Topic: Introduction to the Course; a Brief History of Environmental Disasters

Your Homework:
1. Read through the syllabus & the course schedule. Note the dates of the exams and plan to be here for them.
2. Read the Preface & Chapter 1 of Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Advanced Warning! If you don't have the instruction manual for your graphing calculator, go about trying to find one that you can borrow.. If you have any cords for sharing information between calculators and computers, please get ahold of them. In previous years, students often left these items back at home. If you did, please arrange to have these items mailed to you now so you'll be ready when you need them in a couple of weeks.

Topic: Measurement and Units
Reading: Chapter 1 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Activity Point Opportunity
Assignment name: MOVIE
Due Date: anytime before Oct. 8 (worth 10 activity points - submit on Moodle)

Watch ONE approved movie (that you haven't already seen!) with an environmental or mathematical theme. Submit a one page response essay to me via the Moodle Website. In this response, discuss your personal reaction and thoughts about the movie, the issues addressed in the movie, the way that the movie addressed these issues, how it could have been more effective, etc. Consider yourself a movie reviewer! Several of these movies are available in the Dinand Library and I also have many of them available in my office for you to borrow. Please bring new movies to my attention - I'm always open to expanding this list.

Approved movie list:
The 11th Hour
A Beautiful Mind
A Brief History of Time
A Civil Action
The Constant Gardener
An Inconvenient Truth
Blue Vinyl
Contact
Erin Brockovich
Good Will Hunting
Gorrillas in the Mist
Hoot
The Mirror has Two Faces
Norma Rae
Oil on Ice
Proof
Sneakers
Straw Dogs
Who Killed the Electric Car

HOW TO SUBMIT ON MOODLE : Many assignments this semester will be submitted to me electronically through Moodle. To do so, write the document up in Word or save as a PDF file. Then log onto Moodle by clicking the LOGIN box off of the main holycross webpage at http://www.holycross.edu. The title or subject of your document must follow the format of "Last Name _ Assignment Number". For example, if I were going to submit this first assignment, I would title the document and the submission as "Roberts_MOVIE". Keep a copy of what you submit, in case there is a problem. Please note that the title of your file may not contain any special characters (such as #). **MORE INSTRUCTIONS NEED TO BE ADDED**

Check it Out: You can rent a zip car here on campus by the hour! Here's the information:
http://www.holycross.edu/publicaffairs/press_releases/2007-2008/07_10_03
http://www.zipcar.com/holycross/

Topic: Ratios and Percentages
Reading: Chapter 2 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 1 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)
You can find the templates for each Problem Set under Course Materials in Moodle. Write your answers directly on the template. Make sure to fill out the front page by listing any sources you consulted outside of your textbook and instructor. Turn in the assignment at the start of class by placing it into the box on the table in the front of the classroom.

Project Alternative (Deadline Dec 1): You can replace one of your project grades by reading an approved book and writing a 3 page paper. If you choose to do this, upload a copy of your paper as a WORD file on Moodle before 3:00 PM on November 24th. The paper should be an interesting analysis, not just a summary of the book's content. You must include appropriate references. Most of these titles are available in my office for you to borrow and are available in the library. Please be especially careful about plagiarism -- portions of your paper may be run through a system that compares it to materials on the internet, so use your own words and thoughts. The approved books are as follows:

A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr ISBN 0-679-77267-7
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson ISBN 0-618-24906-0
Living Downstream by Sandra Steingraber ISBN 0-375-70099-4
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond ISBN 0-14-303655-6
Deciet and Denial: The Deadly Politics of Industrial Pollution by Gerald Markowitz and David Rosner ISBN 0-520-21749-7
When Good Companies do Bad Things: Responsibility and Risk in an Age of Globalization by Peter Schwartz ISBN 0-471-32332-2
Chaos: Making a New Science by James Gleik ISBN 0-670-81178-5

