Each of the seven modules in the Technology and Environmental Decisionmaking CD focuses on using science and critical-thinking skills to explore an important environmental issue. The modules provide resources and activities for use in the classroom.

“MTBE: From America’s Most Wanted to Most Unwanted Gasoline Additive.” Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was added to gasoline to solve air pollution problems in the U.S., but years of leaks from underground storage tanks put MTBE in the nation’s ground water. Why didn’t we foresee the potential for water pollution?

“Climate Change.” A resource to help you and your students understand, evaluate, and respond to the complex issues related to climate change. Discover what we know about climate change, who evaluates and interprets that information, how climate change affects individuals and society, and how to adapt to and reduce climate change.

“Air Quality.” Using excerpts from Air Quality in the Mexico Megacity, a research text edited by Nobel laureate Prof. Mario Molina and Dr. Luisa Molina, the module explores current air quality challenges and solutions. Air quality research is framed as a multidisciplinary venture, using perspectives from technical, natural, and social sciences to contribute to successful environmental decisions.

“Troubled Waters Underground.” Half of all Americans get their drinking water from underground water sources. But how safe is the nation’s drinking water? The Woburn, Massachusetts, case study—featured in the book and film, A Civil Action—illustrates industrial point source chemical contamination.

“Round Rivers.” Local water supply quality is linked to that of regional and even global water supply systems. This module looks at the interconnectivity of surface water systems and the impact of agricultural nonpoint source contamination. A case study featuring the northern Gulf of Mexico’s “Dead Zone” provides examples.

“Driving Into the 21st Century: The Future of the Automobile.” Cars provide us with convenient, personalized transportation, but contribute to pollution, climate change, and dependence on foreign oil. Look at new technologies to make automobiles cleaner and less dependent on gasoline, including hybrid-electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and alternative fuels.

“Environmental Decisionmaking.” This module examines the complex nature of environmental policies and the difficulties in making good policy in light of scientific uncertainty, differing economic and political perspectives, and technological challenges.