In this lesson, students expand their understanding of solid waste management to include the idea of 3RC (reduce, reuse, recycle and compost). They will look at the effects of packaging decisions (reducing) and learn about engineering advancements in packaging materials and solid waste management. Also, they will observe biodegradation in a model landfill (composting).
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
Background information on the environmental impact of plastic. Incorporates an individual pupil survey and a class survey on plastic usage over a one week period.
This educational activity is aimed at helping students to: 1. Define attributes of an energy efficient "green" school.
2. Identify areas of energy waste in their school by:
a. comparing their school to that of a LEED certified school; b. identifying areas that are within the school's capacity to change; c. auditing the school's recycling program.
Students conduct a garbage and recyclables audit as a first step in improving recycling habits. Students will become aware of what they put into the waste stream and how they can change their habits. Students will be encouraged to improve their recycling habits by conducting a garbage and recyclables audit. Materials needed: Ten empty paper bags, rubber gloves, weight scale (optional), and copies of “Be a Garbage Gumshoe” investigation activity sheet.
This OLogy activity shows kids that there are simple, but very helpful things they can do to protect the ocean -- even if they live nowhere near the water. The activity opens by introducing kids to Gabby, a future marine biologist who wants to study dolphins. Then it has a checklist of 14 ways kids can be ocean helpers that includes asking for tap water instead of bottled water and leaving plants and animals where they find them.
This activity will allow students to bury various pieces of trash in a plotted area of land outside. After approximately two to three months, the trash will be uncovered to allow the students to investigate what types of materials biodegrade in soil.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
Bottled water, popular among students, is big business even though issues surrounding it related to health and safety as well as its environmental impact have stirred up controversy. Designed for an introductory non-majors environmental science course, this discussion/dilemma case explores the environmental effects associated with the production, consumption, and recycling of bottled water while touching on health and safety issues. Students also learn about government regulations regarding the extraction of ground water and labeling of bottled water; recycling laws and how states circumvent the recycling process; and the economic and ecological costs of drinking bottled water.
Students investigate decomposers and the role of decomposers in maintaining the flow of nutrients in an environment. Students also learn how engineers use decomposers to help clean up wastes in a process known as bioremediation. This lesson concludes a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
At the completion of this Unit you will be able to understand information on recycling collection. Using a word list you will try to place each piece of trash into the correct trashcan. Then, you will read a brochure about separate garbage collections and indicate which products belong in the green or yellow container. You will then note names of packaging using illustrations.
Students will learn how they can take one more step with recycling, and also learn more about nature’s version of recycling. Materials needed: Container for bin, hand rake or trowel for burying food waste, red worms, newspaper, leaves and/or cardboard, and soil. See “tips” for each procedure.
Students characterize the volume of paper that the class throws away. They will decide how to reduce their paper waste, then implement their plan. Students will discover that reducing waste is the first and most important step in solving the solid waste problem.
Without the work of decomposers, living organisms would eventually use up all the raw materials in the environment, and dead organisms and wastes would pile up. This video segment from Interactive NOVA: "Earth" describes the role of decomposers as the earth's great recyclers.
Microorganisms, also know as microbes, are not visible to the human eye. Microbes are primarily responsible for decomposition. They secrete digestive enzymes from their skin to break down the food, and then absorb the substances.
Students will design a game where players try to come up with alternative uses for used products. Students will brainstorm ideas for an effective board game format.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering associated with the packaging of items to preserve, market, and safely deliver products. The packaging for each type of use varies. While observing and thinking about all packaging is encouraged, this activity focuses on packaging for transporting goods (shipping).
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
Through numerous lessons and hands-on activities, students are introduced to the concept of an environment and the interactions within it. As they learn about natural and manmade environments, and renewable and non-renewable natural resources, they see how people use our natural resources and the many environmental issues in our world today. Students learn about solid waste and disposal, and its effects on our environment. They learn the importance of the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle and compost in our everyday lives. Students explore the causes and effects of water pollution and the importance of water treatment and clean-up methods. They learn about air pollution and air quality, and the many engineering technologies to prevent it and clean it up. Students also address land use and community planning, seeing how decisions made by people have a long-term impact on our natural world. Students explore our renewable energy sources, seeing how solar, water and wind energy can be transformed into electricity. Students are also introduced to environmental engineering careers and their roles in our society.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
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