Topic: Ratios and Percentages
Reading: Chapter 2 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Project 1 due (worth 25 project points, not activity points)
Chapter 1 Project: Melting of the Ice Caps
Where to Find it: Check under Course Materials on Moodle, or visit the text website at http://www.enviromath.com. Help is available at http://www.enviromath.com/ProjectHelp.htm
Guidelines: You may work alone or with one partner. Turn in one project with two names if this is the case. It is my strong preference that you try to fit your answers into the space provided on the Project itself. If you are filling answers in on the form, you can handwrite. Otherwise, project must be typed as much as possible. You can use Equation Editor in Microsoft Word to type any equations. If your solution includes maps or figures, you may include them as attachments on separate pages if you make it clear in the main body of your report where to find them. Write on only one side of the page. Attach an extra piece of paper at the end that includes a complete set of references you consulted, as well as a list the names of any other students or people you consulted when working on this project. Turn in the assignment at the start of class by placing it into the box on the table in the front of the classroom.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points): You can attend up to 7 lectures outside of class this semester for activity points. In each case, attend the lecture and submit a two page response essay to Moodle within 48 hours. The response essay should include the name of the speaker, title of the talk, a small detail about the talk to convince me that you were there (retell a joke that was delivered, describe the clothing the speaker was wearing, etc.). No more than 50% of your essay can describe the content of the lecture -- at least 50% must be your personal reaction to the event. For example, was the speaker believable? Why or why not? Did you find your understanings or beliefs challenged? In what way? Title your write-up with your last name and the word "Talk", e.g. "Roberts_Talk".

Check it Out: To see how the population of the United States is examined using the concept of "percentage change", visit http://www.census.gov/popest/archives/1990s/popclockest.txt

Topic: Charts & Graphs
Reading: Chapter 3 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 2 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity MASSAUDUBON (worth 25 activity points - deadline Dec. 10- submit on Moodle) Participate in a Field Program at the MassAudubon Sanctuary in Worcester.
To try to encourage you to get off campus to enjoy nature a bit this semester, you can earn 25 activity points by participating in an outdoor event. The MassAudubon Society runs extensive programming throughout the state. The Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center & Wildlife Sanctuary is only a few miles from campus, at 414 Massasoit Road in Worcester. You would never know that you are in a city once you enter their trail system! Visit their website at http://www.massaudubon.org/index.php or go directly to Broad Meadow Brook's site at http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Broad_Meadow/index.php. Scroll through the various programs under "Upcoming Programs". Then refine your search by clicking the 3 boxes for "Walking...; Canoe..., Trip or Tour.". Instructions for signing up and directions to the site are available on this website. Bring a friend and have some fun! Some are free and some have a small fee -- all are free for College students, so when you sign-up, let them know you are a HC student. Note that you may not simply attend a lecture, you must do some sort of outdoor activity. If you aren't sure if the event you're selected qualified, just ask me. The family events are okay, but you can't do the homeschooler events. The adult-only events might be the most interesting for you. After the event, submit a one page response essay on Moodle within 48 hours to earn your activity points. Tell me all about your experience and impress me with your ability to make connections between this experience and what we're studying in this class! If you don't have a car, sign out one of the College's ZIP CARS.

Topic: My research for the Grand Canyon National Park

Project 2 due (worth 25 project points, not activity points)
Chapter 2 Project: Measuring Habitat of Florida Lakes
Where to Find it: Check under Course Materials on Moodle, or visit the text website at http://www.enviromath.com. Help is available at http://www.enviromath.com/ProjectHelp.htm

Important Note: This project involves taking measurements off of a map. If you don't print it out using the correct size paper, then your measurements will be off. I have 20 copies of the map (in color and laminated) and you may borrow one if you are working in a team of two students. It's important that your map be printed in the correct scale in order for your measurements to work out correctly. To confir that you are measuring properly, the answer for Lake 1: Length on map = 2.0 cm, width on map = 2.0 cm, real length = 600 meters, real width = 600 meters, real area = 282,742 square meters, real perimeter = 1,885 meters. If you decide to print it out yourself, make sure you do so on 11" x 17" paper.

Guidelines: Please work with one partner. Turn in one project with both of your names. It is my strong preference that you try to fit your answers into the space provided on the Project itself. If you are filling answers in on the form, you can handwrite. Otherwise, project must be typed as much as possible. You can use Equation Editor in Microsoft Word to type any equations. If your solution includes maps or figures, you may include them as attachments on separate pages if you make it clear in the main body of your report where to find them. Write on only one side of the page. Attach an extra piece of paper at the end that Includes a complete set of references you consulted, as well as a list the names of any other students or people you consulted when working on this project. Please make a photocopy of your answers before you turn them in, so that each partner will have a set to study from.

