1. Portfolio Activities of Your Choice
A. Guided Field Trips
B. Self-Guided Visits and Field Trips
C. Team Efforts Toward a More Sustainable Campus
D. Self-guided Activities: Community Outreach and Research
E. Individual Footprints
F. Film Screenings
G. Lectures and Lecture Series
H. Think About It: The University Lecture Series
I. Independent Reading
2. Extra credit opportunity
For each field trip, write a 250 word report and respond to the specific questions asked in the descriptions of the field trips. PLEASE NOTE! For field trips in university vehicles, you must see Danny Vinzant in Geo 2.106 to fill out a waiver.
[OTC] Water and the Rock House, Oct. 22 and Nov 10, 2-4:15, starting and ending in the lobby of the TWDB at 1700 Congress Ave.
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Climate Change
Description: You must preregister for
this activity. Sign up via email (at a time TBA) to
Carson Werner (put "Water and the Rock House" in subject heading). Take a stroll around the state capital
building (the Rock House) where
important policy decisions on water and sustainability are made for
Texas. The trip, lead by Robert Mace of the Texas Water Development
Board, will focus on water planning, water issues facing Texas, fusing
science and policy, and water law. This is a great interactive
opportunity to get insight into the complicated factors involved in
ensuring that we have water for our future. A 250 word report is
due 7 days after the trip.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Tour of LBJ Wildflowers Research Areas, Fri. Oct 24 2-4pm
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustaining Biodiversity, Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Climate Change
Description: You must preregister for
this activity. Sign up via email (at a time TBA) to
Carson Werner (put "LBJ
Wildflowers" in subject heading). The research focuses on solving
problems using native plants. Students will see the field research in
hill country ecology (looking at seasonality of prescribed fires versus
other management techniques), green roof research, native polyculutral
turf grass research, and will likely hear about how they apply what we
learn in these projects in the real-world through our consulting work.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Bull Creek water sampling and Sustainable Austin tour, Time: Oct 31, 1:30-4:45
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Climate Change, Sustaining Biodiversity, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: You must preregister for
this activity. Sign up via email to
Jay Banner (put "Bull Creek Field Trip" in subject heading). Space is limited;
slots will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bull Creek water sampling (a relatively
non-urbanized watershed) and perform water quality sampling in the same
fashion as will be done for the Discussion Section activity. Trip will
visit other stops of hydrologic and sustainability interest (e.g., a
‘green’ residence) in Austin.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Austin Area Field Trip, 6 hours, Time: Nov 8, 2008
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Climate Change, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: You must preregister for this activity. Sign up via email to Jay Banner (put "Austin Area Field trip" in subject heading). Space is limited; slots will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. This field trip is an investigation of carbonate rocks and environmental issues and includes stops at Loop 360 and Barton Springs Pool. We will examine the origin of 100 million year old Cretaceous limestones and the hydrogeology of the Edwards aquifer, and perhaps a cave within the aquifer. Write a 250-word essay describing the experience, and address the following question: What geological characteristics of the Austin area are important for local water-resources and environmental managers?
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Port Aransas
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of the Oceans
Description: 2.5 days, Sept. 12, 2pm - Sept. 14, 6pm. On this trip we will investigate coastal marine and watershed environments, and impacts that humans have on them. We will examine these environments, weather permitting, by going snorkeling, and aboard UT research boats. We will stay in a hotel, four to a room. Your transportation to Port A, boat rides, and lodging will be covered by UT. Your only expenses will be meals and admission to the Texas State Aquarium ($12.95). Visit UT MSI for some of the locations to be visited. You must preregister for this activity. Space is limited: first come first serve. Sign up via email to Jay Banner; put “Port A Field Trip” in subject heading.
Note: This field trip will involve a number of activities each day, that involve being in the sun, the water, mud, and sand. You will be required to participate in all activities.
[ Units: 4 ]
[OTC] Central Texas Caves Field Trips, Oct 19 (Natural Bridge) or Nov 16 (Innserspace), 2008
Type of Activity: Guided field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Climate Change
Description: Accompany UT Austin researchers into a cave as they collect samples and monitor the cave’s environment in a study of the evolution of the Edwards aquifer and the construction of records of past climate change. Sign up via email to Carson Werner (put “Cave Field Trip” in subject heading). Space is limited (4 people for Innerspace); spots will be reserved for students on a first-come-first-serve basis. Innerspace Cavern; Natural Bridge Caverns
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Texas Disposal Systems Field Trip
Type of Activity: Guided field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Texas Disposal Systems is a unique landfill. In addition to its large compositing operation, used to create organic gardening products, it also houses a recycling and resale center. Texas Disposal Systems was featured on This Old House’s green renovation of a Hyde Park Austin Home. Most unusual, however, is the 800 acre exotic game park, located on top of the non-active areas of the landfill that is home to more than 1,600 animals representing 30 different species, many of them endangered. The tour is done in small vehicles and the guides give very interesting accounts of the history and workings of the landfill. Because only very small portions of the landfill are worked at any one time, there are no unpleasant odors. Your trash never had it so good! The trip is approximately 3 hours; it will take place from (Dates TBA). Space is limited; a reservation is required
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] UT Power Plant Trip Thursday 11-12, 23rd of October; or Wednesday 3-4, 29th of October
Type of Activity: Field trip
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability,
Description: Take a tour of the power plant for the main campus of the University of Texas at Austin. The power plant is a combined-cycle plant that uses gas turbines, steam turbines, and gas-fired power boilers to generate electricity, heating steam, and other auxiliaries. The tour will cover the major equipment and systems, and will show the improvements to the original systems to improve plant efficiency and lower total emissions. Attend the tour, then write a 250-word summary of what you learned and how the experience relates to your Portfolio theme. Preregister for either tour by emailing Jeff Paine at least one week in advance of the tour. After this time, attendance will be subject to availability. If you can't make either date, but would still like to take the tour, email Jeff ASAP to let him now of your interest..
