include and cite outside research (non wikipedia)

  3. Summarize the effects of sustainability on health and well-being
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Identify the standards of health and well-being that are affected by sustainable practices
    Explain how air, water, food, and soil quality affect bio-diversity
    Evaulate the reasons for sustainability concerns with human population growth

  4. Analyze connections among social, economic, and environmental systems
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Explain how global activities, policies, and decisions impact the sustainability of the planet
    Explain how a community can impact local and global sustainability
    Explain how an individual can contribute to, or detract from, the sustainability of a community, or system at a broader scale

  5. Employ energy conservation strategies to reduce the use of fossil fuels
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Describe the nature and origin of coal, natural gas, and petroleum
    Evaluate political, social, and economic factors of fossil fuel use
    Investigate models of energy conservation
    Evaluate energy efficiency alternatives such as Energy Star

  6. Investigate alternative energy options
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Describe the nature, origin, and potential of alternatives to fossil fuels
    Analyze different forms of alternative energy (wind, geothermal, nuclear, bio-mass, hydropower, solar, tidal and wave) for varied applications
    Describe how humans can harness wind, geothermal or other alternative energies
    Identify "best uses" for assorted alternative energy sources

  7. Evaluate options to current waste disposal and recycling in the U.S.
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Describe how nature serves as a model for sustainable principles (eco-mimicry)
    Summarize and compare the types of waste we generate
    Evaluate various options to managing waste
    Describe conventional waste disposal methods (landfills and incineration)
    Evaulate approaches for reducing waste (source reduction, reuse, composting, and recycling)
    Discuss industrial solid waste management and principles of industrial ecology
    Assess issues in managing hazardous waste and persistent chemicals

  8. Analyze approaches used by your community to promote and implement sustainability
    Assessment Strategies
    through an oral report, examination, or written report
    Criteria
    Locate community resources that facilitate sustainability
    Identify local laws and ordinances that support sustainability