Final Paper:
During the quarter we will discuss many sources of energy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For your final written project, write a paper answering the following question:
How should the United States meet its energy needs over the next 100 years?
In preparing your answer you should consider the issues of sustainability, scalability, economics, and environmental impact, as appropriate. Your answer should be feasible e.g. if your answer is that we eliminate private automobiles to reduce oil use and CO2 production then you must explain how we will meet our transportation needs. You may discuss the content of your paper with others, including fellow students, Dr. Barrett and Prof. Kagan, but the paper must be your own work.
Your answer should be 4- 6 type written pages (12 pt, 1 1/2 space) and should include an introduction, body, conclusion and references. Before you get started you should read through the Practical Writing Tips section. This work will be due on Friday, December 3 during class as indicated in the Course Syllabus.
Final Presentation:
During the first two weeks of the quarter you should sign up for a final presentation topic. Your topic may be chosen to correspond to one or more of the articles listed in Final Presentation Topics. These articles are meant as a starting point for your research on the topic. Your topic must be approved by Dr. Barrett or Prof. Kagan before you begin to work on it. Your presentation of this topic will be scheduled during the last two weeks of the quarter as indicated in the Course Syllabus. The schedule of presentations will be distributed during the sixth week of class.Your final presentation should cover the important points of the topic in depth. You should present a clear view of why this topic is important, what science is involved, what the relevant issues are, and your conclusions. You should plan this presentation to take no more than 15 minutes. See Outlines and Presentations for information which may help you prepare your presentation.