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

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

Activity Point Opportunity MOVIE due before April 27 (worth 10 activity points - submit on Blackboard)
Watch an approved movie with an environmental or mathematical theme. Submit a two page response essay to me via the Blackboard 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:
An Inconvenient Truth
Erin Brockovich
Blue Vinyl
Sneakers
A Civil Action
Norma Rae
Who Killed the Electric Car
Oil on Ice
The 11th Hour

HOW TO SUBMIT ON BLACKBOARD: Many assignments this semester will be submitted to me electronically through Blackboard. To do so, write the document up in Word or save as a PDF file. Then log onto Blackboard by clicking the LOGIN box off of the main holycross webpage at http://www.holycross.edu. Then, choose the link for Tools. Click on Drop Box. Click on "send file" (not "add file") and you should be all set. 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 #).

Note: The add/drop period ends tomorrow, Wed. Jan. 23

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 Blackboard. 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 April 15): 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 Blackboard before 3:00 PM on April 15th. 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 Blackboard, 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 thatincludes 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.

Check it Out: This website went live in January 2007 and was developed by a Worcester environmental activist: http://www.yourenergyoptions.com/index.php

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 Blackboard 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".

Thursday, January 24
Lecture "The Emerging Alliance of Religion and Ecology" by Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
Rehm Library, 7:30 PM
Host: Judith Chubb, Barrett Committee for Ethics Across the Curriculum

HOW TO SUBMIT ON BLACKBOARD: Many assignments this semester will be submitted to me electronically through Blackboard. To do so, write the document up in Word or save as a PDF file. Then log onto Blackboard by clicking the LOGIN box off of the main holycross webpage at http://www.holycross.edu. Then, choose the link for Tools. Click on Drop Box. Click on "send file" (not "add file") and you should be all set. 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 #).

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

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points. For more details on how to receive credit for attending this talk, scroll back to Jan. 29 or click on Course Materials in Blackboard):
Wednesday, January 30
View a Webcast as part of Focus the Nation’s National Teach-in on Climate Change http://focusthenation.org
Hogan 519
8:00 PM
Host: Melissa Ogonowski
Note: Free T-shirts to the first 75 people to attend the session. Free Clif-Bars!

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

Chapter 2 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Thursday, January 31
Join artist Christine Baeumler in roundtable conversation with Karen Ober (Biology) and David Hummon (Sociology) on topic of Darwin, Evolution, and the Creative Process.
Stein 129 4:30-5:30 PM
Host: Cristi Rinklin

Activity Point Opportunity MASSAUDUBON (worth 25 activity points - deadline April 15 - submit on Blackboard) 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 clickign 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 -- most are free for College students, so when you sign-up, ask if you can attend for free. Save your receipt and I will reimburse you (but not your friends who join you). 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 to the Digital Drop Box on Blackboard 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 the ZIP CAR. If you can provide me with a receipt, I will reimburse you for the hourly rental charge for the zip car (but not for the fee to get an account with the company). There's an annual fee of $35 and the hourly charge is $8/hour.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Monday, February 4
Environmental Studies Lunch Seminar: Professor Shelby Weitzel will discuss her site visit to Costa Rica’s School for Field Studies.
Location Haberlin 019
Time: Noon – 1:45

Activity Point Opportunity 2% Solution (10 points) Go to the website www.earthdaytv.net and view the archived movie The 2% Solution, that addresses climate change and our country's response to the growing crisis. Submit a one or two page response essay to Blackboard by 9AM on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Check it Out: Compare the Candidates for President of the United States and their positions on climate and energy issues. http://www.grist.org/candidate_chart_08.html?source=most_popular#null

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 Blackboard, or visit the text website at http://www.enviromath.com. Help is available at http://www.enviromath.com/ProjectHelp.htm
Important Note:When you print out the map, make sure you do so on 11" x 17" paper. I have several copies (in color and laminated) that you may use. There aren't enough for the entire class, so please take your measurements and return the map. You can pick up a copy from the bin outside my office door - Swords 336. If you are having trouble, contact me. It's important that your map be printed in the correct scale in order for your measurements to work out correctly. To confirm, 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 swuare meters, real perimeter = 1,885 meters.

