Principles of Environmental Science is intentionally written in a lively, accessible style and illustrated with nearly 400 full color photographs and figures that help explain important concepts. The authors have also integrated a number of learning tools to help students gain an informed, thoughtful view of the environment:

"Investigating Our Environment" essays: These examples give students some experience with tools and approaches scientists use to solve contemporary environmental problems. Each boxed essay shows how scientists work to solve complex environmental questions.

Study aids: Each chapter opens with a list of objectives that summarize the main points of the chapter. These objectives are written in active terms that suggest to the student that it requires active involvement on their part to learn environmental science. Notice that while some objectives call for simple, concrete thinking skills, others are deliberately aimed at higher cognitive levels to encourage students to think reflectively, analytically, and critically. The text asks students to analyze, understand, explore, or question concepts that don't have simple, clear end points that can be measured objectively, because it's important to point out the need for higher-level thinking about complex issues. Every chapter ends with a summary of main points, a list of key terms, and review questions that help the student review material and prepare for tests.

Scientific thinking: A more challenging, open-ended set of questions titled "Thinking Scientifically" encourages students to think more deeply and independently about issues and principles presented in the chapter. These questions make excellent starting points for discussion sections. They also could be used to practice for essay exams, or might even serve as an essay exam themselves.

Applications: Because few of us learn effectively without an opportunity to actively apply new ideas, the authors have included application boxes. These boxes provide a break in reading the text and invite students to practice or apply skills they have just learned. In addition, "What can you do?" boxes in nearly every chapter suggest practical things that individuals can do to help improve environmental quality and resource conservation.

Web Exercises: The World Wide Web has become an extremely important source of current data, but many students know little about the kinds of information available or the agencies and organizations that produce it. The web exercises in Principles of Environmental Science make use of current data and ask students to perform activities such as graphing data, comparing maps, and using live GIS sources to learn about environmental issues and information sources.

Maps and appendices: The appendices include conversion factors for weights and measures in an easy-to-locate position on the inside back cover. A new, expanded set of maps serve as references for the whole book and should help students build upon their geographical knowledge and global perspective. The glossary defines all key terms as well as other important vocabulary words. A list of further readings is posted on this Online Learning Center, where it can be updated periodically.