InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Water: Science and Society
 Earth-focused Modules and Courses for the Undergraduate Classroom
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The materials are free and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Water: Science and Society

Summary

Water: Science and Society is a 10-module (12-week) general education course focused on the interrelationships between water and human activities from a science and policy standpoint. The course blends key readings with activities (e.g. data analysis, plotting, exploration of simple models) designed to investigate the physical and chemical processes that determine water occurrence, movement, and quality.

Strengths of the Course

Students who learn with this class will:

  • address fundamental and emerging issues of water quality, scarcity, and management
  • develop an understanding of the underlying physics and geology that govern water occurrence and movement
  • explore water use issues and conflicts related to climate change, flooding and drought, urban and agricultural water issues, and the economics of water
  • develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of water, human activities, and the landscape.

In working with data, students will:

  • use Google Earth to explore watershed hydrology
  • find and utilize high-quality data sources available online
  • interpret visual representations of data, including maps, graphs, and other figures
  • design a "Water Portfolio" for a water-critical urban area based on supply and demand, economics, and quality of life.


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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »