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Resources - Textbooks

Introduction
The following Environmental Science textbooks are distributed by various publishers. The WCEE Resources Library has copies of most of the books listed below. The books are available for review, either in person by visiting the library in Stevens Point or through the Wisconsin Library System Delivery Network. To request titles or for more information contact Sunshine Buchholz: sbuchhol@uwsp.edu, 715-346-2014. 

Reviews and Recommendations
The Environmental Science Teacher Network does have recommendations or reviews of any of these books at this time. Resources that may be useful include the following. Keep in mind inaccuracies noted in these reviews may have been corrected in newer editions of textbooks. 


Environmental Science Texts Designed for High School Students  JUMP TO
Some books in this table may be suitable for AP High School Courses

Environmental Science Texts Designed for AP High School Courses/Introductory College Courses  JUMP TO
The Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science Program in intended to permit high school students to take college-level courses; AP classes are designed to be rigorous laboratory science courses. For AP courses, teachers often select textbooks developed for introductory college courses in environmental science.

Printable Version (PDF)
List updated August 2009


Environmental Science Texts Designed for High School Students
Book descriptions are from the publishers’ web sites
 

Author

Arms, Karen

Title

Environmental Science

Publisher

Holt, Rinehart and Winston

Publish Date

2008

Web Site

Web Site

Description

Build skills for success in science with relevant and motivating features, extensive labs and activities to grab students' attention, and comprehensive test prep review. Earth Science Connections integrate Earth and environmental science. Lab Generator CD-ROM, and PowerPoint Resources and MindPoint Quiz Show, located on the Teacher's One-Stop Planner CD-ROM, keep students actively engages in their learning.

 

Author

Berg, Linda R. and Hager, Mary Catherine

Title

Visualizing Environmental Science, Second Edition

Publisher

Wiley and National Geographic

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

Web Site

Description

This book follows a unique approach by placing a greater emphasis on visual learning as a means for environmental scientists to understand and connect with the central issues of environmental science. It vividly illustrates the overarching role that humans play in our planet's environmental problems and successes. In each chapter, What a Scientist Sees features are presented to highlight a concept or phenomenon from the perspective of a professional in the field. Process diagrams are also used to depict complex processes. Environmental scientists will be able to reinforce their understanding of the field and gain new insights with this second edition.

 

Author

Braus, Judy and St. Antonie, Sara

Title

Environmental Science

Publisher

Pearson – AGS Globe

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

Web Site

Description

Environmental Science presents complex issues in a user-friendly format to increase students’ knowledge of scientific facts. The diversity of life, how living things interact with the environment, biomes, energy, water resources, pollution, feeding the world, and protecting biodiversity are all carefully presented in this appealing new text. Written to meet national and state standards, Environmental Science helps students sharpen their critical-thinking skills as they interpret data, formulate hypotheses, observe and record information, analyze data, and draw conclusions. With a multitude of related activities and teacher support materials, the new Environmental Science text will provide students with a clear base of knowledge in this essential area of science.
Note: This book is designed for low-level readers.

 

Author

Burton, DeVere Editor

Title

Environmental Science: Fundamentals and Applications

Publisher

Delmar

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

Web Site

Description

Environmental Science: Fundamentals and Applications is an applied science textbook written for a high school audience. It provides practical instruction in the sciences that address principles related to the environment. Chapters include topics such as natural resource management, fish and wildlife management, aquaculture, soil science and forestry. It addresses basic principles of science as they relate to outdoor environments, providing numerous examples of applications of science to environmental problems. The textbook is illustrated with many colored photos, sketches, diagrams, and tables. Chapters include objectives, evaluation materials, suggested class activities, and key terms. In addition, Internet key words are provided throughout the text to guide in-depth Internet study.
Note: This text is designed for the agriculture education community.

 

Author

Camp, William G and Heath-Camp, Betty

Title

Managing Natural Resources

Publisher

Delmar

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

Not yet available

Description

Not yet available
Note: This text is designed for the agriculture education community.

 

Author

Christiansen and Christianson

Title

Global Science: Earth/Environmental Systems Science, Seventh Edition

Publisher

Kendall/Hunt

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

http://www.kendallhunt.com/index.cfm?PID=219&CID=219&CEL=992&PGI=146

Description

Global Science is not just another science course. Global Science explores the wonders of our planet. It teaches students how to best use science to understand and manage our planets' resources. Global Science is flexible. This outstanding laboratory-based program can be taught over one semester, one year, or two years. The flexible scheduling incorporated into this program allows for 45-55 minute classes or block scheduling. The schedules for these class options are provided in the back of the Global Science Teacher Guide for teacher ease and to save time on preparation. Global Science is hands-on. Hands-on lab-based instruction provides students the ability to learn science by doing science. Global Science can be taught without giving a single lecture through cost-effective activities.

