BIOTIC – ABIOTIC - HUMAN Course Album WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DID, WHAT WE LEARNED, HOW WE FEEL BIOL Human Ecology

Every and any interaction with the natural world is a component of human ecology. Humans have a huge impact!

Our Group Projects First reaction (it did vary): Why should I spend time giving service to my community ? Well, at first you might hesitate to spend time outside of the classroom, but this experience is a valuable part of our education beyond the classroom setting. By working with other people, or on your own, you can discover things about yourself and learn from the experience. The academic world is wonderful, but so is seeing the results that resulted from the time and effort you put into your project. “Challenge yourself, try new things…you may surprise yourself.”

PROJECT COMPONENTS 1. Community Service: Scouts Canada, UBC Farm, Sprouts, University Hill Elementary 2. Research- Academic sources Part of the community service involves TEAMWORK. The sooner we learn how to cooperate with others, the better. It can be a rewarding experience.

TOPIC: Green Spaces in Urban areas and their role in regards to food production at a local level. UBC Learning Exchange and University Hill Elementary GREEN SPACES Members: Erica, Colleen, Cara Key Points: Value of Green Space as a place where native plants can be grown, sanctuary for a variety of species, biodiversity and food networks Green Spaces

We learned about: How to resurrect gardens Learning gardens- native plants The local impact of local food production/ global impact of unsustainable forestry practices Things to ponder… What is the purpose of human made green space? What is the role of green spaces in urban areas? How can land use of green spaces be incorporated with urban sprawl? To what degree can the social use of green spaces exist in a sustainable manner with the environmental use?

FOOD SYSTEMS TOPIC: Food Systems and importance of becoming aware of what it takes to produce the food on a farm in an organic and sustainable manner. Global citizenship involves service to community and an awareness of how our behavior effects the environment. Members: Alina, Ben, Elsa, Christina, Jonny Key Points: Only by mixing labour with knowledge can we get a holistic understanding of the work that goes into food production and the effects that follow. UBC Learning Exchange and UBC Farm Food Systems

We learned about: The value of community service and citizenship Lack of access to nutritionally adequate food for people in the downtown east side area. Food Security is access to safe food. How organic farming is healthy for nature and profitable for business Cycles (nutrient etc.) present in Food systems Food for thought… Our actions impact nature and cause further effects that are intertwined on this planet. Get involved with the community and find out how: Basic necessities such as food are being produced, transported and distributed? What is the purpose of Urban Farms and how is organic produce contributing to sustainability? How much more does it take to produce organic food? What is included in the cost and benefits, who does it effect?

HUMAN CAUSES OF AIR POLUTION TOPIC: Human causes and impacts of air pollution in the Fraser Valley. Local use of vehicles and emissions can have a global impact such as climate change Scouts Canada Members: Brian, Kevin, Cyrus, Dan, Merryn Key Points: People in the Lower Mainland, even young kids, need to be aware of how their behaviour is causing pollution. Smog is a problem during the summer and contributes to poor air quality

We learned about: How to incorporate learning and fun for Cub Scouts Native plants and role of trees in cleaning the air Questions to ponder… How does the quality of air effect agricultural yield? What laws has Greater Vancouver passed to meet the Kyoto goals in regards to reducing greenhouse emissions? What is the connection between cause and effect of pollution in the Fraser Valley?

Organic Food TOPIC: Organic certification, what is involved in food manufacture and transportation. Where does the food at Sprouts come from? Sprouts organic food co-op Members: Erin, Amy, Meredith Key Points: Certified organic food gives people greater control of what they are eating and where it is coming from. The dual concerns of food healthfulness and environmental well-being drive the desire for organic products.

We learned about: What products are sold at UBC Sprouts food store What it takes for food to be certified as organic The routes food takes from the farm to the store shelf. Things to ponder… What process is used to certify organic grains and meat? What does certification tell you about a product. What does that mean to you? How does organic food get distributed and to what markets? Is this movement towards organic food a trend, if so what will be the long term impacts that branch from it?