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 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.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, February 5
Dr. Suzanne Simon lecture “Taming the Climate Change Conversation: Social and Political Challenges to Wind Park Construction in Oaxaca, Mexico”
Rehm Library, 7 PM
Host: Anne Galvin (Anthropology)

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 Blackboard. Due in the Digital Drop-Box on Blackboard by 9 AM on Feb 7

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
4:00 - 5:00 in Swords 328. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is hiring a new professor, and the finalist candidates are in town to give lectures. Come listen and let me know if you think we should hire the person you hear. Today's lecture is by Steven Miller and it is titled: The Pythagorean Win-Loss Formula in Baseball: An introduction to statistics and modeling.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
4:00 - 5:00 in Swords 328. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is hiring a new professor, and the finalist candidates are in town to give lectures. Come listen and let me know if you think we should hire the person you hear. Today's lecture is by Matthew Horton and it is titled: Searching for the Truth: An Eigenvalue Application.

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

Note: 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.

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.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
12:30 - 1:45 in O'Neil 101 Celebrate Darwin's 199th birthday -- lunch, cake and a lecture by Dr. Leon Claessens. All are welcome!

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

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED FOR WEDS. FEB 27
Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wednesday, February 13
ENVS Lunch Gallery Walk-Through: Professor Cristi Rinklin will introduce us to the exhibit “Zoologia Fantastica”
Cantor Art Gallery 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch provided outside of the gallery

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. 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 11:00 and finish at 12:15. You will have to leave the room by 12:20 to clear the room for the next class.

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

Chapter 4 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Note: 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.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, February 19
Lecture "Hearing Nature's Voice: The Possibilities of Ecological Democracy" by Roger Gottlieb, Professor of Philosophy at WPI
Rehm Library, 7:30 PM
Host: Judith Chubb), Barrett Committee for Ethics Across the Curriculum

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Presentation - Graduate Career/Fellowship Opportunities with Green Corps - Hogan 305, 6 PM
http://www.greencorps.org/
Green Corps is the non-profit field school for environmental organizing. Each year we select 20-25 recent college graduates for our year-long, full-time, paid training program in environmental organizing and advocacy. After completing the program, we place our graduates in permanent positions in the environmental and social change fields. We’ve been around since 1992 and have trained over 200 young people who now have leadership positions in groups like the Sierra Club, Greenpeace and MoveOn.org.

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

Note: Project 5 will be completed more successfully if you are able to download data from the course website onto your graphing calculator. You can do this download in my office this week. 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.

Note: 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!

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
WHEN: February 21st @ 7:30PM
WHERE: Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, Razzo Hall, Traina Center for the Arts
Movie Screening: “The 11th Hour”
'The 11th Hour' is the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how we’ve arrived at this moment – how we live, how we impact the earth’s ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. This film features ongoing dialogues of experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau, in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers and leaders. The 11th Hour is produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Professor Kaji has a PhD from Michigan State in international education; he has spent 30 years working in rural Nepal at the forefront of community forestry and fostering development among the poorest women in Nepal. In addition to his amazing expertise, Kaji is a wonderful teacher and wise elder. He'll be giving a talk from 9:30-10:45 AM in Rehm library, on rural women and poverty in Nepal, "Awakening and Empowering Impoverished Rural Women of Nepal"

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Professor Kaji (see above listing)
Rehm Lirbrary at 7 P. A lecture about about a key development activity taking place across Asia, community forestry:
"The Struggle for Community Forestry: Alleviating Poverty, Addressing Global Warming, Promoting Participatory Democracy in Nepal".

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wildlife Once Lost, Now Found in Central Mass
Saturday Night, February 23rd, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
at Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Rd. Worcester, MA

Tom French, Assistant Director of Mass Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program will be presenting a wonderful slide presentation this Satuday Night about species on the come back. Should be a great show. Refreshments provided. 7.00 for members, 10.00 for non members... Let's fill the house, the more the merrier! Bring your friends!

Your project must be turned in at the Math/CS Office (SWORDS 338) before 11:00 AM today.

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.

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

Please READ the Devra Davis book "When Smoke Ran Like Water" over Spring Break. We will discuss it when you return to campus!

Chapter 5 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

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.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, February 26
Lecture on Churches and Green Architecture by Michael J. Crosbie, Editor-in-Chief, Faith & Form
4:00 PM Rehm Library
Host: Virginia Ranguin

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wednesday, February 13
ENVS Lunch Gallery Walk-Through: Professor Cristi Rinklin will introduce us to the exhibit “Zoologia Fantastica”
Cantor Art Gallery 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch provided outside of the gallery

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.

