California's Real Water War and Save the Bay Again

Hi All,

I am very excited about the enthusiasm in class around the Drop in the Bucket, Water Cycle, and Composting components that we have been working on. As we move to define and understand "our" Strawberry Creek Watershed, there are two items from the SF Chronicle on August 27th that I would like you to respond to in your notebook.

Due Monday, October 1:

California's Real Water War
Firestone and Vanderwarker identify agricultural practices as the reason that the groundwater in numerous small poor Central Valley farming communities is unsafe to drink.
1. What are your reactions and questions to this issue in California? Cite three things in the article that make you feel this way.
2. Do you think that we can both protect the groundwater for Central Valley residents and keep agriculture productive in these areas? If so, hypothesize about how we might achieve this. If not, why do you believe this?

Saving the Bay Again
Sylvia McLaughlin, co-founder of Save the Bay, argues, "The bay will always need an informed and dedicated stewardship. As Kay Kerr once said, the bay is never saved; it is always in the process of being saved."
1. What are two significant things that you can do as an individual - or as part of a larger group - to help save the bay?
2. After reading Sylvia McLaughlin's piece, what are two questions that you would like to ask her about San Francisco Bay and her work?

Possibilities of Applying the Scientific Method

Amusing examples of applying the scientific method in class today - thanks to Reed, Stefan, and Matt for being good sports!
One additional piece of work for Science Workshop - either Tuesday or Wednesday (check your schedule):
Complete the Scientific Method worksheet related to plants or the solar panels. The sections to fill in include: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, and Experiment. Please remember that you are simply setting the stage for a possible experiment - NOT ACTUALLY PERFORMING IT AT THIS POINT!

Fields of Science Freewrite

Great lists of the fields of science in classes on Thursday. Don't forget the homework for Tuesday, 9/18:
In your notebook, title this work "Fields of Science Freewrite". Answer the question: "Is it possible to study one field of science in isolation from the other fields? Please explain."

Hi Everyone,

Glad to get this blog up and running for the Environmental Science class. I am very excited about this year, and I am impressed with students' curiosity and enthusiasm!

Just to update you all:
1. For class tomorrow (Thursday, 9/13), have your list of at least six fields of science written in your notebook.
2. Also for tomorrow (Thursday, 9/13), have your course description signed by you and a parent.
3. For Monday (9/17), read the sheet on the scientific method, and write two or three clarifying questions in your notebook about the components of the method.

That's all for now.........