ESS COURSE 4, SERIES 4
(For registration form, click HERE.)
Two hour Field Trip – The Ecology of a Wetland.
Ecology – Water
One hour class. Studying qualities of water - surface water, groundwater, the hydrologic cycle, including worldwide supply, distribution, renewal and management. Investigating water resource problems and principal types, sources and effects of water pollutants, both natural and man-made. Discussing actions which can be taken by individuals, families, businesses, industries and governments to protect water resources.
Aquatic Plants
One hour class. Exploring the fascinating world of plants in aquatic ecosystems, including plant culture, beneficial and harmful plants, eutrophication and the effect of pollutants on aquatic vegetation.
Wetlands
One hour class. Learning of the various types of inland and coastal wetlands, their qualities and function. Discussing natural and human interactions affecting wetlands, such as agriculture, land development, mining pollution and wetland destruction.
Environmental Science – Sustainability
One hour class. Investigating the practices needed by society in agriculture and economics which will meet the demands of an ever-increasing human world population without natural resource depletion and degradation. Learning to live off of the interest of the finite natural resource base and not the capital. Insuring the actions in all facets of daily life do not interfere with the natural cycles of the earth so that the earth’s life support systems are maintained for all species.
Wildlife – Aquatic Animals
One hour class
Examining fresh water and salt water animals, their world distribution, life cycles and benefits to mankind. Reviewing the life support ecosystems of aquatic animals, including the special functions of estuaries, coastal wetlands, coral reefs and barrier islands. Taking into account the impact of over-harvesting, numerous forms of pollution, disruption of life cycles and habitat destruction on aquatic life. Exploring actions which can be employed to protect aquatic animals.
Youth Programs in Environmental Education
One hour class. Investigating environmental awareness programs and materials designed for young people. Provide examples and sample materials and discuss the scope, aims and effectiveness of such programs. Highlight ways we may become involved with youth environmental education/action projects.
Earth Stewardship – Material Sources and Citizen Education Programs
One hour class. Exploring sources of environmental information. How to accumulate and disseminate this information.
There will also be a one hour course on a Supplemental Subject.
MISSION STATEMENT
Teach environmental literacy to cherish, protect and conserve the living earth.
ABOUT THE COURSES
The Environmental Studies School is composed of a minimum of forty hours study of specific units divided into four courses of ten hours each. It also includes a required two-hour field trip.
ASSIGNED READING COURSE 4
“The National Gardener” 4 issues per year
Living in the Environment – G. Tyler Miller, Jr.
13th Edition – Chapters 1, 4, 7, 14, 19, 24; Appendices 1, 2, 3 and Glossary
If you have any edition other than the 13th Edition, please call or email Karen O’Meara for required chapters.
VOCABULARY FOR COURSE 4
Aquaculture, bacteria, Clean Water Act 1977 and 1987, commercial extinction, consumerism, reefs, cultural eutrophication, drainage basin, dredge spoils, economic system, estuarine zone, Federal Water Pollution Control Acts, 1965 and 1972, groundwater infiltration, inland wetlands, leaching, National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 1968, coral, non-point source pollution, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), recharge, riparian rights, surface water, thermal pollution, watershed.
RECOMMENDED READING LIST FOR ALL COURSES
Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold
Silent Spring, Rachael Carson
Earth in the Balance, Al Gore
The Global Ecology Handbook, Global Tomorrow Coalition
Ten Minute Field Trips, Helen Ross Russell
The Quiet Crisis, Stewart Udall
Sense of Wonder, Rachael Carson (to introduce children to nature)
The Green Consumer, Elkington, Hailes, Makower
The course dress code is comfortable clothing and APPROPRIATE OUTER WEAR, including BOOTS, for the outdoor session.
Course 4 will be held at Scientists’ Cliffs in Calvert County, Maryland. The address and directions will be provided upon registration for the course.
