BIO 48
Spring 2016
Environmental Science
Hartnell College
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it
from our children. ~Native American Proverb
Welcome to
Environmental Science!
We live in a time of great change and challenge. A quick read of
the headlines of any newspaper provides images of disease,
hunger, poverty, natural disasters and pollution. Challenges,
however, are also opportunities. Simply put, we cannot continue
with business as usual as such a path is not sustainable. What
does that mean? Different farming practices will allow crops to
be raised with fewer chemicals and less water. Buildings can be
constructed using recycled materials and more sustainable
methods. Transportation can be provided while using less
energy.
Contact Information
Instructor: Ms. Nancy Wheat
Environmental science is a discipline that fosters new ways of
thinking about our daily activities in order to address these global
challenges. Environmental problems occur as a result of the
interactions between humans and the natural world; therefore we
must consider both the scientific and social aspects when seeking
solutions to environmental problems. It is my hope that you will
come away from this class with the tools needed to make
educated decisions when voting on environmental policy, as well
as when making personal decisions that affect the environment.
We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking
if mankind is to survive. ~Albert Einstein
Office:
N5
Office
Hours:
MW 8:30-9:30 & TTH
10:00-11:00 or by
appointment
Phone:
831-755-6881
Email:
nwheat@hartnell.edu
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Environmental Science (BIO 48) Spring 2016
DATE
TOPIC
TEXT CHAPTER
Week 1 (January 25)
Introduction and Learning Skills
Pages 1-4 & Syllabus
Week 2 (February 1)
Environmental Problems,
Their Causes and Sustainability
1
Week 3 (February 8)
Friday Holiday
Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems
2
Week 4 (February 15)
Monday Holiday
Biodiversity and Evolution
3
Week 5 (February 22)
Community Ecology, Population
4
Ecology, and the Human Population
Week 6 (February 29)
Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach
5
Week 7 (March 7)
Sustaining Biodiversity: The Ecosystem Approach
6
Week 8 (March 14)
MIDTERM
Week 9 (March 21)
Food, Soil, and Pest Management
Week of March 28
Spring Break!
Week 10 (April 4)
Water Resources and Water Pollution
8
Week 11 (April 11)
Nonrenewable Energy Resources
9
Week 12 (April 18)
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
10
Week 13 (April 25)
Environmental Hazards and Human Health
11
Week 14 (May 2)
Air Pollution, Climate Change,
and Ozone Depletion
12
Week 16 (May 9)
Urbanization and Solid and Hazardous Waste
13
Week 17 (May 16)
Economics, Politics, Worldviews,
and Sustainability
14
Week of May 23-27 Final Exam
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Spring 2016
We learn more by looking for the answer
to a question and not finding it than we
do from learning the answer itself.
~Lloyd Alexander
Because this is an online class, you will be largely responsible for
monitoring your own progress. Passing this class will require selfdiscipline and participation. There is a lot of assigned reading
and, while it may seem that there are no repercussions for not
completing the assignments, I assure you that questions on the
midterm and final will require you to have read and understood
all the material I assign. Environmental science is a rapidly
evolving field and as a result this class is constantly evolving. I
suggest a minimum of six hours per week dedicated to the
readings, virtual field trips, and group discussion posts. Because
of the nature of the discussions, please post as early in the week
as possible so that others can respond to your thoughts by the
week’s end.
This course is available
through Etudes!
Course website: Online courses at
Hartnell are available through
Etudes. Here, you will find all of
your course materials, readings etc.
except for the textbook.
Hartnell Distance Education:
http://www.hartnell.edu/welcomedistance-education
Etudes Login Page:
https://myetudes.org/portal
Etudes Help Page:
http://etudes.org/help/students/
Resources:
Text: Sustaining the Earth by G. Tyler Miller Jr.
and Scott Spoolman, 11th edition.
The text is available at the bookstore or online as
an actual book or through CourseSmart as an
eBook. While an eBook may be cheaper and a
great choice for some, please consider whether you
will enjoy reading your text electronically. I find
the CourseSmart platform wonderful for use on an
iPad, but I do not enjoy reading on my computer.
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More resources to help
you succeed!
