Global Warming: Handbook of Ecological Issues

About the Book

Global Warming: Handbook of Ecological Issues, with 10 questions after chapters 1-19 , is also designed for high school, college students, all citizens who seek a solid base for their ecological beliefs and positions.   Please use this text to research, consider, develop, and perfect your beliefs on nature, ecological issues, and your role as an informed citizen

About the Author

At age 12 (1943) author Ploutz announced that he would like to be like the earlier John Burroughs and Jay Gould, also of Roxbury, N. Y. (Catskills of upstate New York.) The Burroughs and Gould’s farms were near the Ploutz farm. John and Jay were boyhood friends/neighbors. John became a famous naturalist, close friend to President “Teddy” Roosevelt. Jay became a true robber baron and “Wizard of Wall Street.” In the 1870’s Jay the wealthiest, perhaps most despised man in the world. Paul, not as successful as Jay but did excel in science. Yes, a millionaire fortunately, but Paul, now 81 (2012) taught (public schools, USA) every grade from 5th throughout supervising Ph.D. candidates through graduation. Paul taught science courses at University of Michigan, University of Northern Colorado (Greeley), Colorado College (Colorado Springs), Hocking Technical College (Ohio), and retired from Ohio University (Athens, Ohio), in 1985. He was the K-12 Coordinator of Math and Science, Livonia Public Schools, Michigan, and the K-12 Jefferson County Colorado Public Schools Science Supervisor with 80 schools and 120,000 students. Professor Ploutz has co-authored several textbooks, a dozen educational games (Geologic Time Chart & Periodic Chart of Elements very successful) Metric Manuals. An active Life Member of the National Science Teachers Association, (NSTA); Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Ploutz was a founding member and 1st Editor for the National Science Supervisors Association (NSSA) along with numerous other awards, recognitions. The odd couple experience: Working with mentor Donald G. Decker, provost @ Univ. of Northern Colorado & President of the NSTA, author Ploutz had become a champion of the “K-12” science curriculum in the public schools of America. So, in the 1960’s it was not a great surprise to be invited by (SRA) Science Research Associates, (a division of IBM,) to come to the Chicago headquarters and be asked to work with “ a scientist” to determine what science topics were to be taught (K-12) in the public schools of America, and in what sequence? “This was my field, a proven science educator, at the top of my game, didn’t really need a scientist, had reviewed all of the science textbooks, sure I knew the topics and what the best sequence was. (Static electricity before current electricity etc.) And I had all ready been hired, $ 100./per day + traveling/lodging expenses, great for 1960! Also had approval from Vernon R. Alden, President, Ohio University, to miss classes if necessary.” “Entered the Chicago conference room few minutes late, introduced but didn’t quite catch the scientists name. Started the discussion, 5 people present, Larry Willie (IBM/VP); Jack Fisher (SRA/Senior Project Director); 3rd person-don’t recall; 4th, me/Ploutz; and 5th, William Bradford Shockley, Jr. the Nobel Physicist who invented the transistor!” The obnoxious Shockley had few if any friends, however when Ploutz clearly admitted to “Bill” that he was clearly the greater genius, they were able to work together for a time. At the time neither knew they had prostate cancer. Global Warming: Handbook of Ecological Issues offers numerous historical and current events, which will allow the reader to develop their own: “Every responsible adult on earth needs to have a position on ecology, what to believe, think, talk, vote, to have some influence on what happens to you, your followers, your earth.”