CHECK IT OUT: Click here to see interactive maps of the United States. You can select a check-box on the right side and then click on the map to display a map with those features. For example, choose a map of Massachusetts and then click on the check box for Superfund sites or for Aquifers, and the map will display these locations. http://www.nationalatlas.gov.

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points): Show me that you have entered the data from Chapter 3, Page 69, #15 into your graphing calculator and that you can display the histogram. Use a bin size of 5. The instructions to do this are provided on page 57 of your text book. You can show me during office hours or right before or after class.

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points): Show me that you have entered the data from Chapter 3, Page 72, #21 into your graphing calculator and that you can display the scatterplot of cans recycled (vertical axis) versus cans produced (horizontal axis). The instructions to do this are provided on page 61 of your text book. You can show me during office hours or right before or after class.

Topic: Function Modeling
Reading: Chapter 4 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment (bring your ruler to class)

Chapter 3 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity CLIMATE CHANGE (Worth up to 20 activity points)
Choose a session off of the Climate Change Handout. Read the articles associated with the Session. Write a 2 or 3 page reaction piece to this. Devote one paragraph to describing why you chose that session, devote one page to a summary of the main points of the readings, and devote one (or more) pages to your personal reaction to what you've read. The Climate Change Handout is under Course Materials on Moodle. Due in the Digital Drop-Box on Moodle by 9 AM on Feb 7

Topic: Function Modeling
Reading: Chapter 4 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment (bring your ruler to class)

Project 3 due (worth 25 points, not activity points)
Chapter 3 Project: U. S. Energy Flows
Note: I think it's easier to interpret the chart if it's in color, so print it out in color or look at in on the computer.
Guidelines: You may work alone or with one partner. Turn in one project with two names if this is the case. It is my strong preference that you try to fit your answers into the space provided on the Project itself. If you are filling answers in on the form, you can handwrite. Otherwise, project must be typed as much as possible. You can use Equation Editor in Microsoft Word to type any equations. If your solution includes maps or figures, you may include them as attachments on separate pages if you make it clear in the main body of your report where to find them. Write on only one side of the page. Attach an extra piece of paper at the end that Includes a complete set of references you consulted, as well as a list the names of any other students or people you consulted when working on this project.

Check it Out: Click here to get your own topographical maps of anyplace you want. http://www.topozone.com.

Exam on Part 1: Essential Numeracy (Chapters 1, 2, 3)

Test 1 is today. This test covers Chapters 1 - 3. The format will be short answer, multiple choice, true/false, short essay. There may be questions from the Projects from Chapter 1 and 2, as well as questions pertaining to my presentation on my Grand Canyon research. This test is worth 100 points, or 10% of your grade. One 3"x5" index card of notes and your graphing calculator are permitted. You may start the test at 9:30 and finish at 10:45.

Sample Exam It's always a little nerve-wracking to have an exam from a new professor. Here is a copy of an exam from a previous year. The content of this exam is different, because that class had a different text book and everyone had read the book A Civil Action. Nonetheless, it should give you a good idea of what to expect in regard to format. If you have any questions, let me know.

Topic: Exponential Functions & Regression
Reading: Chapter 5 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Please READ the Devra Davis book "When Smoke Ran Like Water" by October 20.

Chapter 4 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Advanced Warning! : Project 4 involves a large set of data and it's best to download it to your calculator. Last year, some students were able to figure out how to do this and then they shared their information with others. I have a cord in my office that connects a graphing calculator (TI) with a PC computer through a USB port. There are also cords that connect graphing calculators to other graphing calculators, and still others can "beam" information between calculators.

Topic: Exponential Functions & Regression
Reading: Chapter 5 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Project 4 due (worth 25 project points, not activity points)
Chapter 4 Project: Fertility Rates in Developing Countries
Note: Please make sure your name is not on more than one lab that is turned in. If you are turning in your own lab, then write just your name on it. Add a note to the bottom of the first page about any classmates you worked with. If you are working closely with someone else and turning in an essentially identical lab, then turn in only one copy with both of your names on it. No more than two people may work on a lab together.
Note: You will need to download some data onto your Graphing Calculator in order to do this project.
One option is that you can purchase a cable that connects your graphing calculator to your computer and download the file following the instructions on enviromath.com (see Chapter Projects). Alternatively, you can enter the data in by hand from the data sheet that is provided for you. As a third option, you can register to use the online program StatCrunch. It will cost you $5 for a six-month pass. Again, visit the website enviromath.com and click on Projects for detailed information. If you want to do this on excel, that's also acceptable.