[ Units: 1 ]
SELF-GUIDED VISITS AND FIELD TRIPS
Note these are currently being updated for Fall 2008 and that preregistration is required for many of these activities!
[OTC] Earth Summit 2008
Type of Activity: Volunteer
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainable Transportation, Energy Sustainability, Sustainability of Water Resources, Climate Change, Sustaining Biodiversity, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Air Quality, and Sustainable Food
Description:
The
[Units: 1 for the event; 1 for the lecture] You may do 1
or 2.
[OTC] Austin Cave Festival
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Climate Change
Description: On TBA between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., visit the annual Austin Cave Festival at the Village of Western Oaks Karst Preserve. This event highlights the importance and sensitivity of the aquifer and its recharge features. Activities include informational booths from local organizations, activities for children, flint knapping, live bats, and short caving adventures into the Preserve's Live Oak and Get Down Caves. Also, come help us plant a wildflower meadow at 11 a.m. with Ms. Marcia Hermann from the Wildflower Center, and at 1 p.m. learn about Austin area spiders on a brief spider hunt through the Preserve with Spider Joe. The Preserve is located on Davis Lane just west of South MOPAC. Guests to the Festival are asked to bring only water to drink while visiting; food and drinks attract fire ants, which are harmful to wildlife and humans. For directions and more information, please see the Austin Cave Festival website. Write a 250-word report describing your experience, highlighting the item that you found most interesting and a second item that you found relevant to topics discussed in Sustaining a Planet. Your report should include a discussion of why the aquifer is important and how it is sensitive to human activities.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Boggy Creek Farms
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability and Business
Description: Visit Boggy Creek Farms in Austin and write a report on how it works. Buy your favorite vegetable and turn in dated receipt with your report. Boggy Creek Farms is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 am to 2 pm. Interview one of the proprietors and include quotes from them in the report. See the Boggy Creek Farms website for additional information. For 1 point of extra credit, organize a carpool of other students planning to do this activity.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Splash! into the Edwards Aquifer Exhibit
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: The exhibit includes displays on water flow, wildlife in the aquifer, and water quality. The exhibit is open Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 12pm–5pm. Visit this exhibit in the old Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse at the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, part of Zilker Park in Austin. In your report, summarize the exhibit. Include a discussion on what you learned and describe the exhibit you thought was the most effective and why. Explain how and why a given segment of the exhibit relates to your Portfolio theme.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Wild Basin Preserve
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustaining Biodiversity, Energy Sustainability
Description: Visit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in
Austin (see http://www.wildbasin.org
for directions). The trails are open sunrise to sunset, daily.
Hike some of the trails and be sure to take note of the highlighted
wildlife (don't forget the trail map that explains the numbers).
Also, look at the solar panel/alternative energy display on the south
side of the main building. In your report, summarize what you saw
and learned along the trails and at the center. Explain what the
preserve is trying to accomplish, and how what they are doing relates to
your Portfolio theme.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Early Action Compact (EAC) Task Force Meeting
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Air Quality, Sustainability and Business
Description: Attend a monthly meeting of the Early Action Compact (EAC) Task Force Meeting. The EAC is a combined effort of local, state, and federal government agencies to reduce air pollution in central Texas. These agencies are currently developing plans to improve our air quality. Meetings are open to the public (see http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/hearings.html for hearing dates). There is an opportunity for public comments at the end of each meeting. Your report should summarize the main topics covered in the meeting and should give your impression of the objectives (immediate and long-term) of the meeting and how well they were met. For more information call EAC Task Force Co-Chair Bill Gill at 512-916-6066, or Brad Ehlers, Capital Metro Community Relations Specialist, at 512-389-7590. Visit Austin Ozone Early Action Compact (EAC) Area for additional information.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Renewable Energy Round-Up
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Climate Change
Description: Attend this festival of renewable energy in Fredericksburg, Texas some time during the weekend of September 26-28 and write a 250-word work summary that includes a description about the most interesting exhibit that you see. Either volunteer for four hours to earn a free three-day entry pass and a cotton t-shirt or pay the gate entry fee ($10 for Friday or Sunday, $12 for Saturday or $20 for a 3-day pass). If you choose to volunteer, register online. Carpool to the event with a friend and get an extra credit point. Check in at the Environmental Science Institute booth during your visit.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] City of Austin WaterWise Seminar
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: The City of Austin offers one-hour talks on water conservation. Talks begin at 6:30pm in Room 105 of the Waller Creek Center (625 E. 10th St.). This fall, seminars will be offered on October 7 and December 2. Pre-registration is suggested to assure space (call 974-2199 or e-mail). After attending one of these seminars write 250 words on what you learned on how you can apply it to your everyday life.
