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Summarize the development of environmental science
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the preservation strand in the development of environmental science
you enter into class discussions about the conservation strand in the development of environmental science
you enter into class discussions about the contamination strand in the development of environmental science
you offer questions or comments during class about the development of environmental science
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Summarize developing trends in the human-nature relationship
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the trends in human-nature relationship
you enter into class discussions about the the meaning of "anthropocentrism"
you enter into class discussions about how anthropocentrism affects the human relationship to nature
you enter into class discussions about the meaning of "utilitarianism"
you enter into class discussions about how utilitarian views affect the human relationship to nature
you offer questions or comments during class about the trends in human-nature relationship
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method
Assessment Strategies
by applying the scientific method properly in all lab reports
Criteria
lab reports frame the null hypothesis properly
lab reports contain graphs with independent and dependent variables on appropriate axis
lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment
lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab
lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment
lab report includes a summary of the results
lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing
lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why
lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation
lab report is printed out electronically
lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings
lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary
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Explain how energy and materials flow through ecosystems
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about how energy and materials flow through ecosystems
you enter into class discussions about the conservation of matter
you enter into class discussions about the first and second law of thermodynamics
you enter into class discussions about the conservation of matter
you enter into class discussions about the first and second law of thermodynamics
you enter into class discussions about photosynthesis
you enter into class discussions about cellular respiration
you use the terms ecosystem, community, population, and species appropriately during class discussions
you explain the relationship the terms ecosystem, community, population, and species to each other
you enter into class discussions about the meaning of trophic levels, food chains, and food webs
you enter into class discussions about the three main ecological pyramids
you enter into class discussions about the Earth's hydrologic cycle
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for carbon
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for nitrogen
you enter into class discussions about photosynthesis
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for phosphorus
Define ecosystem, community, population, and species, and explain the relationship of each to the others.
Explain the meaning of trophic levels, food chains, and food webs.
Describe the three main ecological pyramids.
you enter into class discussions about the Earth's hydrologic cycle
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for carbon
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for nitrogen
you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for phosphorus
you enter into class discussions about cellular respiration
you offer questions or comments during class about how energy and materials flow through ecosystems
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the principal ways in which organisms interact
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the principal ways in which organisms interact
you recognize how natural selection drives biological evolution
you enter into class discussions about the concept of biological niche
you enter into class discussions about resource partitioning
you compare and contrast interspecific competition and intraspecific competition
you use the terms predation, coevolution, symbiosis, mutualism, and commensalism appropriately during class discussion
you enter into class discussions about productivity with respect to different types of ecosystems
you enter into class discussions about ecological succession
you characterize the impact of nonindigenous species on ecosystems
you offer questions or comments during class about the principal ways in which organisms interact
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes
you recognize the characteristics of the principal terrestrial biomes
you enter into class discussions about the factors that determine the distribution of terrestrial biomes
you enter into class discussions about the key problems of ecological restoration
you offer questions or comments during class about the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by presenting arguments related to human population patterns in a class debate
by participating as a member of a group on a project
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you explain exponential growth
you distinguish a J curve from an S curve and explain what they represent
you explain environmental resistance and how it relates to the logistic growth curve
you use the terms natality, mortality, survivorship, fecundity, and fertility
you compare density-dependent and density-independent processes
you characterize human population growth on an expanded time scale
you appreciate how various economic, educational, and cultural factors affect human population growth
you interpret a variety of age structure diagrams correctly
you state your position
you present complete, relevant evidence needed to support the position
you present accurate information
you are prepared
you present the information in an organized manner
your rebuttal is specific to arguments made by the opposing side
you use relevant evidence in the rebuttal
you cite all references appropriately
you speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard
you show respect for the opposing side throughout the debate
group member stays on task
group member performs the individual duties assigned by the group
group member shares ideas and information
group member listens to other group members
group member shows respect for of other's ideas and opinions of others
group member helps the group reach consensus
you enter into class discussions about the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms
you offer questions or comments during class about the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the key concepts of environmental economics
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the key concepts of environmental economics
you distinguish between internal and external costs
you enter into class discussions about a cost-benefit analysis and explain the implications of applying such an analysis to natural systems
you interpret diagrams depicting various approaches to pollution and pollution control (e.g., marginal cost of pollution)
you enter into class discussions about the nature and importance of introducing sustainable strategies in industrial processes
you enter into class discussions about the tragedy of the commons
you enter into class discussions about the implications of Leopold's land ethic
you offer questions or comments during class about the key concepts of environmental economics
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Summarize the principles of environmental health and toxicology
Assessment Strategies
in the laboratory
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you enter into class discussions about the principles of environmental health and toxicology
you distinguish between chronic and acute dose exposures and responses
you enter into class discussions about the determination of risk assessment
you distinguish bioaccumulation from biomagnification
you explain the environmental significance of persistence with respect to chemical compounds
you determine the LD50 (lethal dose 50) level for Daphnia using copper sulfate
you offer questions or comments during class about the principles of environmental health and toxicology
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
you graph your results
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Explain how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution
you characterize the effectiveness of environmental litigation
you enter into class discussions about the National Environmental Policy Act
you offer questions or comments during class about how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Calculate the range of soil types and the characteristics of soil profiles
Assessment Strategies
in the laboratory
Criteria
you calculate soil porosity
you calculate soil permeability
you explain how soil texture affects soil fertility
you explain how living organisms contribute to soil fertility
you enter into class discussions about the five possible idealized horizons that make up a soil profile
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Explain the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion
you enter into class discussions about how soil erosion occurs
you enter into class discussions about the common ways in which humans contribute to soil erosion
you enter into class discussions about the strategies that can reduce soil erosion
you offer questions or comments during class about the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Summarize the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use
you enter into class discussions about how the nature of pesticides changed in the mid-twentieth century
you enter into class discussions about the main kinds of pesticides and their target pests
you enter into class discussions about the problems often associated with the use of pesticides
you enter into class discussions about the main options available to farmers for agricultural pest control
you offer questions or comments during class about the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Characterize the major threats to biodiversity
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the major threats to biodiversity
you enter into class discussions about the different levels of biodiversity and the importance of each
you enter into class discussions about how people affect biodiversity
you enter into class discussions about the main points of the Endangered Species Act
you enter into class discussions about CITES
you offer questions or comments during class about the major threats to biodiversity
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Characterize the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale
you enter into class discussions about the main environmental issues concerning tropical forests
you enter into class discussions about the main issues concerning forest land in the United States
you offer questions or comments during class about the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas
you enter into class discussions about the key problems that challenge our national park system
you enter into class discussions about why wetlands have been disappearing in the U.S.
