The Atmosphere

Thank you for turning in your homework...mostly on time! The homework will be explained and examined in class, as will the grading system.

As for the homework, most people did a fine job on the Science Topics in English prints. A few people were confused by ST 2, number 3. The third question was to write what 5 elements you would include in your sustainable community. Maybe it was a little unclear by the question, but I gave examples as well. I did not mean to include 5 chemical elements. I meant to include 5 man-made items which can contribute to a sustainable community, such as: a composting station, a dam creating hydroelectric power, a man-made stocked fish pone, a solar power plant, vegetable gardens, and the like.

In addition, for ST 1, I wanted to read a definition of what environmental science means deeply to you. For example, tell me why and how you became interested in environmental science. Were you shocked to see global warming? Do you have a love for nature and want to save the environment?

As for the book homework, most of you did a fine job with the first 3 parts: letters A, B, and C. In part C, you were to write each topic sentence and give information that comes after each topic sentence, hopefully in your own words.

Speaking of your own words, in part D you were to summarize the reading on page 17. Summary means a shortened version of something you have read, in your own words. I noticed that many people copied directly from the textbook. It is not enough to just know where the information came from. You have to be able to understand it in English briefly as well. Copying paper directly and handing them in as your own is called plagiarism, and it is very bad. I don't care if you make many mistakes, or if your writing is short. It is better to write your own work, than to plagiarize! I had to take off some points if you copied.

This week we will be examining the atmosphere and I hope to do a pair Topic Project related to the atmosphere in class. Your homework for next week will include some information from the Topic Project, as well as: 3.4 Extending Skills, A, C, D, G, and H. Please do on a separate sheet of white paper with names and student numbers. See you in class!

What Do Environmental Scientists Do?

Thank you for last week's homework! This Friday will be the first day you will see this blog as I will introduce it for the first time, but please check back often. I will also introduce the website for this class, EcoEnglish, which can be found on the URL: http://jeffmorrow.wix.com/ecoenglish

Please check the website too, and feel free to leave comments. In fact, a portion of homework may be done using comments on the blog or website.

This week we will discuss what environmental scientists do, and examine how they can help with environmental problems. This week's work will use a handout I have made for this class. It will be similar to last week's, and it will be finished in class. We will also practice using an English to English dictionary, and will also learn more environmental science vocabulary. You will also consider making a sustainable community in Mt. Aso with your research team.

The homework will be page 18, 2.3 extending skills, A-D. Please do this on a separate sheet of white paper with your names in romaji and student numbers. Just write the letter, number, and your answers. You do not have to write the questions. Turn it in to the E-learning office on the 5th floor of the South Building by Wednesday, April 29th. Good luck!

Welcome to the Environmental Science English Blog

This is the first post on the new blog created for students of the Environmental and Symbiotic Science department at the Prefectural University of Kumamoto.

As you learned last week, my name is Jeffrey Morrow, and I have been living in Kumamoto for a long time. I taught English for Biochemistry and English for Engineering at Kumamoto University for around 14 years. I also taught English to Agriculture department students at Tokai university, Aso Campus. I have been teaching as a part-time instructor in this department for about 7 years. Now I am happy to be full-time at PUK teaching English to this wonderful department.

This blog will cover all aspects of the Science English class, held on Fridays, 2nd period in room 3. I will put reading and homework assignments here, as well as quiz and test information, quiz and test answers, student information, and other interesting and useful details. Please check this blog often for recent posts. Some posts will be very important and will contain important advice, guidance, and instruction.

This week's homework: page 9, 1.3 parts C and D and page 10, 1.4 part A. If you have any problems with this assignment, please e-mail me.