Check out the resources on these pages:
Biology Science Academy Resource Page – Here you will
find resources for time management and study skills!
Biology Tutorials Page – Here you will find interactive
tutorials to help you with specific topics in biology.
Visionlearning: Our class has an excellent
resource for your use: www.visionlearning.com.
You will need to register at the Visionlearning
website and go to the MyClassroom link for
Environmental Science at Hartnell College.
Once you have registered, you will have access
to Visionlearning modules pertaining to our
course. They can be viewed in Spanish if you
prefer. This provides an excellent review for
those of you having trouble with a topic as well
as those of you who would like to explore a
topic in more detail.
Where to have your exams proctored:
Tutorial Center: http://www.hartnell.edu/testadministration
Hartnell Computer Center:
http://www.hartnell.edu/student-resources
King City Proctor Information: Contact
Kimberly Kessler to schedule an appointment to
take your proctored exam: (831) 386-7100 or
email: kkessler@hartnell.edu
Contact me ASAP if you are out of the area & none
of these choices work for you.
Instructor: As the instructor for this course, I
am available to facilitate your learning. Even
though this is an online class, please feel free to
come to my office hours if there is anything I
can help you with! I am also available by
appointment if you can’t make my posted hours.
You can also reach me through email or through
etudes at any time. Regular email will get the
fastest response since I can’t answer Etudes
messages on my phone.
Computer Requirements:
Browser test and computer guidelines located at:
http://etudes.org/help/system-reqs/
Logging on to Etudes Tutorial:
Visit the following site to find out how to access
the course:
http://etudes.org/help/students/
Where to find computers:
Hartnell Library:
http://www.hartnell.edu/library
Hartnell Computer Center (E211):
http://www.hartnell.edu/student-resources
Public libraries
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Class Format: Each week you will be responsible for one chapter
out of your textbook as well as additional readings. Each chapter
has a unit summary that contains learning objectives, your
readings for the week, the week’s discussion topic, details for a
virtual field trip, and a weekly homework assignment. It is
important to read the module summary thoroughly before beginning
the work for that week. In addition, each unit contains a list of
questions. Some of these may be assigned for homework but you
are responsible for all of them.
Grading Policy:
Group Discussion
~150
Homework
~150
Exams & Quizzes
~450
Total:
~750 pts
You can always determine your grade by calculating the
percentage of possible points that you have earned. There will be
no curve! Your grade will be based on the percentage of the
available points that you have earned as follows:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: less than 60%
Make-up work: All work must be taken or turned in on the dates
scheduled. Meeting deadlines is important regardless of your field
of study… excuses are no excuse. Only in cases of absolute
emergencies will make-ups be allowed. Work not completed on
time will not receive a grade and will result in loss of credit for
that assignment.
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Course
Organization
1. This course is organized into
weekly units.
2. Students must keep up with
the current week. This is not
a self-paced course.
3. Each week students will:
1. Use prepared Unit
Outlines for each
chapter.
2. Read assigned
chapter(s) and other
readings and watch
assigned videos.
3. Go on a Virtual Field
Trip (if available).
4. Participate in Online
Discussion. Please
read rubric below.
5. Turn in Homework
Assignment using
Rich Text or
Microsoft Word.
6. Take practice test and
check answers against
answer key.
7. Take a timed quiz
that will cover that
week’s material.
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appliances. I am going to start by making sure
that nothing is plugged in that I am not using.
Even cell phone chargers suck electricity even
when they are not plugged into my phone. I am
also going to turn my water heater down
because it takes a lot of energy to maintain that
much hot water. I am looking for other projects
and would appreciate suggestions! Have any of
you found simple ways to conserve energy
around your home?
Discussion Topics: Every week you will be
responsible for at least two posts. In most cases,
the first post will be your thoughts on the subject
and the second will be a response to someone
else’s initial post. The purpose is to generate a
classroom-like environment. Because this is an
online class, it is necessary to have everyone
check in a couple times a week. Submit the first
post early in the week (no later than Thursday
11:59 pm) and the second by Sunday at 11:59
pm.
Unacceptable: Saving energy is important and I
like to save energy. It is important to save
energy because of the environment being
harmed by energy not being saved. There are
ways to save energy and other activities that are
wasteful. I am going to try and save energy
because I want to save the planet for our
children.
