InTeGrate is Pleased to Announce the Publication of New Teaching Materials

published Dec 2, 2016 12:00am

The Wicked Problem of Food Security

In The Wicked Problem of Food Security Students explore the very factors that cause food insecurity (including climate, socio-economic, and physical) through readings, lecture, case studies, and geospatial analysis using ArcGIS Online.

Developed by Rebecca Boger (CUNY Brooklyn College), Rusty Low (University of Nebraska at Lincoln), and Amy Potter (Armstrong State), this three-week module, takes an Earth systems approach to understanding and addressing world food insecurity issues, and explore how social, economic, and political factors impact decision-making and can improve or compromise the biogeochemical interactions provided by the Earth system as they pertain to food production. The Wicked Problem of Food Security is a great fit for courses in environmental science, sociology, geology, natural resources, Earth science, and global change.

Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society

In Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society student analyze real data sets and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world coastal issues that affect human populations.

Developed by Sean Cornell (Shippensburg University), Ioannis Georgiou (University of New Orleans), Mark Kulp (University of New Orleans), Dinah Maygarden (University of New Orleans), and Brent Yarnal (Pennsylvania State University), this 12 week, blended and online course will provide students with a global perspective of coastal landscapes, the processes responsible for their formation, diversity, and change over time, as well as societal responses to current changes in the coastal zones around the world. Overall, Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society is intended to be used as a stand-alone blended or online general education or introductory-level course that would satisfy a science distribution requirement. The course would be appropriate for non-majors and undeclared students looking for a major.

An Ecosystem Services Approach to Water Resources

In An Ecosystem Services Approach to Water Resources students will investigate the ecosystem services associated with local land use and its relation to water. Students will be introduced to ecosystem services as a way of integrating the components of the hydrologic cycle as a system, synthesizing the interaction between the hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, and linking those processes to the needs and aspirations of particular communities in particular places.

Developed by Ed Barbanell (University of Utah), Meghann Jarchow (University of South Dakota), and John Ritter (Wittenberg University), by the end of this 3-week module, students will be equipped to actively engage in the public dialogues that are typically part of the process, from understanding and analyzing a problem to presenting reasonable solutions from particular stakeholders' perspectives. An Ecosystem Services Approach to Water Resources is a great fit for courses in ecology, environmental science, physical geography, environmental studies, Earth science, land use and sustainability courses.

Earth's Thermostat

In Earth's Thermostat, students investigate the various factors that affect the global climate system including solar flux, greenhouse gases, and volcanic aerosols, as well investigating feedbacks within the climate system. They then investigate spatial variability in the Earth's radiation budget and how the atmosphere acts to redistribute heat around the globe. Finally, students synthesize what they have learned by predicting the climatic and societal impacts of a major volcanic eruption and comparing this climate event to greenhouse gas-driven climate change.

Developed by Allison Dunn (Worcester State University), Robert MacKay (Clark College) and Phillip Resor (Wesleyan University), this 2-week module investigate changes in Earth's climate and the factors affecting Earth's energy balance. Climate change is one of the most critical issues facing society today. The 2013 IPCC report states that warming of the climate system is unequivocal, yet the the underlying solar, atmospheric, cryospheric, and oceanic processes governing Earth's climate remain poorly understood by the public at large. Earth's Thermostat is a great fit for courses in atmospheric science, environmental science, physical geography, Earth science, meteorology and sustainability courses.

Ocean Sustainability

Ocean Sustainability prepares students to understand the role that humans play in altering marine systems and their inhabitants and to recognize the power we have as individuals and a society to work toward practices that will sustain our ocean.

Developed by Michelle Kinzel (Southwestern College), Cara Thompson (Santa Monica College) and Astrid Schnetzer (North Carolina State University), this 2-to 3-week module introduces the importance of oceans, basic ocean processes, and impacts of human activity on ocean health. It aims to increase awareness of our dependence on and responsibility for the largest habitat on Earth. Materials encourage systems thinking by addressing physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the oceans. Students study the oceans from these multiple perspectives using scientific data and engaging activities designed to support higher-level thinking. Ocean Sustainability is a great fit for courses in oceanography, environmental science, physical geography, marine biology, sustainability courses and marine science courses.

Visit the InTeGrate website to view these and other published InTeGrate modules.