In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:

• attending and completing the labs,
• submitting the journals,
• participating in the online discussions,
• completing the exercises on Connect,
• completing the course project,
• completing the four exams.

You can find the directions for the assignments and the grading rubrics in your Canvas course site.

SmartBook Exercises

The SmartBook exercises are on McGraw-Hill Connect. They are accessible on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Smartbook combines your eBook with questions to test your understanding of key concepts and pinpoint the topics you need to focus on. 

SmartBook is a tool that guides each student individually through the textbook, asking you questions to assess your understanding of concepts as you go. You are graded for completion. Please note that you should read the entire chapter, not just the highlighted parts, to do well on your exams.

Journals

The journal assignment for this course is a way for you to learn about environmental alternatives by modifying your own lifestyle. It is a weekly exercise in which you reduce your impact on the environment by changing the way you live from day to day. The journals allow you to achieve a gradual but definitive change in your everyday habits.

You will choose at least three different ways in which you are interested in changing your habits. For each category, the rules are clearly defined, such as turning down the heat/AC or eliminating the use of the car. You will work on all of your chosen three areas of the assignment. Each week the project becomes more rigorous because you will have to meet the requirements more frequently.

Discussions

A discussion board is a “space” where students can delve further into course content. It offers individuals room to explore topics, issues, and/or questions. The discussion board:

• allows time for in-depth reflection as students have more time to reflect, research & compose their thoughts before participating in the discussion;
• facilitates learning by allowing students to view & to respond to the work of others; and
• develops critical thinking & writing skills.

Participation in discussion boards is not optional and your contribution will be graded. You will be evaluated primarily on your grasp of the subject, your quality of writing, and your timeliness.

Labs

Labs are designed to reinforce the material you have studied during each week. Lab participation is mandatory to pass this course. The labs are in lieu of proctored exams, and you must provide an ID as required following the instruction on your Canvas course site.

Course Project

The final project requires you to explore an environmental science issue of your interest and submit a video presentation. You will research the background on the issues and explore potential solutions.

You may work individually or in groups to create a video presentation.

• If you work individually, the presentation should be 4-5 minutes long.
• If you choose to work with a group of classmates, the presentation should be 8-10 minutes long.

You are responsible for finding and using reliable resources. The Environmental Science Research Guide from the NOVA librarians can help you find high quality research sources. If you need any assistance, you may contact a librarian at online-library@nvcc.edu or use the online chat feature on the Research Guide website.

Exams

There are four exams in the course. They can help you monitor your learning progress and check your understanding of the key concepts covered in the textbook.