Please READ the Devra Davis book "When Smoke Ran Like Water" over Spring Break. We will discuss it when you return to campus!

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.

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 during Spring Break, so that you'll be able to continue to finish up the project.

Please READ the Devra Davis book "When Smoke Ran Like Water" over Spring Break. We will discuss it when you return to campus!

Topic: Air Pollution

Assignment DAVIS videos Before today's lecture, please view the two additional videos on air pollution that are posted on Blackboard 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.

Chapter 6 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Check it Out: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120907E.shtml

Check it Out: (This event does not count for activity points, but I wanted to bring it to your attention!)
Education Information Session – Those who dare! Teach!
Are you interested in taking dynamic and interesting Education courses at Holy Cross? Do you want to spend a few hours each week working with kids in the Worcester Public Schools? Are you thinking of becoming a teacher once you leave Holy Cross? Perhaps as part of TFA, or another alternative program, or enter a grad school program? Are you thinking of applying to complete your teacher education licensure while at Holy Cross? If you answer to any of these questions is YES – then please attend our info session.

The Holy Cross Teacher Education Program which caters for students wishing to become teachers as part of our undergraduate program, as well as those wishing to take courses to enter teaching through another avenue, will be holding an information session on:
Date: March 11th.
Time: 6.15 – 7.15
Venue: Hogan, Suite C 4th floor

No morning office hours today.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Dr. Cornel West to give a speech titled "Courageous Dialogues: Democracy, Peace and Building Unity in Times of Division" on Wednesday, March 12th in the Hogan Ballroom at 7:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public. Even though this talk is not connected to the topic of the course, this represents an extraordinary opportunity to listen to one of this nation's great thinkers. You can read more in the February 29 cover story in The Crusader newspaper.

Topic: Air Pollution & TAKE-HOME ESSAY QUESTION FOR EXAM 2 available in class and on Blackboard.

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.

No office hours today. I am out of town & am available via email only.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Kelli Scott Kelley, featured artist in Zoologia Fantastica, will be talking on her work Monday, in Stein 129 at 5pm.

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.
Bring your take-home essay question to the exam.
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: Introduction to Difference Equations
Reading: Chapter 7 Quantitative Reasoning and the Environment

Note: Tomorrow is the last day to withdraw from the course.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Go to an Eco-Action meeting and write up a summary response essay, much like you'd do for a talk. This week's Eco meeting is tonight at 8:30 pm in Hogan 406.

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

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wednesday, March 26
ENVS Lunch Gallery Walk-Through: Professor Cristi Rinklin will introduce us to the exhibit “Zoologia Fantastica”
Cantor Art Gallery 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch provided outside of the gallery

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wednesday, March 26
ENVS and the MA Chapter of the Society for Women Environmental Professionals will host a panel discussion on mentoring women in the environmental profession
Hogan 401 doors open at 6:00, panel starts at 7:00 pm --- it's okay to come just to the panel, but try to arrive a few minutes early.
Host: Catherine A. Roberts

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

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. Please turn in one hard-copy of the paper (do not post on Blackboard). 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.)

Note: Advising period for the fall semester is March 31 - April 8. Sign up for an advising appointment with your academic advisor now!

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

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

Chapter 7 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

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

Note: If I complete Chapter 8 today, then class will be cancelled on Thursday.

I am out of town today and am unavailable.

Class is cancelled today.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
At the Cantor Art gallery today at noon, there'll be free lunch and talk by one of the artists who is exhibiting in the space. This artist uses found animal parts (pieces of bone, butterfly wings, etc.) in unusual ways to make these tiny little scenes that really get you thinking about scale and the old "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" return to the Earth. Come hear about it from the artist's perspective!

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

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.

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.

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

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

Chapter 8 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
The Hidden Destruction of the Appalacian Mountains
The Mountaintop Removal Road Show features a beautiful and thought-provoking 22-minute slide show with traditional Appalachian music and culture by Lexington, Kentucky environmental activist Dave Cooper. Discussion to follow the program.