Potential Portfolio tracks: Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, water quality
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Green by Design Workshopp
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Austinites attending the workshop can learn how to improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort and reduce maintenance. This workshop will give you an overview of the green building process. You’ll come away with a framework for making better design and building decisions. The Green Building Program's 1-day Green by Design workshop will be held on TBA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at 4801 La Crosse Avenue. Cost is $35, and preregistration is required. To register for the workshop, print the Registration Form (pdf) and fax it to (512) 482-5441 or e-mail the completed form. For more information, see: Austin Energy - Green By Design Workshop. Attend the workshop and write a 250 description of your experience and the green building process as presented at the workshop, highlighting the one or two innovations that you believe would be the easiest and/or most likely to be implemented. Specifically describe one thing that you learned here that you can implement in your daily life and make a well-reasoned prediction about the potential benefits associated with the change.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Waller Creek Cleanup
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Tragedy of the Commons, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustaining Biodiversity
Write a 100-250–word summary of your experience participating in the cleanup. What part of the creek did you work on? Did you notice anything about the types of trash you found (can you tell where it comes from)? Did the experience give you any new perspectives on littering? Also submit a photograph (digital or hard copy) of your worksite and the people participating in the cleanup.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Westcave Preserve tour
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks: Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, water quality, Sustainbility of Biodiversity
Description: The Westcave nature preserve is located 35 miles west of Austin. The preserve includes caves and waterfalls and is located at the geologic boundary of the Edwards Plateau and a limestone canyon. Public hiking tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00am, noon, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm. Tours cost $5 per person. Visit the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center located at the preserve (a green building) and go on a guided hiking tour of the preserve. Take a picture of yourself at a scenic spot on the hike. Turn in the picture along with 250 words describing your favorite exhibit at the learning center or your favorite part of the tour. For more information on the preserve visit Westcave Preserve website
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Guided hikes of Austin’s water quality protection land
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Biodiversity
Description: The city of Austin owns 15,000 acres of land that it preserves to protect the quality of our groundwater. Guided tours are given the first Saturday of every month. You will learn about how protecting this land preserves water quality and what Austin steps Austin is taken to keep this area pristine. Space is limited so pre-registration is required (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/wildland/onlineregistration/ecowebevents.cfm). Be sure to wear appropriate hiking clothing and bring water. Take a picture of yourself at a scenic spot on the hike. Turn in the picture along with 250 words on what you learned and how it relates to themes of this class.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Balcones Canyonlands Hike and Lecture Series
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustainability of Biodiversity
Description: The city of Austin, Travis County, the LCRA, the Nature Conservancy, the Travis Audubon Society, and several local preserves are presenting a series of hikes and lectures that discuss management of local land to protect endangered species. Take a picture of yourself at a scenic spot on the hike. Turn in the picture along with 250 words on what you learned and how it relates to themes of this class. How do actions or habits that you take every day affect the Balcones Canyonlands? How did the presenter incorporate the scientific method in his or her presentation? Was the information presented biased in any way? How do you know? Descriptions and dates are given below. Pre-registration is required (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/wildland/onlineregistration/ecowebevents.cfm)
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center’s Wildlife Exhibits
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Biodiversity
Description: The Austin Nature and Science Center is located in Zilker Park (see directions). Visiting the center is free. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday, noon - 5:00 PM. Visit the wildlife exhibits and write a 250 word summary. Include descriptions of different types of local wildlife that you learned about. Also discuss how the diversity of these species affects the sustainability of our local ecosystems. How are these animals impacted by human activity in central Texas?
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Hornsby Bend Ecological Literacy Day
Type of Activity: Self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Biodiversity, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: The monthly ecological literacy day takes place from 9am-1pm on the last Saturday of every month (http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=673). This activity combines outdoor volunteer work with learning. The day beings with several hours of volunteer activities which may include trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and work in the native plant nursery. The last hour consists of lessons on local ecology and animal species. See directions here. For more information about the ecological literacy day contact Kevin Anderson (email or 972-1960). Attend one of these days and then write a 250 summary. Discuss the volunteer activities you participated in and how you think they contributed to promoting sustainability. How did learning about local ecosystems effect your perception of the work you did earlier in the morning?
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Tour the Roof of the Starbucks in Circle C, Austin’s Only Green Roof
Type of activity: self-guided visit
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainable Water Resources, Climate Change, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Visit the only green roof in Austin at the Starbuck in Circle C. Write a 250-word essay describing your experience. Bolster your visit with additional research to link the project with other green-roof efforts around Texas and around the U.S. (make sure to properly cite any source(s)). How feasible would similar implementations be elsewhere? What sort of impact do you think this green roof has? How does it affect visitors to Starbucks? The local environment? Submit a picture of yourself at the Starbucks Green Roof with your essay. For additional information, see here. Starbucks is located at Slaughter & Escarpment, 9600 Escarpment Blvd, Bldg F 700, Austin, TX 78739, 512-288-2309.
[ Units: 1 ]
TEAM EFFORTS TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
Note that all EAC Portfolio activities (that is, any of the activities described in this section) must be completed by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, November 26, 2008.
See this slide show for additional information on how to join an EAC team.
[OTC] Residence Hall Energy Team
Description: Work with the Energy Task Force to reduce the energy consumption of UT dorm(s).
[ Units: 2 or 4, depending on time invested ]
[OTC] EcoReps Team
Description: Work with CEC’s EcoReps team to communicate with your neighbors about living green in the dorms
[ Units: 2 or 4 , depending on time invested ]
[OTC] Ink Cartridge Recycling team
Description: Work with the Campus Environmental Center’s Ink recycling program to learn about product cycles and the impacts of human consumption
Units: 2 or 4, depending on time invested ]
[OTC] Sustainable food center team
Description: Work with the Sustainable Food Center while learning about sustainable food distribution.
