• Soil Science Simplified, 4^th edition(1995) by Helmut Kohnke and D.P. Franzmeier
• Streamkeeper’s Field Guide (2001) by Tom Murdoch and Martha Cheo (Adopt a Stream Foundation)
• In addition, the instructors will provide lab teams with an environmental science textbook to use as a resourse.

Other Usefull Texts:(Not required or provided at the Bookstore)

• Environmental Science: A Self Teaching Guide (2005) by Barbara Murck
• Communicating in Geography and Environmental Sciences, 3^rd edition (2006) by Iain Hay
• Also see the Environmental Science 100 Reading List for other interesting books

Materials:

Course Overview: This course focuses on two major topics: (1) how to collect and analyze environmental data using different techniques/methods and (2) how to effectively summarize and communicate scientific results.  An alternative title for the class would be “How to do Environmental Science – Save the data, save the world”. See the official Bellevue College Outcomes for the Environmental Science 207.

Lecture: Attendance will not be taken in lecture; however, most class periods will involve discussions, exercises, and team/lab work that will count towards your grade, so it is highly recommended that you do attend!  Makeups will not be allowed. It is in your best interest to complete the assigned readings before lecture. Interaction, questions, and discussions are encouraged and expected. Cell phones, talking in class, recurring late arrivals, and other disruptions are distracting to other students and the instructor and will not be tolerated during class time. Recurring problems will be reported to the Dean of Student Services and can result in suspension and/or loss of credit.

Readings: Each week there will be about 50 pages of reading from various sources (including the required books for the class, handouts, and online publications). A complete (and up-to-date) list of the weekly reading assignments can be found on the class web site.  You should plan to visit the site regularly in order to keep up on class readings.

Projects/Labs: The main focus of this class will be on how science is done, therefore, practical lab exercises and projects will constitute the majority of your grade.  Projects will involve posing questions, collecting data (setting up experiments, making observations, creating field maps, etc.), analyzing data (graphing, using computer software, calculating error, etc.), drawing conclusions, and reporting your results (papers, presentations, press releases, etc.)  Data collection will involve field trips to nearby sites. Thursday will be our main lab day however we will do some sort of lab work almost every day in class. Keep in mind that later labs may require that you draw on data from earlier field trips.  So keep good lab notes! Furthermore, major projects will be synthesized and turned in as group projects, so be prepared to form a research team early in the quarter. Don't let your team down - keep in touch, share information, come to class, and do your share of the teamwork! Group assignments will be graded as a whole, however, individuals who do not participate in part of the exercise (miss a work day, don’t contribute to the report, etc.) will receive reduced credit.

Greenhouse Experiment: You will be conducting a longterm (about 7 weeks) experiment in the greenhouse. Plants will need to be monitored and cared for throughout the duration of the experiment (including weekends if conditions require). Failure to care for your plants could jeopardize your experiment and negatively impact your grade.

Exercises/Discussions: Throughout the quarter we will complete several short exercises, including a variety of short in-class and take-home assignments. At least two assignments will involve a class discussion about a current environmental science issue -based on readings from current scientific journals. These articles will come from reliable science magazines and peer-reviewed journals.  Each person will be responsible for reading the articles, preparing some material before class and helping to lead the class discussion.  Your grade will be based on any pre-discussion assignments and participation in the class discussion.  (More information will be provided.)

Quizzes:  There will be 2 "quizzes" during the quarter.  Since this class focuses on techniques and hands-on experience, quizzes will be a less significant part of your grade than the lab exercises. But quizzes are still important and should be taken seriously. Quizzes will be mainly “lab practicals”, testing your ability to use these techniques. There are no makeup quizzes so note quiz dates carefully.

Important Note: All assignments are due on the dates assigned, and will receive reduced credit if turned in late.  Assignments will not receive any credit if turned in more than two days late. All assignments should be typed.  Handwritten assignments will be returned for resubmittal.

Extra Credit, Make-ups, Incompletes: Opportunities for one or two extra credit assignments will be offered during the quarter. We do not allow any other type of extra credit, make-ups, or incompletes.

Special Needs Students: Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office, room B233-G (telephone 425.564.2498 or TTY 425.564.4110), to establish their eligibility for accommodation.  The DRC office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter. Students who require accommodation in class must review the DRC accommodation letter with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. Students with mobility challenges who may need assistance in case of an emergency situation or evacuation should register with Disability Resource Center, or review those needs with the instructor as well. (The DRC website is linked to the main BC website: http://bellevuecollege.edu.)

Science Division Policy on Cheating: You, the student, are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. If you cheat*, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust.  If you cheat, the following actions will be taken:

*Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or assignments, glancing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, stealing, plagiarizing, and illicitly giving or receiving help on exams or assignments.

Want to earn morn than 6 credits?

There are several additional seminars/independent study projects you can participate in that compliment this class. See me for more information.

v    Current Issues in Environmental Science Seminar (Envsc 281) - This quarter we will focus on water use and water pollution in the United States. Class meets every other Monday from 2:30-4:20 (organizational meeting, Monday, September 28, 2:30-3:00). (1 credit) Also meets winter and spring.

v    Salmon Watching - Help the City of Bellevue monitor the salmon population in local streams by making weekly observations throughout the quarter. Make your own schedule (organizational meeting, TBA). (1 credit)

v    Get more basic information on environmental issues from Environmental Science 100: Ecology and the Biosphere.  Meets daily at 9:30 and TTh at 12:30 this quarter.

v    Follow up this course in Winter or Spring quarter with an independent study project. Set up your own experiment/study using the techniques you’ve learned to study the local environment. (1-3 credits)

Check the Day-to-Day Calendar on a regular basis for an outline of topics covered