Second Semester!

Hi Larry!

I think the presentations are a good idea to start off the class and break the ice. It also helps  combine the interdisciplinary aspects of the honors program. However, I do wish we could go up with our whole group...

I personally liked the use of the video clip in the beginning of Raj's groups presentation because it was able to catch everyones attention. 

It was cool to brainstorm with my own group about an article that I had such an interest in. I'm really into education and education reform. I myself struggle and have always struggled with understand the concepts of science. I can't just read through a textbook and understand photosynthesis or see the molecular structure of hydrogen. I need to be able to really see examples of these things. I need to be able to talk about out loud with other people to understand any of it. I always need to have some concepts explained to me over and over and over again in order to get it through my thick skull. 

The rubric for the class presentations seems fine to me. The only suggestion I had is that the "4" section seems very similar to the "5" section. I think that 4 section also demonstrates a nearly flawless presentation so maybe the standards to receive a "5" are a bit too high. 

**Notes from Class**

-~Energy Systems Cycle~-

find mine harvest->process refine convert->transport->operate maintain->decommission

Potential Side Effects of this cycle: 

~Find mine harvest-raise land, destroy natural habitat, use more energy than it would produce, increase they price to harvest it, decrease the supply, soil erosion, chemical run off

~Process Refine Convert-pollution from smoke stacks, global warming, health and safety, re-education of the work force, takes energy to refine

~Transportation-pollution, destruction of natural habitats, smog

~Operate Maintain-could take more energy to produce than it does to release, dangerous living conditions, dangerous jobs

~Decommission-pollute water, destroy land, radiation, infertile land, could have significant effect on animals, eye sores, decrease property values, in rivers flow is slowly so water doesn't naturally cleanse itself

lifetime of a blade-about ten years? but no way to recycle them...

Where do we put hazardous waste??