Environmental Science
Potential Research Project Topics
Presentation are on _____________________________
Some potential topics…you can choose things not on this list, but clear them with Dr. R.
Desalination
Solar Energy
Wind generated power
Nuclear Energy
Global Warming
Endangered Species
Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
Recycling
Hybrid vehicle technology
Coastal Development
Duke Power Plant cooling water
Coastal Ocean Commission
Local fisheries
“Tragedy of the Commons”
Genetically Modified Foods
Seafood Watch Program (MBA)
Sustainable Agriculture
Eating Green
Pesticide use
Rainforest clear-cutting
Methylbromide
Superfund
Current state of Spinach
Hydrogen cars
Aquaculture
Mitigation
Exotic Species
National Marine Sanctuaries
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
National Parks
Water rights
State Parks
Alt. fuel(s) (what type?)
Natural capital
Alt. energy (what type?)
Green Building
The politics of environmental science
Your own Environmental Science topic
Presentation Format about 5-7 minutes (~8-12 slides)
 Statement of the issue
 Introduction (background research)
 Point/Counterpoint (if appropriate for topic)
 Conclusions (your opinion)
 References
Note: An example of a book filled with point/counterpoint arguments is on reserve at
the library (Taking Sides: clashing views on controversial environmental issues, 10th
edition. 2004. Eds. Easton and Goldfarb. McGraw-Hill, Connecticut). Although
each section in the book is much longer than your presentation will be, you can look
at it to get the idea of what I would like to see. The simplest way to organize your inclass presentation is to use Microsoft Powerpoint (on the computers in the lab). Using
overheads and/or the board is fine as well. Presentations should be limited to ~5
minutes, including a few questions.