Global Freshwater Crisis, Spring 2011

Abstract:: For the first time in history, the global demand for freshwater is overtaking its supply in many parts of the world. The U.N. predicts that by 2025, more than half of the countries in the world will be experiencing water stress or outright shortages. Lack of water can cause disease, food shortages, starvation, migrations, political conflict, and even lead to war. Models of cooperation, both historic and contemporary, show the way forward. The first half of the course details the multiple facets of the water crisis. Topics include water systems, water transfers, dams, pollution, climate change, scarcity, water conflict/cooperation, food security, and agriculture. The second half of the course describes innovative solutions: Adaptive technologies and adaptation through policy, planning, management, economic tools, and finally, human behaviors required to preserve this precious and imperiled resource. Several field trips to water/wastewater/biosolids reuse and water-energy sites will help us to better comprehend both local and international challenges and solutions.

Subject:: Science and Technology, Social Sciences
Grade Level:: Post-secondary
SubTopics:: Natural Resources , Climate Change , Water , Pollution , Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition
Collection:: MIT OpenCourseWare

No Strings Attached

Natural Inquirer Journals: Olympic Winter Games

Abstract:: Do you like to discover new things? Are you interested in learning about nature? Then the Natural Inquirer is for you! This journal is full of new information on the natural environment that we call the Rocky Mountains. In this Natural Inquirer, you will learn how father owls feed their young, the dangers that songbirds sometimes face and how beetles stay warm during the winter. Find out how avalanches are formed, whether trout always pick the same place to swim in a stream and how a computer can be used to predict soil erosion! Have fun learning all about the Rocky Mountains!

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: Opening the World through Journaling: Integrating Art, Science, and Language Arts teaches children to become keen observers of the natural world by drawing and writing about the plants and animals in situ. In a set of nested exercises, students use games to gain confidence in drawing and writing as a way to gather information. Later, they employ these skills to put together a field guide, make treasure maps, and to write short stories and poems.

Abstract:: You can give a personal testimony concerning a social problem, you can formulate your own opinion.