ES 122 - Introduction to Environmental Inquiry

Semester Hours: 2

Students participating in this course study a local/regional environmental issue of interest. When appropriate, the study is a service learning project, done in collaboration with a non-profit organization to provide meaningful community service. The approach is inquiry-based, in which students are mentored on the design and implementation of a study based on a question that they have developed in consultation with a faculty mentor and/or collaborating professionals. The study includes field work, lab work, library research, and/or other data collection methods, performed with guidance by the faculty member and/or collaborating professionals. Scientific data and/or other information from the inquiry is compiled and analyzed in consultation with the faculty mentor and/or collaborating professionals to draw conclusions regarding the original question of interest. The faculty member facilitates student learning the context of the environmental issue of interest including scientific, societal, political and economic factors. The project culminates in a public presentation of the environmental inquiry given by the students and a written reflection on the experience.