Environmental Science; Active Learning Laboratories and Applied Problem Sets

? Utilizes innovative learning techniques, such as problem-based, active, and critical learning. Group and cohort paths to knowledge are encouraged. As part of this approach, the authors stress student-initiated inquiry and experimentation as well as emphasizing civic responsibility in environmental science.
? Develops a variety of topics that mirrors the a variety of subjects found in environmental science, including urban ecology, global impacts, air pollution, solid waste, energy consumption, soils identification, water quality assessment, and the scientific method.
? Encourages students to grasp the big picture by relating the lab activity to real life conditions and their individual contribution to environmental problems. We have individual measures and descriptions, but we also nurture application of this learning to the larger ecological picture.
? Develops a variety of techniques that include traditional laboratory activities, field exercises, Internet research, calculations/extrapolations, and critical analysis. Because the pursuit of real-world environmental science involves all these components, so do the lab activities found in Wagner.
? Emphasizes the improvement of written and other forms of communication. So much of science has become participatory, particularly in making decisions about its application ( i.e. environmental policy).
? Contains relevant problem sets that can be used as labs, lab supplements, or as homework assignments (for courses w/out a lab) for environmental science lectures.

Travis Wagner is a Visiting assistant professor in environmental science and policy in the Department of Environmental Science, University of Southern Maine. He received his ph.D. in environmental and natural resource policy from The George Washington University, his M.P.P. in environmental policy from the University of Maryland-College Park, and his B.S. in environmental science from Unity College.

Robert Sanford is an associate professor of environmental science and policy in the Department of Environmental Science, University of Southern Maine. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in environmental science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a B.A. in Anthropology from the State University of New York College at Potsdam.