Sunday, December 9, 2007

APes Outline for Final

APes Final Outline

Unit 1: History of Humans & The Environment

Tragedy of the Commons
Easter Island
Jared Diamond- “The biggest mistake in the history of the human race”

Brief history of land use in the US
Ecological Footprint

Unit 2: Human Population
RLF, TRF, BR, DR
Doubling time
Population growth
Age Structure Diagrams
Demographic Transition
Case Studies (Chapter 9)

Unit 3: Ecology

Levels of organization
Keystone species
Energy flow & food webs
biological magnification
native & invasive species
primary productivity of ecosystems
GPP, NPP
Laws of Thermodynamics (1st & 2nd)
Matter Cycles (C, S, P, Water, N)
Primary Productivity of Ecosystems
Invasive Species project
Biome Project
Chapter 3, Chapter 4 (Biodiversity), Chapter 5

Unit 4: Air Pollution

Structure of atmosphere
Ozone (good & bad)
Major Air Pollutants (CO, CO2, NO, SO2, particulate matter, VOCs and ozone)
smog and photochemical smog
Temperature inversions
Acid deposition , harmful effects of acid deposition
Indoor air pollution-developing vs. developed countries
Radon, Formaldehyde, Particulates, Asbestos, CO, Tobacco smoke, Pesticide residues)
SBS (Sick building syndrome)
Health effects of air pollution
Preventing & Reducing air pollution
Clean Air Act
Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gases
Global Warming
Factors affecting the earth's temperature
Effects of Global Warming
Chapter 19 & Chapter 20

Biomimicry: Chapter 1, 2 & 7
Cradle to Cradle

Saturday, December 8, 2007

APes- Review Materials

Some Notes/Terms from the Fall
(Not comprehensive, but good start!)

Vocab Terms

(Not comprehensive, but almost...)

Jeopardy Review Game

Review Outline to be up by Monday the 10th!

Journals: 8 total

2 required:

Class Quadrat Study
A walk in the woods

Remaining entries:
Reflections on any topics we have covered.
Environmental world, local news.
Bioneers or Democracy Conference reflection.
Cradle to Cradle reflection.
Practice Final exam essay responses.
Reflection on what you have learned this fall and what you hope to still learn in this class.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Electronic Recycling!

FYI:

Alameda County Computer Resource Center


From the ACCRC web page
"Got old computers or other electronics?


We'll take it! We will recycle anything that you can plug into a power outlet. This means we will recycle your computer, VCR, television, copy machine, and even your microwave and toaster, but not your large appliances such as a washing machine or refrigerator. When you give us your computer, you will receive a tax write-off, and we will attempt to fix your equipment and then give it away to someone who is unable to afford to buy a computer. If we are unable to reuse your equipment, it will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

To donate your equipment, simply bring it to us during our open hours. No appointment is needed. Nothing is too old or too broken. We only charge fees for degaussing and for non-local pick-ups."

Marin Computer Resource Center


From web page:
"# MCRC keeps hazardous electronics waste out of the landfill.
# We are an authorized eWaste collector by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. CEWID #100285.
# We give away electronics that we refurbish and test to schools libraries, non-profits, and the disadvantaged.
# Nothing shipped overseas except tested, working equipment donated to international recipients of our refurbished equipment. Save The World!
# MCRC helps Bay Area companies to safely, legally, and economically convert formerly dangerous garbage into something useful for your - and our - neighbors.
We now accept small appliances such as Microwaves, Toaster Ovens, Blenders, and Coffee-Makers PROVIDED THEY ARE CLEAN. (no "science projects", please!)"

Monday, December 3, 2007

APes Assignments Week of December 4th!

"Environmental Crisis & the Search for a Politics That Work"
In class mini Project
Dec. 4 & Dec. 6


Due: End of Class December 6th

Groups of 2!

1. Study/Read RCRA & PP packet.
2. Analyze RCRA, PP and Cradle to Cradle techniques
3. Present the following things by the end of class on Thursday, December 6th:

a. Define RCRA (text pg. 534)
B. Define Precautionary Principle (text pg. 432)

c. Write a reflection/response/reaction showing specifically how Bill McDonough & Michael Braungart would react to the article "Routine Regulatory Failure". Be specific. Use quotes from the texts when necessary.

d. Likewise write a reflection/response/reaction showing specifically how Bill McDonough & Michael Braungart would react to San Francisco's adoption of the Precautionary Principle. Again be specific and use quotes from text when necessary.