GS104
Grace James
gs104_assignemnts.docx(GS104)
Assignments (weeks 2-8)
Week 2:
Go to the following website of the Smithsonian http://humanorigins.si.edu/ and select a topic of interest from the many displayed there. In APA-style format, write a 2 page paper that:
1. Describes the details of the topic
2. Explains why you chose this particular topic
3. Describe how the topic relates to Biodiversity and Evolution
4. Details how a changing environment may have had an effect on the organisms studied in your selected topic.
Week 3
Week 4
In a 2 page paper, using APA-style formatting, define and discuss the concept of ecological services. Then, review the “Ecological Services of Rivers” outlined in Mini Lecture: Water Resources and Water Pollution. From the list, identify two services you believe are the most important and cite at least 3 reasons why. Also, choose two services that you think are most likely to decline due to human influence and cite at least 3 examples of the result of decline of those services.
Week 5
In 2 pages, using APA-style formatting, discuss ethanol as a transportation fuel. Identify at least three advantages and three disadvantages of its use. Also, assess the government’s policy regarding ethanol and make a recommendation as to whether you feel use of ethanol is a feasible approach to decreasing the amount of oil used to power vehicles.
Week 6
In 3 pages, using APA-style formatting, discuss and give your position on the following statement: “Human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, is a major contributor to climate change”. Do you agree or disagree? Support your views with credible data. This is an area where junk science abounds. Be prepared to give and defend your sources as scientifically trustworthy.
Week 7
In a 1 page paper, using APA-style formatting, discuss three things you learned from the slide presentation on plastic bags? If you were given the opportunity to address the public-at-large, what would be your recommendation regarding the use of plastic bags? In your closing remarks, include a short catchy phase, slogan, poem, or any other creative statement to emphasize your point of view.
Week 8
Final Project
Here is where you will submit your final project that you were introduced to in week 6, please review the instructions below and submit the project when you are finished by the due date.
Your final project should be creative and interesting, and should be a minimum of 6 pages and you will use APA style formatting. It should be well-organized and demonstrate an orderly flow of information that clearly addresses the subject chosen.
You should incorporate the following elements in the project:
Problem identification: Clearly indicate the issue you will discuss and the influence this problem has on land, air, water resources, plant life, animal life, and human societies. Discuss the long-term effects this problem will continue to create without a comprehensive solution. The problem can be of local, national, or global scope.
Solutions currently implemented: Discuss how the issue has been addressed historically. Determine the courses of action taken in science, technology, political and economic systems, laws and regulations, community-based initiatives, education, and so forth. Review the successes and limitations of these actions.
Recommendations: Explain the actions that you believe need to be developed and implemented to accomplish change. Discuss your solution from multiple perspectives, such as educational, legislative, scientific, technological, economic, and other points of view.
In addition you should cite at least three other credible sources. Put these on your last page as works cited. You are cautioned to check out internet sources. The web abounds with junk science that is totally unreliable. Be sure to cross check your sources.