Units: 2 or 4, depending on time invested ]
SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES: COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND RESEARCH
[OTC]
Sustainability, business, and energy team project
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not
limited to): Business and Sustainability portfolio theme
Work with Mr. Jim Woodward, UT-Austin graduate student with
experience in developing cap and trade carbon emissions program for
Wal-Mart. Jim is pursuing degrees in the LBJ School of Public Affairs
and the Energy, Earth Resources Program. The project sequence will go as
follows:
1. Team of 10 students selected
2. Jim will assign background reading
3. Students meet as a group with Jim to discuss possible project ideas
4. Students select project and formulate an outline
5. Students complete project. During project execution, students can
contact Jim on an as-needed basis.
To sign up for this project, send an email to Blair Stanley at blairchild@gmail.com. This project is limited to the first 10 students who apply.
[Units: 1-2 units, depending on project design and execution.]
Presidential
Science
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Scientific Method, Climate, Sustainability of the Oceans
At http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=42, you will find answers to 14 key science questions by McCain and Obama. Compare and contrast the candidate’s positions on the following four sustainability topics. For one of the four topics, find at least two peer-reviewed journal articles that support or refute one of the points made by each candidate.
- Climate change
- Oceans
- Water resources
- Science Education
[Units: 1]
[OTC] Scientific Home Inquiry
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): The Scientific Method, Sustainability of Air Quality, Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustaining Biodiversity, Energy Sustainability.
Description: How long does it take
mayonnaise to go bad if it is left on the counter instead of in the
refrigerator? Where do dust bunnies come from? Do ants like Snickers
or Twinkies better? There is assuredly science taking place in your
home right now that unquestionably necessitates proper analysis and
dissemination. This activity will allow you to explore your home
environment and conduct your own scientific inquiry. Spend some time
observing your environment, including school, home, outdoors, your
favorite restaurant, or the park. Based on your observations, identify
a suitable topic of scientific inquiry, and compose a question that can
be answered on your topic. Some examples are given above, but please
try to constrain your experiment to a topic related to the course
material (i.e., How the Earth works, Human effects on the environment,
etc.). If you have a question about your experiment, please ask or email
your TA.
Once you’ve identified your topic, come up with a hypothesis
and design an experiment to test your hypothesis. This will require
collecting data in a table, analyzing the data, drawing conclusions
based on that analysis, and writing a short report. Your report should
be approximately 3 pages long and should include: a statement on the
observations that you chose to tackle, the question that you address,
your hypothesis (i.e., a potential answer to your question), discussion
of methods, presentation of your data, in the form of a table and/or
graph, photographs of your experiment, discussion of results and a
conclusion. Make sure you follow the scientific method when designing
and performing your experiment.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Track Air Quality Monitoring Data
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): The Scientific Method, Sustainability of Air Quality,
Description: Read about Texas air pollution on the TCEQ website (Ozone Facts and Index: "Air"). Use what you have learned about air pollution and the scientific method to form a hypothesis about air pollution trends in Texas. The TCEQ website allows you to look at air quality monitoring data. Use the data on the website to support or reject your hypothesis. Your write-up of this project should be 3-5 pages (including any graphs or charts). The write-up may include background information, a statement of your hypothesis, the methods you used to test this hypothesis, and a results and discussion section in which you present the data that you have obtained from the website and any analysis you have made of that data.
[ Units: 2, negotiable ] (more if a detailed study; less if only a cursory review)
[OTC] Sustainable Austin.
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Help develop interactive map of sustainable businesses in Austin: CivilizedNation.com is an online educational news organization, focusing on positive stories and successful examples of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices around the world. They are developing an interactive map of Austin (based on the Google map platform) for the varying sustainability-oriented businesses. The locators on the map are color-coded by category, so Austinites can easily locate recycling centers, biodiesel fueling stations, green hotels, organic produce, etc. CivilizedNation seeks assistance in identifying other sustainable business categories that can be placed on the map for the benefit of both those specific businesses and the community. For more information, contact Chris Kocek at chris@civilizednation.com.
[ Units: 1, negotiable ]
[OTC] Watershed Science, Policy and Management Professionals – Interviews
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, The Scientific Method, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: Visit a water management and research agency around Austin to interview a water manager about his or her work and the needs of the field. Ask how they view the concept of sustainability and whether (and how) sustainability concepts are integrated into their work. Compile the results of the interview into a short written report of 250 words. You may choose to work with your classmates and interview several water management professionals; if you work in a group, then, as a group, you should interview the same number of professionals as there are students in your group, and your joint report should use approximately 250 words per interviewee to describe what you learned. The students will be overseen by ESI's Associate Director, Dr. Nelson Guda. Contact Nelson Guda at nelsong@mail.utexas.edu.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] ESI Project Collaboration
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks: All
Description: ESI brings together faculty and students in the life, Earth, physical and social sciences to form a focused, interdisciplinary program of environmental research. Through the Institute, state-of-the-art research and technology is brought to bear on scientific aspects of environmental change, with dissemination of approaches and findings through graduate and undergraduate teaching as well as public outreach. Collaborate as a part of ongoing projects with students and staff of ESI. Contact Nelson Guda and/or Eric James for more information; make sure to cc your TA on all correspondence. State that you are a student enrolled in Sustaining a Planet and are looking to participate in ongoing activities conducted as part of ESI. Inquire whether there are any activities that relate to your given Portfolio theme. For each activity that you complete submit any materials that were generated (e.g., a flyer) or a 250 word report explaining your activity and how it relates to your larger Portfolio theme.
[ Units: 1 or more, depending on activity (negotiable) ]
[OTC] Sustainable Drag.
