Idiot's Guides: Environmental Science

Environmental science is an integrated, interdisciplinary field that combines the study of ecology, physics, chemistry, biology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, and geography. It is among the top 10 most popular Advanced Placement examinations taken by high school seniors in an effort to receive postsecondary college credit.

Idiot's Guides: Environmental Science provides a step-by-step review of the disciplines that comprise environmental science, helping students grasp the basic concepts, internalize the information, and prepare for exams. Features include:

• The basics and history of the human relationship with the natural environment.
• The ways species grow, change, and interact.
• A detailed description of the earth's ecosystems, including deserts, grasslands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
• The effects of economics and agriculture on the environment.
• The various types of energy humans use, as well as how its production impacts the earth's ecosystems, with a focus on renewable energy sources.
• The ill effects of a growing population, including pollution, toxins, bacteria, waste, and global warming/climate change.

James Dauray, M.Ed, is a faculty member at Warren Township High School and an adjunct faculty at the College of Lake County in Illinois. He splits his time teaching biology, chemistry, and environmental science to all levels of students, including science majors, nonmajors, returning adults, regular level through Advanced Placement. His writing experience includes contributing to Environmental Science: Engaging the Issues and Exploring Solutions by Manuel Molles and Scientific American Environmental Science for a Changing World. His popular website, Aurum Science (aurumscience.com), provides lectures and other written resources for science teachers.