Think back to your previous experiences and prior knowledge with respect to ecosystem function.

• What do you find most interesting about ecology and ecosystems?
• What has been your experience with ecology and ecosystems?
• How do you think the experiences you have described so far have impacted your knowledge and perceptions about ecology and ecosystems?
• How do you think learning about value determination within ecosystems will impact your future career in environmental science?

This week, consider the following 2 vocabulary terms:

• Ecosystem
• Ecosystem services

Discuss the following questions related to the 2 vocabulary terms:

• How do people use these terms?
• What do these terms mean in everyday language to everyday people (i.e., people outside the environmental science field)? Use examples to help describe your thoughts.