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Evaluate how a local business
can operate more sustainably. Brainstorm and outline an incentive
structure to encourage a business to be more sustainable (250–500 words:
1–3 sentences describing the business, 2–3 sentences about why the
business is currently not sustainable, 2–4 sentences describing proposed
incentives, modifications, and other ways to increase the business’s
sustainability, 2–4 sentences justifying why you believe your proposal
has the potential to work; 1–2 sentences describing potential problems
with your proposed incentive structure, and 1–2 sentences providing
potential ways to solve these problems.
[ Units: 2, negotiable ]
[OTC] Host a Creek Clean-up
Type of Activity: Self-guided activity
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: Can’t make the Waller Creek clean-up? Organize your own clean-up campaign. Contact the City of Austin to get started. They will provide materials, but you will need to recruit volunteers and organize the clean-up. Take pictures of the creek before and after the clean-up. Turn those pictures into your TA along with a 250-word summary of your experience organizing the clean-up. What was the hardest part? Were there any techniques that you found particularly effective for recruiting helpers? Would you consider your activity a success and would do it again? You are encouraged to do this activity in a group, but each member must submit their own 250 word summary.
[ Units: 2, negotiable ]
For each activity, write a 250 word report and respond to the specific
points and/or questions listed.
[OTC] Spanish-language version of the Ecological Footprint
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Science in the Media, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Create a Spanish-language version of an Ecological Footprint calculator, post it on the Internet, advertise it to your friends, and monitor its popularity. The Discussion Section activity during the week of Oct. 31 will introduce you to this concept; however, feel free to ask your TA for details if you’d like to get going on this project ahead of time.
[ Units: 2, negotiable ]
[OTC] Shower power
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Over a two-week period, time your showers. Find the average time of your showers, calculate the flow rate of your shower head, and compute the average amount of water you use each day for showering. Perform similar calculations using the flow-rate for a water-saving shower head (you will have to research flow rates for typical shower heads in order to do this exercise; make sure to properly cite your sources). Figure out how much you would save each shower if you installed a water-saving shower head. Make sure to report the method and the calculations you used. How does this activity fit in with your larger Portfolio theme? What are some obstacles to promoting the widespread use of water-saving shower heads? How would you propose to overcome these obstacles?
[ Unit: 1 ]
[OTC] 50 ways to save water
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: The city of Austin publishes a list of 50 ways to save water. Some of these may not apply if you live in a dorm or apartment. Choose five items from the list provided and do them for two weeks. Then write 250 words about your experience. Which are you most likely to continue and why? Which do you think would be most easy to implement for a wide segment of the population? How would you promote the water-saving techniques that you tried? How does this relate to your larger Portfolio theme?
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Sustainable Seafood List.
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of the Oceans, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: Create a list of consumable seafood and rank and categorize each according to how each impacts the sustainability of the oceans. For example, endangered or threatened species would rank very low in terms of sustainability. Include reasons for your choices and make sure to properly cite your sources.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Home Air Quality Audit.
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Air Quality
Description: There are several website from which you can obtain information on indoor air pollution (Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resources Board, American Lung Association, Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Read about common sources of indoor air pollution. Then do a survey of your own living space (apartment, house, dorm room) and inventory all of the sources of indoor air pollution. Write ~250 words on what sources you found and what steps you would take to go about improving the indoor air quality in your home. Speculate on how similar the air quality of your living space is to that of the typical living space in Austin. Explain your reasoning.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Home Energy Audit
Type of Activity: Individual footprint
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: Using a template energy-tracking spreadsheet provided to you, keep track of your energy use for two weeks (see example spreadsheet). During the first week, make no changes to your normal routine and record your energy use in the provided spreadsheet. During the second week, change one behavior or other aspect of your energy use and continue to monitor your energy use as you did during the first week. After collecting data for two weeks, analyze the data in your log to determine which appliances and habits require the most energy and which require the least. Submit the energy log (that is, your modified spreadsheet). Specify which aspect of your energy use that you changed during the second week and report how this affected your energy use. Also submit at least one table and one graph (created using Microsoft Excel or Matlab) that visually presents interesting or unique aspects of your energy usage. Paste the graph(s) and table into a Word document and evaluate, in 200–250 words, how you could most effectively reduce your electricity consumption. Comment on which things can be affected by changing your use patterns (e.g., turning off the lights when you leave the room) and which might be most affected by which brand or model you chose to use (e.g., buying an Energy Star refrigerator). For assistance or additional instructions, see your TA.
[ Units: 2 ]
[OTC] Urbanization and Wildlife
Type of Activity: Data collection and monitoring
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustaining Biodiversity, Sustainability of Water Resources, the Scientific Method, Roadmap for a Sustainable lifestyle
Description: This activity may be carried out in conjunction with the field trips outlined above or can be scheduled separately. You will choose one less disturbed natural area and compare the wildlife found there to a site in the heart of the City of Austin at Waller Creek. Appropriate trips to less urbanized areas include St. Edwards Park, Westcave Preserve, and Balcones Canyonlands, but other areas may be allowed at the discretion of the TA. At each of your two sites you will record all wildlife that you encounter and keep a tally of the number of individuals of each species that you observe (field guides can be borrowed from the Life Sciences Library). Take notes on the vegetation at each site as well as the water quality of the streams or creeks in the area. Keep in mind that you will need to commit at least 2 hours of quiet, focused attention at each site in order to obtain a good representation of the organisms present. Submit your recording sheets as excel files along with a 250 word evaluation of the similarities and differences between the wildlife found at the two sites. You will need to use the scientific method when evaluating your data and include a discussion of two hypotheses that may explain your observations and any patterns discovered. In the discussion, assess the likelihood of the hypotheses you present, using points of evidence from your data to support each.
