SCI207 WEEK1 Discussion

As you have learned in the readings, extinction is a natural selection process. You have also read that humans are often responsible for accelerating this process. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, address whether or not we as humans should be concerned with the extinction rate. Additionally, discuss whether or not humans should strive to preserve representative samples of all biomes on the planet. Before beginning your discussion, watch the video “Choosing Articles and Revising Searches,” which defines the difference between scholarly, reputable, and non-reputable resources.

Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric that will be used to evaluate

Overview

Assignment	Due Date	Format	Grading Percent
Post Your Introduction	Day 1	Discussion	1
Discussion 1: Biomes and Diversity	Day 3 (1st post)	Discussion	3
Laboratory: Introduction to Science	Day 7	Laboratory	6
Assignment: Environmental Footprint	Day 7	Assignment	5

Note: The online classroom is designed to time students out after 90 minutes of inactivity. Because of this, we strongly suggest that you compose your work in a word processing program and copy and paste it into the discussion post when you are ready to submit it.

Learning Outcomes

This week students will: 

1. Evaluate the relationship between human population growth and long-term environmental sustainability.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, data analysis, and lab reporting techniques.
3. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of household actions on individual carbon footprints.

    

Introduction

The first week will provide an introduction to science, including detailed information on ecosystems and human population dynamics. You will be introduced to the scientific method and develop a working knowledge of this approach through the first lab assignment. Additionally, you will begin to develop an understanding of human impacts on the environment through an interactive footprint assignment.

Required Resources

Required Text

1. Contemporary Environmental Issues
   1. Chapter 1: Ecosystems
   2. Chapter 2: Human Population Dynamics

Lab Kit

Please purchase the Lab Kit from the Ashford University Bookstore.

1. Lab 1: Introduction to Science

Multimedia

1. AshfordScience. (2013, July 10). How to formulate a hypothesis [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2fbzWZDmA
2. Global Footprint Network. (2011, September 8). Footprint calculator [Interactive calculator]. Retrieved from http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
   • Use the interactive calculator to calculate your resource consumption in order to successfully complete this week’s assignment, “Environmental Footprint.”
     Accessibility Statement does not exist.
     Privacy Policy does not exist.
     
3. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, July 31). Household carbon footprint calculator [Interactive calculator]. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html

• Use the interactive calculator to calculate your greenhouse gas emissions in order to successfully complete this week’s assignment, “Environmental Footprint.”
  Accessibility Statement
  Privacy Policy

Supplemental Materials

1. Selhorst, A. (2013). Environmental footprint reporting form [Word file]. College of Liberal Arts. Ashford University.
   • You will need this form in order to successfully complete this week’s assignments, “Environmental Footprint.”
2. Selhorst, A. (2013). Week one lab reporting form [Word file]. College of Liberal Arts. Ashford University.
   • You will need this form in order to successfully complete this week’s laboratory, “Introduction to Science.”

Recommended Resource

Website

1. United States Census Bureau. (2013). International programs. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/population/international/
   • This website provides support for understanding the relationships between population growth, extinction, and biodiversity.
     

Post Your Introduction
To post your introduction, go to this week’s Post Your Introduction link in the left navigation.

Please post a brief introduction on the first day of class and discuss why you are interested in environmental studies. Why are you taking this class? Have you had any experiences related to the environment and a sustainable world that have prompted your interest in the topic? Respond to at least three of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

Discussion
To participate in the following discussion, go to this week’s Discussion link in the left navigation.

1. Biomes and Diversity

   As you have learned in the readings, extinction is a natural selection process. You have also read that humans are often responsible for accelerating this process. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, address whether or not we as humans should be concerned with the extinction rate. Additionally, discuss whether or not humans should strive to preserve representative samples of all biomes on the planet. Before beginning your discussion, watch the video “Choosing Articles and Revising Searches,” which defines the difference between scholarly, reputable, and non-reputable resources.

   Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

   Carefully review the Grading Rubric that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

   
   

   In this class, you have three tutoring services available: Paper Review, Live Chat, and Tutor E-mail. Click on the Ashford Writing Center (AWC) tab in the left-navigation menu to learn more about these tutoring options and how to get help with your writing.

Laboratory
To complete the following journal entry, go to this week’s Laboratory link in the left navigation.

Introduction to Science

Carefully review the Grading Rubric before beginning the assignment.

Before you begin this assignment, watch the How to Formulate a Hypothesis video. Then, read “Lab 1: Introduction to Science.” This lab includes several critical thinking activities that focus on the scientific method, lab reporting, and data collection and management. Once you have completed the reading, utilize this information to answer all of the Exercise 1 questions on the Week One Lab Reporting Form. Make sure to complete all of the following items before submission:

1. Read through the introductory material and watch the How to Formulate a Hypothesis video.
2. Answer Exercise 1 Questions 1 through 8 in complete sentences on the Week One Lab Reporting Form.

Submit the Week One Lab Reporting Form via Waypoint. The document does not need to include a title page or other APA formatting; however, any outside sources utilized in your answers must be referenced in proper APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.  

Late Policy: Written assignments (essays, journals, presentations) are due on the specified days in the course. Written assignments will be subject to a late penalty of up to 10% per day up to three days late. If written assignments are submitted after 72 hours past the due date, instructors can give a penalty up to and including a grade of 0 for the assignment.

Assignment
To complete the following assignment, go to this week’s Assignment link in the left navigation. 

Environmental Footprint

Carefully review the Grading Rubric before beginning the assignment.

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about how connected you are to the ecosystems and biosphere that you inhabit. You will learn how your everyday choices impact our environment. Most importantly, you will learn about the benefits of joining the increasing number of people who are making choices that reduce their environmental impact.

First, calculate your ecological footprint. (If you are having difficulty getting any of the proper information from the calculator, you may need to try a different web browser.  For instance, if you are using Google Chrome you may need to use Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla, etc. If you are using one of these and are experiencing difficulties, you may need to try Google Chrome, etc.)

1. Use the Footprint Calculator to measure your ecological footprint and learn “how many Earths” it takes to support your lifestyle. Be sure to choose the “detailed response” option for each question.
2. Answer each question in the quiz honestly and record your answers and results in the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form.

Second, calculate your household carbon emissions.

1. Use the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator to measure your carbon emissions and determine your environmental impact and the benefits of solutions.
   • Section 1: Estimate your current total household emissions (from home energy use, vehicle use, waste).
   • Section 2: Explore actions you can take to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and waste disposal costs.
   • Section 3: See how much you can save (in dollars and emissions) by taking the actions you chose in Section 2.
2. Answer each question in the quiz honestly and record your answers and results in the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form. Complete Tables A and B as well as assignment questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form.

Complete Tables A and B as well as Questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form and submit the document via Waypoint. The document does not need to include a title page or other APA formatting; however, if you utilize any outside sources in your answers, you must reference these sources in proper APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.  

In this class, you have three tutoring services available: Paper Review, Live Chat, and Tutor E-mail. Click on the Ashford Writing Center (AWC) tab in the left-navigation menu to learn more about these tutoring options and how to get help with your writing.

Late Policy: Written assignments (essays, journals, presentations) are due on the specified days in the course. Written assignments will be subject to a late penalty of up to 10% per day up to three days late. If written assignments are submitted after 72 hours past the due date, instructors can give a penalty up to and including a grade of 0 for the assignment.