This course is designed to explore three aspects of the environment: the interacting components of the environment apart from humans, the impact of humans and contemporary cultures on the environment, and local pollution problems and possible solutions. This Honors course fosters high-achieving students' growth towards learning outcomes such as: problem solving, often with creative approaches; critical reading or original data analysis; forming judgments based on evidence, often from integrative learning; clear, persuasive research writing; oral presentation; and articulate reflection on personal growth. Honors courses are more likely to utilize student-driven active learning, emphasizing exploration and discovery, rather than the acquisition of specific knowledge; faculty might provide projects with no pre-determined conclusion, but with real-world application.