[Units: 2 ]
“Who Killed the Electric Car?”
Type of Activity: Film Screening
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Air Quality, Climate Change, Science in the Media
Description: The video is available at the Engineering Library or at the Flawn Academic Center Audiovisual Library (for both locations, the call number is DVD 5436, see UT Library Catalog for current availability). It is also available at your local video store. Watch the film and write 250 words summarizing the film. Include your opinion what lead to the failure of the electric car and what, if anything, should be done about it.
[ Units: 1 ]
“The Eleventh Hour”
Type of Activity: Film Screening
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Air Quality, Climate Change, Science in the Media
Description: This movie is in theatres this fall (more info). Watch the film and write 250 words summarizing the film. Discuss one aspect of climate change that is covered in this film and evaluate the extent to which the purported facts are a matter of debate vs. consensus in the scientific community. How is the scientific method presented in this class? How do you think this movie will be perceived by audiences?
[ Units: 1 ]
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Air Quality, Climate Change, Science in the Media
Description: On October 27 at 4:00 pm , attend the screening and, in a 250-word essay, describe the main threats to coral reefs today and explain how these are synergistic.
[ Units: 1 ]
“The Unforseen”
Type of Activity: Film Screening
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability and Business, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Water Resources, Science in the Media
Description: Austin director Laura Dunn and her stunning new documentary, The Unforeseen, about growth in Austin and the movement to save Barton Springs. The Unforeseen delves into the history of development in Austin and how development has affected local constituencies. See PBS website to view the film and for additional information. Write a 250 assessment of the film that summarizes the key points, that highlights the issues that you believe are of most importance to you personally, to the city of Austin, and, potentially, in other regions. Was the information presented accurately? How is the scientific method portrayed in the film. Did you encounter any groups that had solutions on how to balance development and the environment?
[ Units: 1 ]
The Cane Toad Documentary: An unnatural history
Type of Activity: Film Screening (Film Available at UT A/V Library (in the FAC)
Potential Portfolio tracks: Sustaining Biodiversity, Sustainable agriculture, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Tragedy of the Commons
Description: Many years ago, Cane Toads were introduced to Australia to help fight pests that were destroying sugar cane crops. This introduction was carried out with good intentions and it was generally thought of as a clever way to fight insects without using dangerous and expensive pesticides. However, Australia is now overrun with these non-native amphibians that have since become major pests themselves. This documentary tells the entire story in a scientific, although very comical way. In 250 words, summarize the documentary. Comment on how the main points of the movie tie-into topics discussed in class or other activities included in your portfolio. Include a discussion of one solution that you yourself came up with to help battle the overpopulation of Cane Toads. The solution must relate to topics we discuss in class and take into account sustainability and preservation of land and the environment.
[ Units: 1 ]
[OTC] Hot Science - Cool Talks Outreach Lectures presented by UT’s Environmental Science Institute
Type of Activity: Live Lectures
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, The Scientific Method, Tragedy of the Commons, Sustainability of Water Resources, Climate Change, Science in the Media, a Portfolio of your own design
Description: Either attend the lecture in person (2 units) or by webcast (1 unit). If you attend in person, make sure to sign in; if you attend via the webcast, you must submit a question for the speaker during the presentation, including your name and email so that you may be identified. Write a 250-word summary of the lecture that relates the subject to your larger Portfolio theme. Briefly explain the aspect(s) of the presentation that you found most important. In addition to summarizing the main points of the lecture, describe one example of how the speaker applied the scientific method. The summary is due within 7 days of the lecture. Send an e-mail to your TA (not the professors) with the summary attached as a word doc and the words “Extra Credit Lecture” and the Lecture date in the subject line. Prelecture Fair precedes each lecture and has interactive exhibits related to the lecture topic; it starts at 5:45 – attend if you’re interested.
[ Units: 2 for each lecture/summary ]
“Giant Ice Sheets Threaten Globe !?: Climate Change and the Greenland Ice Sheet”
Lecture to be given by Dr. Ginny Catania, Friday, September 5, 2008
- 7 PM CT. Welch Hall 2.224.
“Is Your House Killing You?”
Lecture to be given by Dr. Dr. Richard Corsi, Friday, October 10, 2008
- 7 PM CT. Welch Hall 2.224.
“Mission: Search for Life on the
Outer Planets”
Lecture to be given by
Dr. Donald Blankenship, Friday, November 14, 2008 -
7 PM CT. Welch Hall 2.224.
Hot Science, Cool Talks: Web-Archived Lectures
Type of Activity: Archived Lectures
Potential Portfolio tracks depend on the lecture. They may include (but are not limited to): The Scientific Method, Sustainability of the Oceans, Climate Change, Sustainability of Water Resources, Science in the Media, Tragedy of the Commons, Energy Sustainability, etc.
Description: Outreach Lectures that were sponsored by the Environmental Science Institute are archived at ESI Lectures Archive Webpage. Scroll down the website to the lecture in which you are interested to download the video and lecture slides. Watch the lecture at your convenience and write a 250-word summary of the presentation that includes a description of how the lecture relates to your larger Portfolio theme. Briefly explain the aspect(s) of the presentation that you found most important. In addition to summarizing the main points of the lecture, describe one example of how the speaker applied the scientific method. Your summary should include a well reasoned assessment of the reliability of the information presented by the speaker. Your summary should also address any additional questions that are listed within the descriptions of the talk.
