Preface

Principles of Science in our environment

Science is becoming ever more important and pervasive in modern life. In our highly technological society every citizen needs some understanding of how the scientific process works, as well as how to interpret scientific information. Many instructors have asked for a textbook that gives students a strong foundation in the basic principles of environmental science. We understand and agree with that goal. This is especially important because many students who take environmental science today have few other opportunities to study science, and many have little background in the subjects that form a basis for this discipline.

In this book we provide a solid foundation in scientific approaches to environmental problems and solutions. We integrate information from a wide range of disciplines from both the natural and social sciences. And we offer a balanced, objective perspective that presents both sides of controversial issues. Although this book is suitable for nonscience majors, the presentation, while condensed, remains sophisticated and discerning.

Why a Shorter Book?

In recent years environmental science textbooks have grown bigger, more encyclopedic, and increasingly expensive. Many instructors and students prefer a concise and affordable text. This book was written to fill that need. Rather than presenting the 25 to 30 chapters found in most environmental science textbooks, we've limited this book to 15 chapters, or about one chapter per week for a typical semester course. The more concise presentation focuses on key principles, on scientific methods and ideas, and on lifelong learning skills for students. We have also included case studies and current events to provide a real-world context for the themes discussed here. Additional case studies and current issues are also available on the book's website to help enrich the course's content. At the same time, the moderate size and price of this book should allow instructors to add supplementary materials to meet their individual teaching/learning objectives.

The outline of this book follows a topic sequence widely used in many environmental science textbooks and courses, but we know that many instructors choose to organize their courses around their own outlines. We've written each chapter in a way that doesn't assume that students have already read other chapters in any particular order. If instructors prefer a different organization of course topics, chapters can be presented in any order that suits their course's needs.

We express our gratitude to the entire McGraw-Hill book team for their wonderful work in putting together this edition. Kathy Loewenberg oversaw the developmental stages and has made many creative contributions to this book. Mary Lee Harms was the production project manager and kept everything running smoothly. Connie Mueller found superb photographs. The folks at Precision Graphics did an excellent job of composition and page layout. Michelle Watnick, Heather Wagner, and Marge Kemp have supported this project with their enthusiasm and creative ideas. The New Media Support Staff continues to provide essential web and technology expertise.

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals who have given of their time and expertise to provide reviews for this book. We thank them for their suggestions and encourage their continued input.

• Ruth Beattie_University of Kentucky
• Royal Berglee_Central Michigan University
• Rachel K. Daack Riley_Loras College
• Larry E. Davis_College of Saint Benedict/Saint John?s University
• Chris Fox_Community College of Baltimore-Catonsville
• Marcia L. Gillette_Indiana University?Kokomo
• David L. Gorchov_Miami University
• Penelope Koines_University of Maryland
• Timothy F. Lyon_Ball State University
• Kiran P. Misra_Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Brian Reeder_Morehead State University
• Michael R. Ross_College of Saint Benedict/Saint John?s University
• John A. Tiedemann_Monmouth University
• Dennis W. Woodland_Andrews University