Location/Time: 3:30 - 5:00 at the Worcester Public Library (google Worcester Public Library for directions)

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
This is a TV program on the National Geographic Channel this Sunday evening at 9PM. You may watch it and treat it as if it is one of your seven talks. National Geographic called "The Human Footprint" Sunday at 9 PM The website for it is http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/human-footprint/?ngc=57

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

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

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

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, April 15
Biology Department Seminar by Dr. Noah Snyder, a geomorphologist from Boston College
Topic: New England rivers and salmon habitat restoration
Location/Time: 12:30, O'Neil 101, lunch will be served from 12:15 - 12:30
Host: Sara Mitchell

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, April 15
An Evening with Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Location/Time: Harrington Theater, Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive, Worcester, 7:00 PM
Directions: Leave campus by 6:15. Get onto I-290 East. Take Exit 19 for I-190 North. Take Exit 2 for Ararat Street -- note speed limit is very slow on the exit ramp. At the end of the ramp, turn left at the light. At the next light, turn left again (you'll feel like you are turning around). Don't get back on the highway, instead keep to the right. At the next traffic light, see Greendale YMCA ahead of you. Turn right, see Bancroft School on your right.

Project Alternative (DUE TODAY): 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 Blackboard before 3:00 PM on April 15th. 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

Note: Tonight at Kimball, EcoAction is sponsoring a trayless dinner. Colleges and universities around the country are going trayless as a way to save millions of gallons of washing water. It has also been shown that people waste less food when they don't have a tray to pile things up on. Tonight Kimball is experimenting with the trayless dinner concept. Also, the herbs used in cooking tonight are partly from the Holy Cross greenhouses, where Environmental Studies Concentrators Neil Shea and Alicia Cianciola have been working this semester to grow herbs for Dining Services and seedlings for Worcester's urban garden program.

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Wednesday, April 16
Marion Stoddart helped clean up the Nashua River, one of the 10 most polluted rivers in America. A documentary is being developed about her work, called The Work of 1000. Come meet Marion, as well as the director, Dorie Clark. View the trailer for the documentary and learn how one person can make a big difrerence.
Topic: Cleaning up the Nashua River
Location/Time: Rehm Library, 7 - 8:30 pm
Host: Catherine Roberts

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (My preference would be for you to attend the event listed above, but here's another option of how to spend your evening. Counts as a talk worth 10 points):
On April 16, 2008, at 7 p.m. EST, the National Wildlife Federation is offering campuses, communities, and families nationwide the opportunity to watch Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming. This innovation awards program will give you the opportunity to:

Hear from award-winning students and staff who are creating solutions on their campuses and in their communities.
Be part of the conversation with the experts through a Q&A.
Special appearances from Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm and more!
Laugh and be inspired by student videos.
Chill Out is a snap to watch and easy on the budget (it's FREE).

Kick off your Earth Day celebration this year with something that will have you cheering! Watch Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming in your home, at work, or with your neighbors on April 16, 2008.

To watch the Chill Out broadcast on April 16, sign up at: Chill Out.

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

Note: Course evaluations will be administered today. It is extremely important to me that you take your time to comment extensively on this form. This feedback is of deep importance to me (I'll view it after the close of the semester) and it also helps my faculty colleagues gain insight into just what is going on with this Topics course.

Chapter 9 Problem Set due (worth 25 points)

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

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Eco-Action is cleaning up nearby Cookson Park. If you are interested, plan to meet at Hogan 3 at noon. Questions? Email Melissa Ogonowski or Christopher Wilterdink. If you help out at this clean-up even for at least an hour and then write me about it, you can earn up to 10 activity points.

My children are on April vacation this week and will be joining the SGA's Take your Child to Work Day today. I plan to join them for lunch in Upper Kimball today at 1:00, which means that my 1:00 office hour is cancelled. You can find me in my office today from 10:00 - 1:00.

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

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

Activity Point Opportunity TALK (Worth up to 10 activity points - for details on how to earn credit for this talk, scroll back to Jan 29 or click on Course Materials for more details):
Tuesday, April 22
Lecture on The Omnivore’s Dilemna: Searching for the Perfect Meal in a Fast-Food World by Michael Pollan
http://www.michaelpollan.com/
Host: Mark Freeman

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.

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

Chapter10 Problem Set due (worth 25 homework points)

Activity Point Opportunity due (worth 20 activity points)
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.

Topic: The Blackstone River & 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

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.

Chapter 10 Project Set due (worth 25 project 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 Blackboard before 2:00 PM today to receive credit.

Monday, May 5 in Swords 302 between 1:30 - 3:00. 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.

Note: Although the final exam period is 3 hours long, this exam is the same length as the previous class tests and therefore will be given between 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Come to our regular classroom by 9:30 AM 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.