[ Units: 1 for each lecture/summary ]
“Voyage of the Turtle”
Lecture presented by Dr. Carl Safina. Originally presented on April 27,
2007.
“The History and Future of Whales”
Lecture presented by Dr.
Stephen R. Palumbi. Originally given on November 16, 2006. How can DNA be used as
evidence for the history of the evolution of whales? What are the
greatest threats to their future? Why are whales cool?
“Choosing Our Future:
Greenhouse Gases or Green Homes?”
Lecture presented by
Rich MacMath. Originally presented on February 9, 2007.
“Come Ice or High
Water: How Will Global Warming Affect Antarctic Ice Sheets and Sea
Levels?”
Lecture presented by Dr. David Vaughan. Originally given on Wednesday,
March 28, 2007.
“Is Climate Change
Increasing Hurricane Activity?”
Lecture presented by Dr. Kerry A. Emanuel. Originally given on October
5, 2006. What data indicate that
hurricanes have been increasing in intensity as a consequence of global
warming?
“Brave New Ocean”
Lecture presented by Dr. Jeremy Jackson. Originally given on March 23,
2006. Discuss the ‘synergistic’
nature of human impacts on the oceans. In response to an audience
member’s question, what does Jackson think about humans’ ability to
change their consumptive lifestyles?
“Austin's Power:
Green Power is Clean and Renewable”
Lecture presented by
Mark Kapner. Originally given Febraury 13, 2004.
“Ice Adventures
Tracking Evidence of Abrupt Climate Change across the Tropics”
Lecture presented by Dr. Lonnie Thompson. Originally given on April 15,
2005.
“Science in the
Movies: The Science Behind Stunts & Special Effects”
Lecture presented by Steve Wolf. Originally presented February 4, 2005.
“Big Beautiful Sky:
The State and Future of Texas Air”
Lecture presented by Dr. David Allen. Originally presented September 5,
2003. What are the challenges to
achieving healthy air quality in central Texas, according? What causes
very high ozone concentrations in Houston?
Sustaining a Planet Class Lectures
Type of Activity: Lecture
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): All.
Description: Write a 250 word summary of the
class lecture that is most closely related to the topic addressed by
your Portfolio. How did Dr. Banner or Dr. Allen incorporate the
scientific method within their presentation? What implications do the
lecture topic have for sustainability on a local scale? On a national
scale? A maximum of ONE class lecture may be summarized per
Portfolio.
[ Units: 1 ]
Coral Reef Adventure
Type of Activity: LecturePotential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap for a Sustainable Lifestyle, Sustainability of Air Quality, Climate Change, Science in the Media
Description: On Oct. 20 at 5:30 pm (room TBA), attend a lecture and screening and, in a 250-word essay, describe the main threats to coral reefs today and explain how these are synergistic.[ Units: 1 ]
Book Reviews
Read one or more of the designated readings and for each write a 250-word summary. The summary should include a discussion of how it relates to other components of your Portfolio and address the specific questions asked in the descriptions of the readings.
Units: 1 per book unless specified otherwise
Read and review Coal, by Barbara Freese.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Energy Sustainability, Tragedy of the Commons, Sustainability of Air Quality, Climate Change
Description: This book explores the ways in which the use of coal has affected the political, social, and economic history of Western civilization as well the likelihood that it will in the very near future have profound impacts on the entire world. The use of coal has in the past and has the potential in the future to 1) catalyze change in environmental policy 2) influence technology development, and 3) shift economic balances of power. Read the book and then write a 250 word report that describes one significant historical instance and one possible future instance for each of these situations.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review
Collapse by Jared Diamond.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Tragedy of the Commons, The Scientific Method, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: This book examines the evidence for how and why several ancient civilizations failed to sustain themselves. Read the book, then write a 250 word report that 1) summarizes Diamond's findings about elements that are common to and different between different civilizations; 2) describes the cause of Easter Island's collapse; 3) discusses differences between Easter Island and Earth Island. Consider pairing this activity with a review of the New York Times Review of Collapse.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review the Review of Collapse, by Gregg Easterbrook.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Tragedy of the Commons, Science in the Media, The Scientific Method
Description: Discuss Easterbrook's New York Times Book Review of Collapse in terms of why we shouldn't be as worried as Diamond seems to think we should be. What is reviewer’s thesis regarding the solution to a collapse of our present civilization not considered by Diamond? Consider pairing this activity with a review of the book itself.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review
Diet for a New America by John Robbins.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of the Oceans, Energy Sustainability, Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: This book details the impact of the average American's diet on our health, the health of animals, and the health of our environment. Read the book, then write a 250 word report that summarizes the basic findings of Robbins regarding the human health risks and the environmental consequences of meat production and consumption. Since its publication in 1987, how have the major environmental problems associated with this industry changed?
[ Units: 2 ]
Read and review Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: This book details the impact of the fast food industry on our environment, our health, and our society as a whole. Read the book, then write a 250 word report that summarizes the basic findings of Schlosser regarding the human health risks and the environmental consequences of the fast food industry.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review Encounters with the Archdruid, by John McPhee
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Tragedy of the Commons, Sustainability and Business, Roadmap to a Sustainable Lifestyle
Description: This book is a set of three narratives involving situations where economic development is in conflict with environmental concerns. Read the book and then write a 250 word report succinctly explaining the pro-environment and pro-development positions in each of the three stories. In addition, describe what you believe overall to be the most persuasive argument; comment on whether you think this argument would be more likely to change or solidify the opinions held by the general reader prior to reading the book.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.