Advanced Warning!: Project 5 will be completed more successfully if you are able to download data from the course website onto your graphing calculator. Alternatively, you can do this on your computer using a program called StatCrunch...scroll ahead and read the Note for Project 5 to learn more about your options.

Advanced Warning!: Project 6 must be done in teams of two students each. There's some preliminary work due in a week on Project 6. Scroll ahead for details!

Please READ the Devra Davis book "When Smoke Ran Like Water" by October 20.

Tues. Oct 13

no class fall break

Topic: Power Functions
Reading: Chapter 6 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 5 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Topic: Power Functions
Reading: Chapter 6 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment
Video: We will view a 15 minute video about the worst air pollution disaster in the United States, that happened in Donora PA.

Project 5 due (worth 25 project points)
Chapter 5 Project: Broiler Chicken Production
Note: You will need to download some data onto your Graphing Calculator in order to do this project. One option is that you can purchase a cable that connects your graphing calculator to your computer and download the file following the instructions on enviromath.com (see Chapter Projects). I have a cord in my office that you can use. Alternatively, you can enter the data in by hand from the data sheet that is provided for you. As a third option, you can register to use the online program StatCrunch. It will cost you $5 for a six-month pass. Again, visit the website enviromath.com and click on Projects for detailed information.
Guidelines: You may work alone or with one partner. Turn in one project with two names if this is the case. It is my strong preference that you try to fit your answers into the space provided on the Project itself. If you are filling answers in on the form, you can handwrite. Otherwise, project must be typed as much as possible. You can use Equation Editor in Microsoft Word to type any equations. If your solution includes maps or figures, you may include them as attachments on separate pages if you make it clear in the main body of your report where to find them. Write on only one side of the page. Attach an extra piece of paper at the end that Includes a complete set of references you consulted, as well as a list the names of any other students or people you consulted when working on this project.

Note: Project 6 must be done in teams of two or three students; you can't do this project alone. There's some pre-project preparation initial work that must be submitted to me on before you leave for Spring Break (before 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb. 29). Submit one copy to me and save one copy for your group. I will compile these group results and return them to you via email over Spring Break so that you'll be ready to continue your work on the project.

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points): Show me that you can enter a function formula, display the graph, and create a table for the function on your graphing calculator. The instructions to do this are provided on page 85 of your text book. You can show me during office hours tomorrow or right before or after class. Use the same function given in the example on page 85 and see that your display matches.

Activity Point Opportunity worth 5 activity points): Show me that you can enter bivariate data on your graphing calculator and then get the linear regression formula that fits the data. Plot both the data and the regression line on your graphing calculator. Make sure that the value for the correlation coefficient is displayed. The instructions to do this are provided on page 89-91 of your text book. You can show me during office hours tomorrow or right before or after class. Use the same example described in the instructions and make sure your display matches.

Topic: Air Pollution

Assignment DAVIS videos Before today's lecture, please view the two additional videos on air pollution that are posted on Moodle under Course Materials. There will be an actvity in class today based on the book and these videos.

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points) Show me that you can use technology to obtain the exponential regression equation.. The instructions to do this are provided on page 122 of your text book. You can show me during office hours tomorrow or right before or after class. Use the same function given in the example on page 122 and see that your display matches.

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points)
Show me that you can use your graphing calculator to conduct a power regression, as described on page 143 of your text book. Enter in the 18 values of engine size and fuel economy (Table 6-3) and see that you obtain the same answers as shown at the bottom of page 143. Show me before or after class, or during office hours tomorrow.

Project 6 pre-project preparation due by 11:00 AM to Swords 338 (the Math/CS Office). Submit one copy of your Group Summary Data sheet to me today. I will compile the results for the class and return the data to you over email , so that you'll be able to continue to finish up the project.

