- An Introduction to Environmental Problems and Issues
- Beliefs and Values - Associated Issue Positions
- How to Investigate an Environmental Issue
- Data Collection - Methods
- Interpreting Data
- Investigating an Environmental Issue
- Developing an Action Plan - and Taking Action!
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An Introduction to Environmental Problems & Issues |
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Materials:
Book, p 2 - 26, newspapers or environmental articles brought in by students, The Lorax (by Dr. Suess)
Procedures:
Students begin by defining the term "environment" and discussing the concept of environmental interactions. Students examine a set of environmental interactions exploring the relationship between the quality of human life and the quality of the environment. After developing an understanding of environmental interactions, students turn to the definition and identification of environmental problems as they analyze a problem in terms of the issues which arise from that problem. Students then examine their own beliefs and values relative to specific environmental statements. Students gain experience in identifying the differing players, positions, beliefs, and values which are inherent in specific environmental issues. Finally, students in groups apply their knowledge of environmental issues, beliefs, and values to problems in the form of photo essays. Students are assigned the task of bringing in 5 environmental articles. The teacher may choose to read The Lorax at the end of this introductory section.
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Data Collection - Methods |
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Procedures:
Students are introduced to the basic research strategies of survey, questionnaires, and opinionnaires. Models of each of these techniques are presented, along with appropriate data summary sheets, and students are asked to identify and compare the characteristics of each model. Working from a list of ten research questions, students then identify which of these three techniques is most appropriate for use in answering each of the questions. Students are familiarized with ideas associated with sampling and with data collect techniques.
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Procedures:
Students are provided with models of logical conclusions, inferences, and recommendations, and then they are given practice in identifying and writing conclusions, inferences, and recommendations. They are shown how to put information on a spreadsheet and convert it to a graph.
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Investigating an Environmental Issue |
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Procedures:
Students identify research question of interest to them, design surveys, questionnaires, or opinionnaires with which they might be able to answer those research questions, collect data using their instruments, and record the data on summary tables.
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Developing an Action Plan - and Taking Action! |
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Procedure:
Students are first introduced to the basics of environmental action. After defining positive, negative and passive action, students propose examples of each type and defend their choices. Students are presented with a list of fourteen criteria which comprise a decision-making model relative to responsible environmental citizenship action. These criteria should be considered before deciding on an environmental action. While all students will not be able to complete their action plans, it is important that all students be able to be involved in some form of citizen action and empowerment to complete the full circle of environmental investigation.
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