 

Author

Edelson, Daniel

Title

Investigations in Environmental Science – Unit 1: Land Use, Unit 2: Energy Generation, Unit 3: Water Management

Publisher

It’s About Time

Publish Date

2005

Web Site

http://www.its-about-time.com/htmls/investines/inves.html

Description

Investigations in Environmental Science,™ a Case-Based Approach to Environmental Systems is a 3-unit, one-year high school environmental science course that employs a case-based approach to science education. Investigations in Environmental Science is research-based and supported by the National Science Foundation. Investigations in Environmental Science, places students in the role of environmental scientists. It engages them in investigations of realistic environmental problems, in which they must make recommendations for sustainable uses of resources. In the course of these investigations, students employ a variety of scientific research techniques, including technology research tools that were specially designed to help students use technology in solving problem. These tools include WorldWatcher, a visualization and analysis tool for learners developed at Northwestern University and ArcView, the leading commercial geographic information system (GIS).

 

Author

Pearson, Jane

Title

Environmental Science: How the World Works and Your Place in It, Third Edition

Publisher

J.M. LeBel Publishers, Inc

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

http://www.lebel.com/environmental.htm

Description

Geared toward high school students (appropriate reading level); Presents students with real-life environmental issues and concerns; Designed to encourage and challenge students to think about practical solutions to genuine environmental concerns; Overview of Life, Earth and Physical sciences using the environment as a point of reference; Provides websites to encourage learning outside the classroom; Suitable for students not taking Physics or Chemistry; Six core units: Ecology, Air, Food, Aquatic Systems, Water for the People and Energy; Award-winning author; Third edition has been completely rewritten and updated to provide better comprehension; Soft grade-nine reading level; Four-color throughout; Internet connections; Paginated Glossary; 26 "Closer Looks" review real life Environmental Problems; In-depth coverage of complex issues; Many new charts, graphs and maps; Added opportunities for problem-solving and decision-making; New Study Guide and Test Program; New non-consumable Lab Manual has 64 activities plus 19 additional labs in the textbook; Thorough discussion of new issues, including: Logging, the Ozone Layer, Climate Change, Superfund Sites, and Environmental Impact of Consumer Choices and Population; Career Sections

 

Author

Schachter, Martin

Title

Environmental Science

Publisher

AMSCO School Publications, Inc

Publish Date

2005

Web Site

http://www.amscopub.com/price_list_book_information.html?CM=Prod&CID=8&PID=29

Description

Provides complete coverage of a one-year high school course in environmental science.  This four-color basal text uses real-world examples to encourage student interest in environmental science.  Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills involve students and awaken their natural interest in the environment.

 

Author

Various

Title

Global Systems Science: A New World View; Climate Change; Life and Climate; Ozone; Losing Biodiversity; Energy Flow; Ecosystem Change; Population Growth; Energy Use

Publisher

Lawrence Hall of Science

Publish Date

2005

Web Site

http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/gss/

Description

Global Systems Science (GSS) is an integrated, interdisciplinary course for high school, consisting of nine student books, teacher guides, and Interpreting Digital Images software. Each GSS book deals with a societal issue that requires science for full understanding. The books may be sequenced in a custom one-year integrated science course or serve as supplementary materials for existing high school biology, physics, chemistry, Earth science, or social studies courses.

 

Environmental Science Texts Designed for AP High School Courses/Introductory College Courses
Book descriptions are from the publishers’ web sites.

Author

Botkin, Daniel and Keller, Edward

Title

Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, Seventh Edition

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons, Inc

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470118555.html 

Description

For more than two decades, Botkin has been active in the application of ecological science to environmental management. Updated and revised to include the latest research in the field, the new Seventh Edition of Environmental Science continues to present a balanced analytical and interdisciplinary approach to the field. The material has been streamlined to bring the issues and the science to the forefront. The new design and updated images help to highlight key points. Five central themes are also presented to help environmental scientists think about the issues: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, A Global Perspective, An Urban World, and Science and Values.

