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Field Trip One
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Home Environment
Your first Field Trip begins with your home. Walk through it and around it. If possible, look in your attic, in the garage, or even underneath the house if it sits up on sills. Make note of the following things:
- How old is the house?
- Of what materials is it constructed?
- How environmentally efficient is the house in terms of insulation, use of energy efficient appliances, airconditioning & heating, etc.?
- How much space is in the home, and how many people are living there?
- How close is your home to your work, school, etc.?
- How is your house landscaped?
- How much yard do you maintain, and does yard maintenance require the use of chemicals or gasoline - powered equipment?
- Do you have a pool that you maintain and utilize? If so, what chemicals are you handling & storing to keep the pool clean?
- What household chemicals & agents do you store? Where & how do you store them?
- What other creatures live in and around your home? Make a detailed inventory?
- Finally, ask yourself the question of what constitutes a natural versus an unnatural environment. Is your home a natural or unnatural environment?
- Are you "of nature" or "apart" from it? Please explain.
It is the mission of Florida Gulf Coast University that every graduating student will be aware of the environment of southwest Florida and the unique features of the surrounding ecology of which our campus is a part. Students attending through distance will also need to be aware of our special environment. To that end, after having thoroughly gone over everything in around your house and having answered the 12 questions cited above, proceed to identify one site in your area that exemplifies your idea of a "natural environment" more than any other. Please describe this environment to me in 500 words or less. Please post your answers to the 12 questions above and your 500 word description of your favorite "natural site" on the Web Board prior to next week's class.