Environmental Issues Forum
|
Chicago Academy of Sciences > Education > Environmental Issues Forum |
The Environmental Issues Forum is a discontinued program from 1995-1996. The following is an record of the four workshops conducted, and lessons developed by participating teachers.
Introduction:
An introduction to atmospheric cycles and how pollutants cause the system s imbalance. A special emphasis is placed on such issues as acid rain, ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, as well as on local causes and solutions to air quality problems. Classroom application is emphasized. A field trip to a local utility to investigate technological issues is included.
Objectives:
Teachers will understand atmospheric cycles and the causative effect of air pollution towards unbalancing the system.
Teachers will analyze the sources of air pollution; identify the local and global effects and investigate the issues arising from these problems.
Teachers will experience teaching strategies that integrate techniques with content focusing on a four step process:
Teachers will experiment with classroom activities and curriculum materials for infusion into their teaching situations.
Introduction:
An introduction to freshwater ecosystems and how water functions as a renewable resource. A special emphasis is placed on such issues as non-source pollution, groundwater contamination, and wetland management. Consideration is given to application in the classroom. A trip to The Stickney Water Treatment Plant is included.
Objectives:
Teachers will be able to identify and define the abiotic and biotic components of a wetland community and will evaluate the role of wetlands and identify the issues involved in wetland management and water quality.
Teachers will be able to apply the knowledge of wetland functions to current issues on water quality, distribution and use.
Teachers will be able to explain and analyze natural and artificial water purification processes.
Teachers will experiment with classroom materials and evaluate issues education models for infusion of techniques into teaching situations.
Teachers will be able to transfer their understanding and experience to appropriate applications in the classroom.
Introduction:
An introduction to the biosphere and the interdependencies that support all life on Earth. A special focus will be learning these living systems through field study in our local environment in Lincoln Park and at the North Branch prairie. Issues such as open space utilization, natural area restoration and endangered plant and animal species will be investigated. Classroom application through hands-on activities done in the workshop is emphasized.
Objectives:
Teachers will understand the interrelationships and interdependencies of the biotic and abiotic components of our ecosphere that sustain life in the biosphere.
Teachers will analyze the components of the biosphere through hands-on experiences that illustrate the concepts of cycles, energy flow, diversity and change.
Teachers will investigate the issues involved in open space preservation, natural area conservation and restoration, endangered plant and animal species, and experiment with ways to engage students in issue investigations.
Teachers will participate in teaching strategies that integrate technique with content for ready transfer to the classroom (Action Learning).
Introduction:
Introduction to the processes of resource recycling, composting, energy recovery, and solid waste disposal, in an attempt to address the issue of where is away? . A special emphasis will be placed on such topics as decomposition, hazardous wastes, current solid waste disposal systems, and solutions to the garbage dilemma, such as recycling. Workshop participants will be introduced to and trained in the City of Chicago's Solid Waste Management Curriculum, using a process-based approach, that will employ the use of activities and resources applicable to their classrooms.
Objectives:
The purpose of the Solid Waste Management Course is to:
Expose workshop participants to the concepts of recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfilling.
Raise awareness of Chicago's efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle and how the city is dealing with solid waste issues.
Help participants acquire a set of values and feelings concerning solid waste management and other environmental issues.
Motivate participants to acquire experience in using their new knowledge by taking thoughtful, positive action towards reducing, reusing, and recycling in school, at home, or in their community.
Air Quality Issues
Land Use Issues
Solid Waste & Recycling Issues
Water Quality Issues