It is important to realize that it is much easier to
be rude via an online post than it is to be rude in
person. Certain types of posts will not be
tolerated and could result in you being dropped
from the class. Posts must be written in complete
sentences. This is an academic setting and there is
no place for “text-speak.” Make sure you capitalize
the first letter of every sentence, indicate paragraph
breaks, and use proper grammar. Failure to do so
will result in the loss of points for that week’s
post. Make sure that you use spell check and
grammar check! If it is lit up like a Christmas
tree it is not ready to submit!
The first post discusses specific ways of
conserving energy and it is clear that the student
has thought about the issues. It invites further
discussion and would earn full credit. The
second post does not indicate that the student
has read or understood the chapter. It is very
general, it is boring, and ultimately does not
invite further discussion. This post would result
in an F. Posts that are insulting, racist, sexist, or
contain swear words are also unacceptable. If
you wouldn’t be eager to read it out-loud in front
of the class, it most likely has no place on our
discussion board. Feel free to disagree with
someone else’s post, but be sure to do so in a
respectful manner.
The following are examples of acceptable and
unacceptable posts:
Acceptable: I was struck by the numerous
possibilities for energy conservation in the home.
I always knew that it is important to turn lights
off when they are not in use and I try not to
leave the faucet running while I brush my teeth.
After reading this chapter I decided to do an
energy audit of my home. I found that the
major appliances use a great deal of energy and I
am considering upgrading to more energy
efficient ones but I don’t know if I can afford it.
I read online that the energy-star appliances
come with a rebate and will pay for themselves
after five years but there is still an up-front
investment. I decided to try and reduce my
energy bills in other ways for the short term and
put the savings away until I can afford newer
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Discussion Rubric (How I Will Determine Your Grade!!!)
Cut this out and paste it to your Computer
A: Fully answered question, responded to at least 1 other
classmate on the topic. Responses to classmates were useful and
insightful. Student used complete sentences, proper punctuation,
and good spelling. Correctly used biology vocabulary in context.
Student extended the discussion by bringing in other websites or
resources. Used citations and discussed content of researched
material clearly explaining concepts of new material. (10pt/post)
B: Answered question, responded to at least 1 other
classmate on the topic. Responses to classmates were useful. Used
complete sentences, proper punctuation, and good spelling. (8
pt/post)
C: Answered question, but left out some parts. Responded to
at least 1 other classmate on the topic. Used complete sentences.
May contain some spelling or punctuation errors. (7 pt/post)
D: Answered question, but left out some parts. Didn't
respond to classmates. Some incomplete sentences, spelling
problems, punctuation errors. (6pt/post)
F: Didn't respond to question, and didn't respond to
classmates, OR responded to question, but answer was poorly
constructed, contained numerous spelling and punctuation errors,
was difficult to understand. (5pt/post or less)
Finally, use spell check. The spell check is in the HTML editor.
Select HTML editor and look for a check mark with the letters
ABC.
Homework: Every week you will be assigned homework that will
be due on Sunday by 11:59 pm. The assignments will be based on
the learning objectives, the additional readings, the discussion topic,
the assigned movies, and/or the virtual field trip. Assignments must
be submitted in Rich Text (RTF) or Microsoft Word (.doc)
format. Plan on spending at least 2 hours preparing your weekly
homework assignment. Late work will not be accepted.
Practice Quiz: Each week there is a short ungraded multiple
choice practice test and an answer key that you can use to assess
your preparedness for the weekly graded quiz. Make sure you take
this test, check your answers, and review the material so that you
understand your mistake before taking the graded quiz.
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Quizzes: The weekly quizzes
are designed to be sure that you
are keeping up with and
understanding the material. They
will not be proctored, but they
will be timed. You will not have
enough time to look up the answers.
These quizzes will contain
questions similar to those that
will be found on the proctored
midterm and final. Finding a
way to cheat on the quizzes will
only make passing the exams
(and the course) that much
harder. Quizzes must be
completed by Sunday at 11:59
pm each week. Questions will be
similar to the practice test, but
not the same. Read all questions
and possible answers carefully!