you enter into class discussions about the ecological value of wetlands
you offer questions or comments during class about the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Summarize the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining
you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of resource extraction
you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of mineral processing
you offer questions or comments during class about the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the main issues concerning global climate change
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the main issues concerning global climate change
you enter into class discussions about the main greenhouse gasses along with their origins
you enter into class discussions about the principles behind the greenhouse effect
you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of global climate change
you enter into class discussions about the coriolis effect and its impact on weather patterns
you offer questions or comments during class about the main issues concerning global climate change
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink
you enter into class discussions about EPA's criteria air pollutants and their sources
you enter into class discussions about the main indoor air pollutants
you analyze stratospheric ozone depletion
you offer questions or comments during class about the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the main issues relating to water quantity and quality
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a list of choices
you enter into class discussions about the main issues relating to water quantity and quality
you recognize the different techniques for disposing of human wastes
you distinguish between point and nonpoint sources of surface water pollution, and give examples of each
you explain biochemical oxygen demand
you explain eutrophication and its key causes
you enter into class discussions about the significance of the presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water
you offer questions or comments during class about the main issues relating to water quantity and quality
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Test a water sample for coliform bacteria
Assessment Strategies
by completing a lab report on the water test
Criteria
lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment
lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab
lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment
lab report includes a summary of the results
lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing
lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why
lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation
lab report is printed electronically
lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings
lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary
lab report includes a standard plate count
lab report includes an analysis of the bacteria culture
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Identify the benthic macroinvertebrates of a local stream and index them for water quality
Assessment Strategies
by collecting, organizing and reporting data related to benthic macroinvertebrates
Criteria
data collection is accurate
data is recorded completely and accurately
data is relevant
data is current
data sources are identified
data results are organized and clearly communicated
data is presented in graphs or charts; graphical representations are accurate and easy to read
data analysis includes a written description and analysis of the results
data analysis makes a recommendation based on the results; recommendation is clearly supported by the data
data analysis includes an evaluation of stream quality by analyzing bottom fauna
data analysis includes the identification of benthic macroinvertebrates
data analysis includes a determination of pollution tolerance of fauna sampled
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Measure the primary productivity of lake water
Assessment Strategies
by completing a lab report on lake production
Criteria
lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment
lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab
lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment
lab report includes a summary of the results
lab report includes the oxygen concentrations in different samples of water
lab report includes a comparison of the oxygen concentrations in samples after 24 hours to determine production and calculate productivity
lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing
lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why
lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation
lab report is word processed or neatly handwritten
lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings
lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary
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Explain the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy
you enter into class discussions about the main types of fossil fuel energy sources
you enter into class discussions about how we use energy
you distinguish between energy resources and reserves
you explain the relative abundance and environmental effects for coal, oil, and natural gas
you explain how a nuclear power plant works
you trace the nuclear fuel cycle
you explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power
you offer questions or comments during class about the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy
you explain the difference between active and passive solar energy
you explain how photovoltaic cells generate energy
you distinguish between direct and indirect solar power and give detailed examples of how each helps to satisfy our energy demands
you explain the meaning of biomass conversion and give examples
you explain the meaning of cogeneration and give examples
you compare the utility of energy conservation to alternative energy
you offer questions or comments during class about the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you enter into class discussions about the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes
you compare and contrast open dump, sanitary landfill, and modern secure landfill
you distinguish between recycling, reusing, and reducing, and describe the advantages of each.
you explain how hazardous materials are handled in our wastestream
you explain the purpose of Superfund
you explain the EPA's National Priorities List
you offer questions or comments during class about the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living
Assessment Strategies
on an exam
by presenting arguments related to inclusionary vs. exclusionary zoning in a class debate
by participating in the class
Criteria
you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses
you explain the causes and environmental effects of urban sprawl
you explain the principles of Smart Growth
you explain why farmland preservation is needed
you explain Purchase of Development Rights (PDRs)
you explain Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs)
you present complete, relevant evidence needed to support the position
you present accurate information
you are prepared
you present the information in an organized manner
your rebuttal is specific to arguments made by the opposing side
you use relevant evidence in the rebuttal
you speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard
you show respect for the opposing side throughout the debate
you enter into class discussions about the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living
you offer questions or comments during class about the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Create a map using a GIS (Geographic Information System)
Assessment Strategies
in the laboratory
Criteria
Printed map exhibits required layers
Printed map exhibits required features
Printed map exhibits required symbols
Map is printed using the GIS software