 

Author

Chiras, Daniel

Title

Environmental Science, Eigth Edition

Publisher

Jones and Bartlett

Publish Date

2010

Web Site

http://www.jbpub.com/catalog/9780763759254/

Description

Updated throughout with the latest environmental information, issues, and facts, the new Eighth Edition of Environmental Science provides a clear introduction to the environmental topics facing society today and offers many possible solutions on how we can move towards a more sustainable way of life. The author focuses on the root cause of many environmental problems and takes care to presents both sides of the issues. Every chapter emphasizes critical analysis to teach students how to approach these complex topics and determine the merits of the debates for themselves. New Go Green tips offer suggestions for how students can be more environmentally conscious in their daily lives

 

Author

Cunningham, William and Cunningham, Mary Ann

Title

Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications

Publisher

McGraw Hill

Publish Date

2006

Web Site

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=108&isbn=0077270649 

Description

Rather than the 25 to 30 chapters found in most environmental science textbooks, the authors have limited Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications to 15 chapters--perfect for the one-semester, non-majors environmental science course. True to its title, the goal of this concise text is to provide an up-to-date, introductory view of essential themes in environmental science along with offering students numerous opportunities to practice scientific thinking and active learning.

 

Author

Cunningham, William; Cunningham, Mary Ann; and Woodworth Saigo, Barbara

Title

Environmental Science: A Global Concern

Publisher

McGraw Hill

Publish Date

2008

Web Site

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=108&isbn=0073258377&cat=108

Description

Environmental Science, Ninth Edition, is a comprehensive presentation of environmental science for non-science majors which emphasizes critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and global awareness. This book is intended for use in a one- or two-semester course in environmental science, human ecology, or environmental studies at the college or advanced placement high school level.

The goal of this book is to provide an up-to-date, introductory global view of essential themes in environmental science along with emphasis on details and case studies that will help students process and retain the general principles. Because most students who will use this book are freshman or sophomore non-science majors, the authors make the text readable and accessible without technical jargon or a presumption of prior science background. At the same time, enough data and depth are presented to make this book suitable for many upper-division classes and a valuable resource for students who will keep it in their personal libraries after their formal studies are completed.

 

Author

Enger, Eldon and Smith, Bradley

Title

Environmental Science: A Study of Interrelationships

Publisher

McGraw Hill

Publish Date

2006

Web Site

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=108&isbn=0073204803

Description

This full-color, introductory environmental science text is known for being concise, conceptual, and value-priced. The approach and reading level cover the basic concepts without overloading students with too much detail. The authors reinforce the text's central theme of "interrelationships" by providing a historical perspective, information on economic and political realities, discuss the role of different social experiences, and integrate this with the crucial science to describe the natural world and how we affect it.

 

Author

Kaufmann, Robert and Cleveland, Cutler

Title

Environmental Science

Publisher

McGraw Hill

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=108&isbn=0073311863&cat=108

Description

Unlike any other introductory environmental science text, Robert Kaufmann and Cutler Cleveland's Environmental Science takes a fresh approach to the subject by weaving themes of energy and materials, economic systems, and policy throughout the entire text. A story of real science is simply told through examples of cutting-edge content, real-world applications, and a distinctive conceptual illustration program.

 

Author

McConnell, Robert and Abel, Daniel

Title

Environmental Issues: An Introduction to Sustainability

Publisher

Pearson – Prentice Hall

Publish Date

2008

Web Site

Web Site

Description

For courses in Environmental Studies and Environmental Science as well as Education courses focusing on Math and Science. This book takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining simple math, the metric system, and critical thinking to gain insight into relevant local, regional, and global environmental issues. It focuses on sustainability, integrating a broad overview of the essentials throughout the text and providing an in-depth exploration in Part 7, “Sustainability and the Individual.” The presentation of real-world issues and examples fosters the development of the math and analytical skills necessary to truly think critically and to understand these complex issues.

 

Author

McKinney, Michael and Schoch, Robert

Title

Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions, Fourth Edition

Publisher

Jones and Bartlett

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

http://www.jbpub.com/catalog/0763742627/

Description

The critical importance of environmental preservation is apparent to everyone.  The issues facing us today, be they global warming, the depleting ozone layer, the controversy over nuclear power, or the continuing problems of water pollution and solid waste disposal, are headline news.  Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions, Fourth Edition, offers the basic principles necessary to understand and address these multi-faceted and often very complex current environmental concerns.  The book provides a comprehensive overview and synthesis of environmental science and provides the basic factual data necessary to understand the environment as it is today.  It is important that students understand how various aspects of the natural environment interconnect with each other and with human society. Using a systems approach, the authors have organized complex information in a way that highlights these connections in a fair and unbiased fashion.  A Study Guide is incorporated at the end of each chapter to help reinforce concepts and provide a clear overview of material. 

