I. Scientific investigation

A. “classic” scientific method – fig. 3-2

B. ecology often differs somewhat in its approach - controlled experiments and repeatability are difficult

C. inductive and deductive reasoning – p. 34-35

D. modeling complex systems – section 3-2

• positive and negative feedback
• synergy
  

E. junk science - p. 36

II. Some basic physics and chemistry

A. basics of atomic and molecular structure – p. 39-40

• check out the periodic table of haiku
  

B. pH – fig. 3-6

C. inorganic vs. organic compounds

D. high-quality vs. low-quality matter - fig. 3-8 (compare to high and low quality energy)

III. energy

A. basic types of energy

B. law of conservation of matter-energy (1st law of thermodynamics) energy can change forms but cannot be destroyed or created. “You cannot get something for nothing” "There is no away"

C. 2nd law of thermodynamics – “you cannot break even” – see fig. 3-17

D. energy quality – fig. 3-12

IV. matter and energy changes

A. difference between physical and chemical changes

B. nuclear changes

1. radioactive decay – fig. 3-13

3. nuclear fission – fig. 3-14 and 3-15

4. nuclear fusion – fig. 3-16

C. High-throughput economies (AKA flow-through economy) (fig. 3-18)

D. Low-throughput economies mimic natural, cyclical economies (fig. 3-19)