Catching Cheaters: Using Salmon Phylogenetic Analysis to Identify Atlantic Salmon Mislabeled in Local Stores as Pacific Salmon
Erica Cline, University of Washington Tacoma
Students use phylogenetic analysis to identify farmed Atlantic salmon mislabeled as wild Pacific salmon by local stores and suppliers. This project allows students to apply molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to a real- world issue.

An Assessment of Riparian Vegetation in a Human-Influenced Landscape
Lisa Carlson, Centralia College
Given that humans historically have heavily used rivers and the lands along them for agriculture, transportation and other activities, how does human impact currently affect riparian ecosystems in a rural region? Students will address this question through several activities.

Detox Me: How To Reduce Your Exposure To Toxins Found In Everyday Products
Surya Tewari, Bellevue Community College
I use the topic when I am discussing cancer in either nutrition or biology class. Talking about genetic and environmental factors that can increase the incidence of cancer, and the homework, helps students understand how adjusting their environment can help reduce their risk for developing cancer.

Indigenous Food Relationships: Sociological Impacts on the Coast Salish People
Ane Berrett, Nothwest Indian College
In this unit, students will analyze the macro level of societal influences which have interrupted micro level ecological relationship between plant and man. Sociological concepts such as sub culture, dominant culture, stages of historical change (Hunter Gatherer societies to Technological societies), stratification and poverty will be addressed through the sociological perspective. Students will experience solutions of sustainability which are interdependent with local place and people. Learning activities involve using the "citizen's argument," oral presentations, portfolio creation, written reflections and experiential service learning projects.

Skeleton Keys: Bonified Biology
J. Brian Hauge, Peninsula College
This series of exercises focuses on: the importance of observation in science; the proper use of scientific terminology and writing; the interrelationships between anatomy and position in a food web or energy pyramid; the biology of exotic species; toxins in the environment; animal use; and, the evolutionary significance of each of these topics.

Waste Not, Want Not: Food Waste and Recovery for Food Security
Jennifer Kovacs, Agnes Scott College
In this activity, students learn how our food systems affect the global climate and many other environmental issues and impacts related to food. Topics include carbon-neutral agriculture, farming for food accessibility and cultural relevance, food preservation, and how individuals and communities can reduce food waste while promoting food justice, food security, and equitable access to sustainably produced foods. After exploring two case studies of college students who engage civically to reduce food waste and work toward food justice on their campuses, students choose their own campus-based civic action from a list of options.

Sound Science
Peg Balachowski and Pamela Pape-Lindstrom, Everett Community College
An activity for a math/biology linked learning community in which students will collect, organize and analyze data related to the health of Puget Sound; experience the design of experiments in the sciences; apply mathematics to real biological issues that affect their lives; and develop an awareness of the personal and professional usefulness of mathematics, biology and modeling. Statistic students will act as consultants to the biology students and Biology students will in turn act as software analysts to help analyze trends as models are created.

How Many Plants Make a Future? The Carbon Dioxide Challenge
Rus Higley, Highline Community College Marine Science and Technology Center, Vanessa Hunt and Timothy Sorey, Central Washington University
This activity focuses on the role of photosynthesis in a sustainable future. Students explore the effect of photosynthesis and respiration in a 'closed systems' containing plankton, marine plants, and fish. By calculating carbon dioxide uptake and production in these systems, they predict a plant: animal ratio sufficient to maintain a system in carbon dioxide 'balance' for one hour.

Designing a Biological Community
Charles Dodd, Shoreline Community College
In this Physical Geography Lab, students are responsible for designing a simple biological community.

What is Local?
William R. Teska, Pacific Lutheran University
Through a hands-on examination of a nature preserve/park in a nearby urban setting and with classroom discussions and activities, students become aware that individuals are affected differently by the preservation of nature or by development of natural resources.