Studying Environmental Science Flashcards
What is Environmental Science?
Interdisciplinary, A broad perspective, A scientific approach to studying the world
Interdisciplinary
Draws on diverse disciplines, skills, and interests
A broad perspective
No boundaries; Global system of interdependent societies
A scientific approach to studying the world
Ecosystems
Biodiversity
Biogeochemical cycles
Biomes
Climate
Biological communities
Ecological services
Methods of Environmental Science
Observation
Scientific Method
Quantitative Reasoning
Uncertainty
Critical & Analytical Thinking
Observation
Detail and evaluation of factors involved
Scientific Method
Orderly approach to asking questions
Rigor and discipline
Quantitative Reasoning
How to compare and interpret data
Uncertainty
Knowing limits to our knowledge.
Can improve confidence on what we know.
Critical & Analytical thinking
Examining what you think and why you think it.
Acknowledging uncertainty.
Experimental Design
Natural
Manipulative
Natural
Observation of events that already happened.
Manipulative
Controlled study
Blind experiments
Controlled study
Comparing a treatment (exposed) group with a control (unexposed) group
Blind experiments:
Not knowing which group is treated until during analysis; used to prevent researcher bias.
Possible sources of uncertainty
Measurement Error - Difference between measured variable and its true quantity
Sampling Error - Cannot be completely eliminated due to variations in space and time
Model Error - Models are approximates; assumed parameters and variables that make up the model
ES ToolKit
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Critical Thinking
Systems Thinking
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Contributions from multiple fields and disciplines
Critical Thinking
Using reason to evaluate information with healthy skepticism
Systems Thinking
Not loosing sight of the bigger picture
Challenges of Envi Work
Lack of baseline data
Need large-scale changes
Differing opinions
Constantly changing conditions
Perspective and behavioural change.