Topic: Topic: Introduction to Difference Equations
Reading: Chapter 7 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environmen

Chapter 6 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Topic: Introduction to Difference Equations
Reading: Chapter 7 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment
Test: TAKE-HOME ESSAY QUESTION FOR EXAM 2 available on Moodle at THIS TIME.

Project 6 due (worth 25 project points)
Chapter 6 Project: A New Model for Earthquakes
Guidelines: You must work in a team of two or three students for this project. Turn in one answer sheet with all of your names. Whenever possible, fit your answers in the space provided.

Exam on Part 2 Function Modeling (Chapters 4, 5, 6)

Test 2 is today
This exam covers Part 2: Function Modeling, which consists of Chapters 4, 5, and 6.
Post your answer to the take-home essay on Moodle by 8:00 AM this morning.
The format will be problem solving. This test is worth 125 points, or 12.5% of your grade. One 3"x5" index card of notes and your graphing calculator are permitted. Bring your ruler & calculator! You may start the test at 11:00 and finish by 12:15. You must leave the room by 12:20 to clear it for the next class.

Topic: Affine Solution Equations and Equilibrium Values
Reading: Chapter 8 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Topic: Affine Solution Equations and Equilibrium Values
Reading: Chapter 8 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 7 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Check it Out: The United Nations has a Department of Economic and Social Affairs that includes a Statistics Division that provides a vast list of information about the Environmental quality of air and water around the world. Visit the website http://unstats.un.org/unsd/ENVIRONMENT/indicators.htm

Topic: Logistic Growth, Harvesting and Chaos
Reading: Chapter 9 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 7 Project due (worth 25 project points)
Chapter 7 Project: Human Population and Migration
Guidelines: In this project, you'll use some web-based population data and the U.S. Census Bureau. Whenever possible, fit your answers in the space provided.

Check it Out: http://www.saveourenvironment.org/

Paper on Devra Davis book"When Smoke Ran Like Water" due at the start of class. This paper is worth 100 points, which is 10% of your grade. The paper is to be between 3 and 5 pages, one-inch margins, 12 font, Times font. If you examine the Table of Contents of this book, you'll see that it is divided into three parts. Choose either Part 2 or Part 3 of the book. Write a paper that is NOT a summary of the content in this book. Instead, write a personal reaction/reflection paper. What information from the book had an impact on you, and why? Did you learn anything? Does your view of the world change as a result of having read this book and, if so, how do you think the way you live might be impacted by what you read? Express an opinion! (I don't care what it is, just express an opinion and back it up.)

Topic: Logistic Growth, Harvesting and Chaos
Reading: Chapter 9 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Chapter 8 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points)
Show me that you can utilize your graphing calculator as described on page 175 to held you solve difference equations. First, set the correct modes on your TI-83/84. Then, enter the difference equation and the initial condition shown on page 175. Generate a table of values and check that it matches the table displayed at the bottom of page 175. Finally, graph the difference equation as described on page 176. You can show me before or after class today, or during office hours tomorrow.

Note: There are several difference equation solvers available on the internet. Conduct a search under the key words "Difference equation solver". An easy-to-use one can be found at Colgate University at this link: http://math.colgate.edu/math312/Spring1999/iterate.html

Topic: Systems of Difference Equations
Reading: Chapter 10 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Activity Point Opportunity due (worth 20 activity points - m ake due after Thanksgiving)
Submit a solution to the Nantucket Lyme Disease model that includes the following:
a) a difference equation model for a multi-year hunt of 100 deer with a table & sketch that shows the deer population into the future -- go out at least ten years
b) a modified difference equation model for a hunt that takes 250 deer each year with a table & sketch that shows the deer population into the future -- go out at least ten years
c) a difference equation model for no more hunting after the first hunt (what's happening in reality), along with a table & sketch as you've done in the previous parts of the problem
d) a paragraph or two that discusses your results -- the strengths and weaknesses of each model, what you think the best policy is for Nantucket.

Chapter 8 Project due (worth 25 project points)
Chapter 8 Project: Lead in the Body

Activity Point Opportunity (worth 5 activity points)
Show me that you can utilize your graphing calculator as described on page 175 to held you solve difference equations. First, set the correct modes on your TI-83/84. Then, enter the difference equation and the initial condition shown on page 175. Generate a table of values and check that it matches the table displayed at the bottom of page 175. Finally, graph the difference equation as described on page 176. You can show me before or after class today, or during office hours tomorrow.

