WebCT Student Access Kit for Essential Environment: The Science behind the Stories

Essential Environment: The Science behind the Stories is an introductory textbook that uses case studies and real data to demonstrate the role of science in solving pressing environmental problems. Dynamic central case studies are integrated throughout each chapter, capturing students' attention and providing them with a contextual framework on which to build their understanding of concepts in environmental science.

Science Behind the Story boxes explain how scientists know what they know about environmental problems, while opposing viewpoints on contentious environmental issues allow students to hear both sides of the story. The powerful instructor presentation package includes 5-minute video clips for use as lecture launchers and lecture outlines in PowerPoint. The student CD-Rom and website includes GRAPH-IT graphing tutorials which show students how to plot, interpret, and critically evaluate real data.

With only 14 chapters, Essential Environment: The Science behind the Stories avoids the encyclopedic approach of other textbooks on the market and instead offers only the essential concepts, theories, and principles of environmental science. In particular, the authors have condensed the material on environmental policy, agriculture, atmosphere, and water, providing the student with the essential material they need in a more concise, affordable format.

Scott Brennan teaches environmental science, policy, and journalism at Western Washington University's Huxley College of the Environment. He has also worked as a journalist, policy analyst, and environmental consultant. The recipient of a Duke University research fellowship in marine science, Brennan's accomplishments have been recognized by Washington State University, Western Washington University, and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Jay Withgott is a science and environmental writer, and has written for a variety of journals and magazines including Science, New Scientist,Current Biology, Conservation in Practice, and Natural History. Holding an undergraduate degree in History and Studies in the Environment atYale University, Withgott has authored nearly 20 scientific research papers and has taught labs in Ecology and other subjects while gaining masters degrees in Biological Sciences (University of Arkansas) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Arizona).