Exams: There will be two
proctored exams: a midterm (100
pts) and a final (100 pts). The
final will contain half new
material since the midterm and
half cumulative (so 25% of the
total points will come from the
first half of the class). Questions
from the first half of the class will
be questions you have seen
previously. You must earn at
least 50% of the exam points to
pass the class, regardless of
your overall percentage.
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Disabilities: Request for academic
accommodations for disabilities need to be made
during the first week of the semester, except for
under unusual circumstances, so arrangements
can be made. Students are encouraged to register
with Department of Supportive Programs and
Services (DSP&S) for disability verification and
for determination of reasonable academic
accommodations.
classmates and instructor. All written
communication is expected to be polite
and respectful.
3. Students are expected to turn work in on
time and meet posted deadlines.
4. Students are expected to work
collaboratively as appropriate.
5. Students are expected to behave in an
ethical manner and do their own work.
Use common sense when posting on the
discussion board. If you find yourself getting
upset by something someone has written, turn
the computer off and cool down before you post!
Avoid attacking anyone personally on the
discussion board. Everyone is free to explore
their ideas, so be nice to each other. We are here
to support each other.
Copyright information: Some of the material in
this course is protected by copyright. It is
important to be aware of copyright law. I will
make every attempt to let you know if a resource
carries a copyright. For the purposes of this
course we are protected under both the Fair Use
Policies and Teach Acts. However, you may not
make copies of copyrighted material or distribute
copyrighted material outside the context of this
course.
Consequences:
I will follow the California Educational Code
and Hartnell policy for violations of behavior
expectations.
Plagiarism: You must reference any information
or work you use in this class, that is not your
own creation. To learn how to avoid plagiarism
visit this website
http://www.hartnell.edu/sites/default/files/u6
4/infolit4_rev.pdf. To review how to reference
visit the Hartnell college library web page
http://www.hartnell.edu/how-cite-information.
Copying a website and mailing it in as an
assignment is unethical and will result in zero
points the first time it happens. The second
time you will be dropped from the course.
1. Written/verbal warning.
2. Notification of drop.
3. Drop.
It is your responsibility to drop this course if
you decide you no longer wish to take it.
Please do not rely on the instructor or the college
to drop you if you stop coming to class. If your
name appears on the final grade roster at the end
of the semester, you will receive a grade. You
do not need to get my signature to drop this
course.
Classroom Conduct and Instructor Policies:
1. Students are expected to attend class.
Attendance is defined as logging onto the
course each and every week, turning in
assignments, taking quizzes, and posting
discussion topics. If you are unable to
attend class due to illness or emergency
you are expected to contact me as soon as
possible.
2. Students are expected to respect their
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Learning Tools
As a student, you are the center of the learning
process. I can’t force you to learn the material, I
can only expose you to it in what I hope will be
an interesting way. You must do the actual
learning yourself. It is your responsibility to set
goals for yourself, plan how you will use the
materials provided to you, and schedule your
time. Developing good study skills will save you
time and energy by helping you work more
efficiently. This will help you not only in this
course, but every other course you take. The
following list is a set of learning tools that may
help you. This list was adapted from The
Course Syllabus by Judith Grunert.
Create outlines, flowcharts or concept maps
Underline selectively (not the whole book)
Rewrite notes (but only spend time doing
this if you are focused on the material!)
Study with Others
Discuss the material with a friend
Quiz each other on terms and concepts
Exams
Review notes and texts; pay special attention
to points emphasized in lecture
Self Management Techniques
Set learning goals for yourself
Think up possible questions and answer
them.
Plan and organize a study schedule
Review key terms
Break down work into manageable units
Get a good night sleep before the exam
Study in a place free from distractions
Read directions
Review often
Read questions carefully
Reading to Learn
If you don’t understand something on the
test – ASK!!
Preview the chapter (titles, pictures,
summaries, etc)
Read for main ideas
Summarize in your own words
Reread, visualize, relate, think aloud
Review
Making Useful Notes
Identify the main ideas
Summarize ideas or text
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Learning without thought is
labor lost. ~Confucius
How to Study for this Course: You are responsible for your
own learning of this material. Think about how you learn best,
how much time you will need to spend on reading, studying and
other assignments and learn to budget your time. Remember
that the more often you are exposed to the material, the more
likely you are to retain that information. Try forming a study
group, online (Etudes discussion board, Google+ or Skype) or in
person, and discuss what we have been learning. Relate
information to your own experiences. Read all assigned
material. Make a list of vocabulary words to learn for the exams.