Topic: Systems of Difference Equations
Reading: Chapter 10 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Topic: Oil Reserves in Alaska - should we tap in?

Chapter 9 Problem Set due (worth 25 points)

Activity Point Opportunity Oil Drilling (worth up to 10 activity points). Read the essay that presents the opposing views on drilling for oil in Alaska. Write a two page response to this issue, based on the essay and class lecture. What do you think the United States should do? Which arguments did you find the most compelling and why? Post your essay on Moodle before XXX to receive credit.

Topic: Developing a Logistic Harvest Model for Deer on Nantucket to help control Lyme Disease
Reading: This handout.

Chapter 9 Project due (worth 25 project points)
Chapter 9 Project: Tropical Forests Forever?

Activity Point Opportunity Calculator Activity (worth 10 points) Show me that you can program your calculator for systems of difference equations. Follow the directions and example on page 235 in your book. I'll want to see the system equations, a table and a graph.

Topic: The Blackstone River

Chapter10 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Check it Out: A website where students rate their professors!

Topic: What's the news about plastic bottles?

STORY ABOUT THE HARD PLASTIC BOTTLES:
http://www.grist.org/news/2008/04/18/nalgene/index.html

http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0050200

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/weekly/20080428_Plastic_peril_.html

Chapter 10 Project Set due (worth 25 project points)

POST TIME HERE. This review session is for both of my courses. I will give priority to Math 126 questions from 1:30 - 2:15 and I will give priority to Math 110 questions from 2:15 - 3:00. If you come during the time that doesn't belong to your class, your question must wait until all the questions from students from the other class have been answered.

Otherwise, I am available to answer questions on email. croberts@holycross.edu

Exam on Part 3 Difference Equations Modeling (Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10)
This exam will be given during the time scheduled for our final exam.
This exam is worth 175 points.

Come to our regular classroom by 2:30 PM to start the third exam.

The format will be short answer, multiple choice, true/false, short essay. This test is worth 175 points, or 17.5% of your grade. One 3"x5" index card of notes and your graphing calculator are permitted. I encourage you to figure out how to use your graphing calculator to deal with these difference equations - it will be a big help and a time saver.

Drive More Efficiently – Save your wallet and the environment (from EcoAction)

Drive Sensibly - Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.16-$1.06/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit - While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 7-23%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.23-$0.74/gallon

Tire Pressure- Edmunds.com found that driving with tires underinflated by 25 percent reduced fuel economy 2.9 percent to 4.6 percent, depending on the vehicle.

Air Conditioning or Windows Open?- Go ahead and enjoy your air conditioning. A test using the Toyota truck found that having the AC off and the windows down improved mileage a little less than one mile per gallon, or just less than 10 percent. Carts today are more aerodynamically designed than every, and air conditioning has minor impact on fuel economy.

Remove Excess Weight - Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%/100 lbs
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.03-$0.06/gallon per 100 pounds of weight

Avoid Excessive Idling - Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines. In MA, it is illegal to idle for more than five minutes. It is NOT hard on your starter or engine to turn your car on-and-off again -- this is a myth. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers found that it takes the same amount of gasoline to start a V-6 engine as it does to idle for five seconds. If you are going to idle more than a minute, shut off the engine. urn your car off at the bank's drive-in window every time!

Use Cruise Control - Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas. It can save an average of 7 percent.

Use Overdrive Gears - When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

No Roof Luggage- Luggage on the roof can cut fuel economy by about 20 percent for highway travel. A roof rack only has minimal impact.

Drafting- An Edmunds.com test found that fuel economy was actually worse when a Lexus followed a truck, trying to draft in its slipstream, probably because of air turbulence.

Regular Maintenance- An untuned engine can cut fuel efficiency an average of 4 percent and a dirty air filter can lower efficiency 10 percent.

The Federal Trade Commission says that EPA has tested more than 100 devices claiming to save gasoline, including misture enhancers and fuel line magnets, and found that few provide any benefit. Those that work provide only marginal improvements.

References: A handout from Eco-Action, an article in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette by John Dignam on April 17, 2008, and an Environmental Minute announcement from radio station WTAG in Worcester.