Course Overview:
This environmental studies course explores current, complex, and controversial North American and international environmental issues through a case study approach.  Students will explore topics such as ecology, environmental laws, energy, water, toxicology, waste management, soil and agriculture, global population, conservation and resource management, as well as a host of more local environmental issues related to natural resources (fishing, mining, timber, energy, etc.).  Students will also explore and recognize various forms of bias through critical analysis in messaging and public policy.  Specific case studies considered are: managing wildfire on public lands; balancing competing demands for water; managing predatory wildlife, especially wolves, cougars, and grizzlies; determining applications of genetically modified organisms; managing public forests; tackling human-caused climate change; assessing whaling and other mammal harvests; and analyzing  International conflicts and controversies over marine protected areas.  A primary goal of this course is to inspire students to be active and engaged in their local community and within the policy making arena.

Students engage in multi-media projects, writing assignments, online discussions, quizzes, and tests.

Environmental Studies A contains an introduction to science writing, sustainability, ecosystems, water and climate change.

Primary Instructor Contact: 907-235-8181 (office phone at McNeil Canyon School); andrew.rothenberger@g.kpbsd.org

Primary Instructor Bio: Mr. Rothenberger  (Mr. R.) is originally from Seattle, and grew up about 30 minutes from the Key Arena and the Kingdome where he watched many sporting events.  Baseball and basketball were his two most favorite spectator sports growing up.  He also spent many years running distance events in Cross Country and Track and Field through college.  Mr. R. moved to Alaska in 2002, and was hired for his first teaching responsibility at Kachemak Selo School in 2005.  Mr. R. has a wife named Heather, and a son named Laif.  Currently, Mr. R. is going to college in his free time at UAF and working toward an advanced degree in fisheries.  He spends a lot of time catching, trapping and netting fish in the Fox River Basin near Homer.  Hopefully you’ll get an opportunity to do that with him and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve!  Mr. R is pleased to be your instructor!

Learning Objectives: The course is designed to meet national and Alaska Science/NGSS Standards in science. 

Grading Policy: Assignments are graded as they come in, usually within 24 hours (exceptions may be over weekends). If an assignment has not been turned in by the due date, a zero is entered in the gradebook as a placeholder until the assignment gets turned in; there is no penalty for late work (assignments are not graded down). Grades are synced from Canvas to PowerSchool at least once a week (Fridays), and often twice or three times per week. Multiple attempts are allowed for any assignment--the only exception is if something has been plagiarized. If you need another attempt on a quiz or locked assignment, please email your instructor and asked for it to be unlocked again. Zeros that are a result of academic dishonesty will stay as zeros.

Click the following links for information on academic integrity, eligibility, and netiquette: