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Welcome to Environmental Science Interactive from RAMAS®

Logo Thank you for trying Environmental Science Interactive (Karen V. Root, editor). This free trial lasts until January 15, 2008. Until that time you have full access to all the labs as your students will see them. Please use the links below, or the Links button on the left menu bar, to access the labs.

Getting Started

General Information

Technical Details


Please bookmark this page so you can continue to get free access during the trial period.

Instructors can get free, unexpiring access by registering at any time. Registering is not necessary to use this free trial.

OVERVIEW

Environmental Science Interactive is a set of environmental science simulations and exercises suitable for college environmental studies courses. Each topic (or lab) provides:
  • introductory material including a discussion of current global issues,
  • exercises that utilize Java applets
  • detailed instructions and questions.
Also provided are additional study aides including:
  • relevant links and references,
  • review questions,
  • and quizzes for self-testing.
      Labs can be purchased and used individually or as a complete set. When a student purchases a laboratory (or the complete set) from our catalog, s/he will have access to the materials for six months from the purchase date. Technical requirements are listed on our help page along with answers to frequently asked questions.

TOPICS

  • Scientific method
  • Risk and uncertainty
  • Biodiversity
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Human population dynamics
  • Conservation of endangered species
  • Interactions among species
  • Energy resources
  • Water resources
  • Waste management
  • Atmosphere and climate
  • Air pollution
  • Natural resource use and planning
  • Policy and decision-making

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

Environmental Science Interactive from RAMAS® is a unique undergraduate course that utilizes an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to teaching the complexities of current environmental issues. Students will learn to appreciate the importance of uncertainty and risk in the practice and interpretation of science. They will also have the opportunity to experience the interdisciplinary nature of each topic with engaging labs and discussion questions that explore the science, economics, and policies of prevailing issues in the environment. Inquiry-based learning teaches students the process of science through experimentation and analysis in a way that is motivating and enjoyable. Regardless of whether students go on to major in a scientific field, this course will provide them with the tools they need to think critically about local and global environmental issues.

Each lab consists of a general introduction to the topic, up to three interactive computer models (that utilize Java applets) for students to explore, and discussion questions. Each lab also has web links and references that students can explore for further information or as a starting point for class research papers. The entire course is web-based to be compatible with any computer (Macintosh or Windows) with access to the Internet. The web-based nature of this course also makes it ideal for distance learning.

Instructors using Environmental Science Interactive from RAMAS® have free on-line access to each lab, teaching support with assessment tools, answers, and teaching tips. Instructors may choose to use the entire course, or labs may be selected individually for customizing the course to any lesson plan. Instructors can get permanent, non-expiring free access, including an Instructor's Manual with answers to all exercises, after the trial period by registering or adopting it for a course.

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