Getting Started: Environmental Study Questions

-- a university of arizona course on methods and approaches for studying the future

Use the class home page and the search page as a guide to find answers. A very few of these questions you can answer from entries on the class pages but most will require the use of a search on internet. There are many search methods given, none is particularly better than the others for all situations; you will have to experiment to see which is most effective for you. These questions focus on the environment since that topic is generally of broad interest, but the skills you build will be applicable to any topic.

The purpose of this exercise is to learn how internet can be used as a research tool and to find answers to commonly asked environmental questions. The results you fine are for your own use. Let me know if you have any questions about the answers you find to the questions or about searching techniques.

1. Define "global warming" (briefly)

2. Find a "superfund" site in Arizona (or whatever state you wish)

3. Find two techniques for using energy conservation (or efficiency) techniques in homes.

4. Find two sources of information about Arizona water quality (or any state).

5. Find at least two explanations why some frogs are disappearing (worldwide)

6. Define "human carrying capacity"

7. What is the weather today in Tucson? (or any city)

8. Find a map and address of the "Gentle Bens" (brewery) on University Blvd and Tyndall (or your favorite eating place).

9. Look up the Arizona Revised Statues (via Arizona Legislature) to find how many current laws address "best management practices". Alternatively, look them up for any state, or US via the Environmental Protection Agency.

Return to overall class study questions.