This assignment was new in 2006 and is still being modified. It was the result of Dr. Dixon's attending a workshop for instructors of Environmental Science. Please e-mail him with comments.

The assignment passed out in class is included below. We are working on a list of suggestions. The list is short at the moment but check back for more suggestions.

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“Willful waste brings woeful want.”

Dr. Thomas Fuller (1654 - 1734)

One central idea that all students should learn in an environmental science class is how dependent we are on the Earth’s assets.  Many resources that we take for granted are limited.  Most people, regardless of political philosophy, would agree that waste is wrong and causes the loss of material, time and money.  Many environmental problems can be seen as a form of waste.  Pollution wastes valuable resources by making them less useful.  Conservation seeks to minimize waste.

“Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all - the apathy of human beings.”

Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)

As you better understand the effect that we are having on the Earth it is easy to just shake your head when you think of the problems we have caused and the troubles ahead of us.  It is easy to look at others as the cause of these problems and feel that there is nothing that you can do. 

Recognizing that problems exist is the first step in rectifying them.  In this assignment we are asking you to identify a problem and start the process of acting on it.

“The only cure for grief is action.”

George Henry Lewes (1817 – 1878)

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This lab assignment is due later in the semester.
Make sure you know the due date.

Overview

Identify a SPECIFIC example of a local environmental problem.  Not a vague problem, like air pollution or endangered species, but one specific example, such as a leaky faucet, a sprinkler that is watering a sidewalk, unnecessary lights left on, wasted air conditioning or disposing of recyclables.

Then, figure out who is responsible and write a letter informing them of the problem. This person cannot be you, your roommate or a family member.  

We will not know if you actually send this letter, that is up to you.  We hope that we have started you to think about your environment and the affect that each of us has on it, for better or for worse.

Assignment

To earn credit for this “laboratory” activity, be prepared to turn in the following at the beginning of your lab section.  There is no make-up lab.  You must talk to your instructor about the implications of missing this week’s lab.

Turn in a letter you wrote to an individual or business.  Whether or not you send this letter is up to you.  Below is a format you might use.

Dear (a specific person, NOT "President of ACME Industries")

 

First Paragraph (1-2 sentences): Explain why you're writing. Make sure to convey your concern. Be specific in describing the problem that you identified.  State what the problem is and where it is located.  Use street addresses, names of commercial buildings, room numbers (on campus) etc.

 

Second Paragraph (2-3 sentences): State why you think that the situation you observed is a problem.  Include:

     An explanation in your own words of why you think that the situation you observed is a problem.

     A quote from your textbook (with page number) that supports that whatever it is you observed is an environmental problem.

 

Third Paragraph (1-2 sentences): Conclusion. Use the final paragraph to sum up your letter. This is a good time to incorporate the idea that waste is expensive. You might also suggest a solution to the problem or an alternative.

 

Name, Contact information: Always include in your letter a way that you can be reached.

In Lab

During your lab period you will be asked to explain to the rest of your class the problem you identified. This short oral report is worth 10% of your grade.

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NOTE:  This is NOT a group activity.  We expect each of you to complete this assignment individually.