 

Author

Miller, G. Tyler and Spoolman, Scott

Title

Environmental Science: Problems, Connections, and Solutions, Twelfth Edition

Publisher

Brooks/Cole

Publish Date

2008

Web Site

Web Site

Description

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: WORKING WITH THE EARTH, Twelfth Edition, boasts an unparalleled coverage of sustainability, basic science, and bias-free explanations, all within a flexible chapter organization. The central theme of sustainability is clarified by a consistent emphasis on natural capital, natural capital degradation, solutions, trade-offs, and the importance of individuals. As a result, students learn how nature works, how we interact with it, and how we have sustained--and can continue to sustain--our relationship with the earth by applying nature’s lessons to our economies and individual lifestyles. Designed for students with little to no science background, the book’s science- and concept-centered approach encourages students to think about important concepts and issues that affect their lives. Core case studies illustrate key topics and issues, reinforcing the sustainability theme. These and other cases inspire almost 70 "How Would You Vote?" questions, which sharpen students’ critical thinking by asking them to consider facts, conflicting solutions, and trade-offs surrounding the issues, and then cast their vote. The text is supported by the strongest media tools and illustration program available. Highlights include CengageNOW, an online resource featuring automatic grading and Personalized Study Plans; videos; and the PowerLecture presentation tool that makes it easy for you to create customized multimedia lectures.

 

Author

Miller, G. Tyler and Spoolman, Scott

Title

Essentials of Ecology, Fifth Edition

Publisher

Brooks/Cole

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

Web Site

Description

G. Tyler Miller's worldwide bestsellers have evolved right along with the changing needs of your diverse student population. Focused specifically on energizing and engaging all your students, Miller and new coauthor Scott Spoolman have been at work scrutinizing every line--enhancing, clarifying, and streamlining to reduce word density as well as updating with the very latest environmental news and research. The resulting texts are shorter, clearer, and so engaging that your students will actually want to read their assignments. The ideal alternative to ecology texts that tend to be too difficult for non-majors, this succinct 11-chapter, full-color textbook covers scientific principles and concepts, ecosystems, evolution, biodiversity, population ecology, and more.

 

Author

Miller, G. Tyler

Title

Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions, Fifteenth Edition

Publisher

Brooks/Cole

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

Web Site

Description

The Fifteenth Edition's engaging, streamlined coverage includes over 4,000 updates and new topics; hundreds of new "Thinking About" exercises that engage students in critical thinking about environmental science topics; "Core Case Studies" that reinforce chapter concepts; 127 new photos; and superb, integrated coverage of sustainability!
Note: Of Miller’s three Environmental Science textbooks, Living in the Environment is the most detailed.

 

Author

Miller, G. Tyler

Title

Sustaining the Earth: An Integrated Approach, Ninth Edition

Publisher

Brooks/Cole

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

Web Site

Description

About half the price of other environmental science texts, this 14-chapter, one-color core text offers an integrated approach that emphasizes how environmental and resource problems and solutions are related.
Note: Of Miller’s three Environmental Science textbooks, Sustaining the Earth is the most concise.

 

Author

Raven, Peter and Berg, Linda

Title

Environment, Seventh Edition

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons, Inc

Publish Date

2009

Web Site

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470118571.html

Description

Offering a more concise resource for environmental scientists, the seventh edition explores important environmental issues and shows how to apply this information on the job. It focuses on a systems approach, presenting a framework for thinking about environmental science. The recurring theme of global climate change as a system is integrated throughout the chapters, uncovering both the positive and negative roles that people play in that system. Environmental scientists will also benefit from the revised art program. New photos and illustrations help reinforce concepts and make the material come to life.

 

Author

Withgott, Jay and Brennan, Scott

Title

Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, Second Edition

Publisher

Pearson – Prentice Hall

Publish Date

2007

Web Site

http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0805382038,00.html

Description

The first edition of Environment: The Science behind the Stories made the biggest splash of any new entry in environmental science over the past thirty years. The newly revised Second Edition retains all the popular features of this landmark first edition—including its integrated central case study approach, and focus on current data and critical thinking—while new instructor resources make it easier than ever to give dynamic lectures.

 

Author

Wright, Richard and Nebel, Bernard

Title

Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future, Tenth Edition

Publisher

Pearson – Prentice Hall

Publish Date

2008

Web Site

Web Site

Description

For introductory courses in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Biology. As the field of environmental science continues to evolve, this highly readable guide presents a full spectrum of views and information for students to evaluate issues and make informed decisions. An extensive resource package integrates text and digital media in an easy-to-use format designed to assist instructors in classroom preparation.


A Program of the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 346-4973  |  wcee@uwsp.edu

Site maintained by sbuchhol@uwsp.edu  |  Last updated 11/19/09