Lecture 2 Study Notes

Weight of Bonus Questions: Both midterm and final will include a bonus question each, contributing 10% to the overall grade.
Nature of Bonus Questions:
- Movie-Based: Involves watching films that predict ecological disaster scenarios, termed "eco apocalypse." Examples include:
- Original Godzilla
- Them
- Toxic Avenger
- Road Warrior
- Soylent Green
- Expectations: Students must respond to questions about these films, providing personal opinions and contextual information regarding the environmental issues prevalent during the time these films were made. Strict guideline against AI-generated responses.
- Students may select up to 6 films from a list of 10 provided.
Species-Based: Involves researching endangered species.
- Individualized Lists: Each student receives a personalized list of 10 species, emphasizing those with unusual names, such as "Furbish Lousewort."
- Research Requirements: Students must use the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) website and potentially other resources for information, including:
- Pictures
- Maps of critical habitats
- Status information related to the species
- Fun facts about each species. This also earns up to 3 points each in the final submitted document.

Weighting of Presentations:
- Total worth of presentations: 400 points (40% of final grade).
Presentation Medium: PowerPoint presentations approximately 10-15 minutes in length.
Content Requirements for Presentations:
- Length: 15-20 slides.
- Must contain elements like maps, aerial imagery, and charts/graphs.
- Include a clear rationale about the chosen topic and why it is significant or interesting.
Access to Materials: PDF versions of these presentations will be uploaded to blackboard for all students.
Timeline: Presentations are due by April 23.
Feedback Mechanism: Instructors will provide comments and requests for corrections on draft versions before the final submission.
Topic Selection: Topics must be selected from a list provided in the syllabus or be original with approval from the instructor. Preference will be given to topics involving natural resources or environmental issues.

The course allows for a selection of suggested topics or personal topics related to:
1. History - Barbed Wire: Explores the development and importance of barbed wire in history.
2. History - Standard Oil: A look at the context and impact of Standard Oil in American history.

Cultural References in Environmental Discussions:
- Impact of Entertainment: Reference to the original Godzilla film's contribution to popular culture and environmental awareness, demonstrating how cinema addresses ecological fears.
Food Production and Soil:
- Discusses agricultural practices and how soil quality impacts the flavor of crops, particularly potatoes. Comparison of Red River Valley's agriculture with other regions, highlighting the uniqueness of local produce.
Endangered Species and Mythical Creatures:
- Example: The assignment includes identifying a mythical creature like "La Lechuza" (a vampire owl from Mexico). Each student must provide visuals and maps associated with their creature.
- This assignment helps illustrate biodiversity in mythological contexts, linking cultural narratives with actual ecological discussions.

Pests and Pesticides:
- Discusses organic pest control methods using ladybugs as a non-chemical approach to manage garden pests. Contrasted with growing issues related to bed bugs.
Mining and Environmental Concerns:
- Overview of problems caused by mining, including mercury use in artisanal gold mining and pollution incidents, such as the tailings dam failure in Zambia's copper mining operations.
Climate Change and Global Warming:
- Discusses phenomena related to climate shifts, like the changing polar vortex and its resulting effects, such as increased winter storms.

Air Pollution in Northern India: Highlight of the air quality map that categorizes pollution levels and stresses the dire environmental situation.
Demographic Challenges: Reference to Russia's fertility rates and implications for future population dynamics reflecting on how social issues intertwine with environmental ones.