Consider a Spherical Cow: A Course in Environmental Problem Solving (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Only basic problem-solving skills are needed in this chapter..." (more)
Key Phrases: entropic mixing, unharvested population, tropospheric residence time, United States, Dead Sea, Pacific Ocean (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"an excellent guide.This book illustrates step-by-step how to solve dozens of problems." -- Journal of Chemical Information & Computational Science

Product Description

This innovative compendium offers a variety of techniques for approaching contemporary environmental problems. Challenging, real-world situations and worked-out solutions provide the means both for gaining insights into the process of problem solving and for thinking quantitatively and creatively about such environmental concerns as energy and water resources, food production, indoor air pollution, acid rain, and human influences on climate.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 283 pages
• Publisher: University Science Books (September 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093570258X
• ISBN-13: 978-0935702583
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,741 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everybody should read this book, October 26, 2000

By A Customer

This book provides an excellent viewpoint on physical problem solving by "thinking outside the box". I provides great approach to setting up all types of physical problems. I found the book very useful to all types of science. You don't have to be an environmental scientist to benefit from this text. The example problems are very good and the examples stand out in my memory for a long time -- very helpful for future challenges.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, July 26, 2006

By	John Doe - See all my reviews

The book does an excellent job of teaching quantitative thinking skills and posing interesting problems. Also, it has a terrific appendix with all sorts of interesting data related to biogeochemistry.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Teachers should not use this book!, May 31, 2009

By	Mary Skinner - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book, although it gives a valiant effort in promoting new approaches to chemistry, is a poorly put together piece of work. The appendix is oddly organized and the format of the problems is jumbled into a mess that leaves one feeling frustrated instead of inspired. As a chemistry lover, this book was a HUGE disappointment.