Flashcards may help if you feel overwhelmed by the vocabulary,
but it is essential that you understand the concepts instead of just
memorizing vocabulary. If you don’t understand something you
can always ask me as well. Make your schoolwork a priority and
do the best job you possibly can on all your assignments!
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Given a type of ecosystem, students will discuss the major impacts humans have had on that
ecosystem. Weeks 4, 5, 7, 8 (CC: G)
2. Given a non-living part of an ecosystem, students will discuss the sources and effects of manmade
pollutants. Weeks 9, 10, 14 (CC: G)
3. Given an energy source, students will be able to describe how it is obtained, used, and its
comparative effects. Weeks 11, 12
4. Given the living components of an ecosystem, students will demonstrate understanding of their
relationships to one another. Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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Campus Safety
During a campus emergency, you will generally be told
SHELTER IN PLACE: In the event of a safety threat,
to do one of two options, SHELTER IN PLACE or
instructors and staff will lock classroom doors and direct
EVACUATE. When either of these are given, vehicle traffic
occupants to stay clear of windows. Occupants are
coming onto campus will likely be turned away. Students
requested to remain quiet. During this time, DO NOT
are required to obey the directions of staff in a timely
access any exits unless directed by first responders or
fashion.
staff. A shelter in place order is also used for severe
EVACUATION: Please note the exit(s) in the room. In the
environmental threats like a thunderstorm.
Run, Hide, Fight (https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cirg/activeshooter-and-mass-casualty-incidents/run-hide-fightvideo.)Active Shooter Response
In the event of an Active Shooter Event, there are three things
you need to know in order to survive: Run, Hide, Fight. Please
review the video in the link.
If you see suspicious behavior on campus, please tell
someone. Our campus safety (http://www.hartnell.edu/campussafety-and-security) officers are trained to investigate suspicious
incidents.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: The first 72 hours of a
disaster are often the most difficult, but this period can be less
stressful if everyone has extra supplies on hand. The college has
a limited amount of emergency supplies, so students and staff
should have on campus their own portable emergency kit
including snacks, water, and prescription medication; this is
especially important for those who may need to shelter on
For more information
go call
to http://72hours.org/
acampus.
life threatening
emergency
911.
event of an alarm or safety threat, uniformed Hartnell
personnel equipped with two-way radios--including
security, and maintenance staff--have up-to-date
information; they also have the authority to order either
shelter-in-place or immediate building evacuation. For
evacuation, immediately heed their directions by
proceeding calmly and quickly to an exterior assembly
area as indicated by trained staff. Please stay back at
least 200 feet from any building until the “all clear”
command is issued.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION: In the event of
·
To report a non-life threatening incident, safetyStudents:
hazard,Iforyou
a suspicious
activity
contact
have knowledge
of an please
emergency
on campus,
share it immediately. If you see something suspicious or
campus security at 755-6888
potentially hazardous, let someone know.
·
To obtain campus status information, call the campus safety and facilities emergency status bulletin
telephone number: 831-796-6222. From a campus line, simply dial 6222
Please visit Hartnell's emergency reporting link here: http://www.hartnell.edu/reporting-emergencies
Students: If you receive an emergency notification while you are in class, please notify your instructor
immediately.
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BIO 48
Spring 2015
Final Thoughts on Succeeding
in Your Online Class
Time management is the key to success in your online class.
Set up a calendar with all your scheduled activities. Now add
time for this class early in the week. Spread out the activities.
Schedule a time to read the chapter and watch videos before
Wednesday. Post your first discussion entry early in the week.
Don’t forget to come back and reply to others. Completing all
of the activities every week will prepare you for the exams and
allow you to earn an A!
I would feel more optimistic about a
bright future for man if he spent less
time proving that he can outwit
Nature and more time tasting her
sweetness and respecting her
seniority. ~Elwyn Brooks White,
Essays of E.B. White, 1977