[Units: 2]
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Tragedy of the Commons
Description: Summarize the story and main points made by the author. Discuss the author’s contention, as expressed by a gorilla, regarding the historical origins of the Tragedy of the Commons.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review Living Downstream by Sandra Steingraber (1997)
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Tragedy of the Commons, The Scientific Method, Sustainability Sustainability and Business
Description: This book documents the connections between the release of toxic substances into the environment and the incidence of cancer. Read the book, then write a 250 word report that 1) summarizes the basic approach of Steingraber's investigations, and 2) details the connections, using words and a diagram, between a particular toxin's production/use and its impact on human health.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review
State of Fear by Michael Crichton.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): The Scientific Method, Sustainability, Science in the Media, Climate Change
Description: Crichton’s latest novel is about a professor at MIT who battles a group of ecological terrorists who create seemingly natural disasters to call attention to these environmental problems. Crichton makes two arguments in this book that have received wide attention in the public arena: 1) global warming is probably not occurring, because the evidence for it is weak, and 2) too many people just claim that global warming is occurring and do not rigorously examine the data for or against it. Read the book, summarize it and evaluate each of the author’s two contentions in 250 words.
[ Units: 1 ]
Read and review both
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and “FINDINGS; Fateful Voice of a
Generation Still Drowns Out Real Science,” a critical book review by
John Tierney published June 5, 2007 in the New York Times.
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Sustainability of Water Resources, Tragedy of the Commons, The Scientific Method, Science in the Media, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: Silent Spring is often credited with catalyzing the modern environmental movement. It is one of the first instances where presentation of scientific evidence in the popular press resulted in a significant change in environmental policy, specifically a ban on the pesticide DDT. Read the book and then write a 300-word report 1) describing two consequences of using DDT (as described by the author) and 2) listing the key pieces of scientific information or data used to support these conclusions. Evaluate the claims of Tierney by assessing the validity of claims, such as “It's often asserted that the severe restrictions on DDT and other pesticides were justified in rich countries like America simply to protect wildlife. But even that is debatable (see here), and in any case, the chemophobia inspired by Ms. Carson's book has been harmful in various ways. The obsession with eliminating minute risks from synthetic chemicals has wasted vast sums of money: environmental experts complain that the billions spent cleaning up Superfund sites would be better spent on more serious dangers." Who is right? How can you tell?
[ Units: 2 ]
Read and review both The Population Bomb by Paul Ehrlich and The Ultimate Resource by Julian Simon
Potential Portfolio tracks include (but are not limited to): Tragedy of the Commons, The Scientific Method, Science in the Media, Sustaining Biodiversity
Description: The Population Bomb was a best seller in 1968 and made the controversial argument that overpopulation would lead to mass starvation in the 1970s and 1980s. The Ultimate Resource offered an alternate view stating that humans will not run out of resources and suggested that an increasing population was a benefit to society. Read both books and write a 500 word summary of the two arguments. How does this debate between these two prominent professors demonstrate the scientific method in progress? Although Ehrlich’s predictions of mass starvation did not come to pass (the widespread adoption of fertilizers and pesticides increased the world’s food production capacity in what has been called the “green revolution”) the argument still continues today about whether Ehrlich’s predictions are still relevant. Whose theories do you agree with? Was Ehrlich’s premise wrong? Or did the “green revolution” simply postpone a coming catastrophe?
[ Units: 2 ]
Journal Article Reviews
Potential Portfolio tracks: All
Description: See this link to find a
Journal Article. Scientific journals can be viewed online through
the UT library website (enter using UT Direct) or obtained by going to
the UT libraries in person. Choose an article that has been published in
the last year from one of the journals listed below. Read the article
and then provide a written review (250 words) which includes an article
summary, an analysis of the significance of the article (why is it
important?), and a brief discussion of whether you thought the article
did a good job of applying the scientific method. Please make sure that
you review a research or review article (in which scientific results are
presented) and not a commentary or op-ed piece. Obtain your TA’s
approval of your article selection before completing this activity.
Here is an
example article (you
may not use this one as your selection).
[ Units: 1 ]
Science
Nature
Atmospheric Environment
Journal of Geophysical Research – Atmospheres
Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association
Aerosol Science and Technology
Indoor Air
Journal of Industrial Ecology
Journal of Cleaner Production
Environmental Geology
Clean technologies and environmental policy
Amphibian Decline: The canary in the coal-mine.
Type of activity: Literature review
Potential portfolio tracks: Sustaining biodiversity, global warming, land management, pollution
Description: Amphibians, especially frogs, are disappearing at an alarming rate all over the world. This issue is a hot topic in the biological sciences and reasons for the decline are frequently debated in the literature. Choose five, peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss global amphibian decline. In 250 words summarize the main points of the articles and discuss at least two of the numerous hypotheses proposed to explain the disappearance of amphibians. In your discussion be sure to relate amphibian decline to the major topics discussed in class and in your own words describe how amphibians are “the canary in the coal-mine” for the rest of biological life on Earth. You will need to include citations for your articles at the end of the essay. Before beginning this activity, obtain your TA’s approval for the journal articles that you select.
[ Units: 2 ]
Activities linked in the list below may be used for extra credit. A maximum of 10 extra credit points may be earned for the semester. Activities not linked on this list may not be used to earn extra credit.
1. Any guided field trips (more info)
2. Any outreach lectures (more info)
3. Sustainability and Business Speak Series (SBSS) talks (more info)
4. One book from the list included in Independent Reading section (more info)