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Homeschoolers Expand Their Understanding of Climate Change

By Eddy Ball
July 2008

Hrynkow, shown at an earlier meeting, gave the students copies of the reader-friendly booklet, Understanding and Responding to Climate Change , which highlights reports by the Institute of Medicine, the National Research Council and the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering.
Hrynkow, shown at an earlier meeting, gave the students copies of the reader-friendly booklet, Understanding and Responding to Climate Change(http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/climate-change-final.pdf), which highlights reports by the Institute of Medicine, the National Research Council and the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Both presenters were a little surprised by how much background the students, such as this young man, brought to the workshop.
Both presenters were a little surprised by how much background the students, such as this young man, brought to the workshop. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
This student’s study habits were evident as he took notes during Hrynkow’s talk.
This student’s study habits were evident as he took notes during Hrynkow’s talk. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
The parents, who are also these students’ primary teachers, seemed to enjoy the workshop as much as their children did.
The parents, who are also these students’ primary teachers, seemed to enjoy the workshop as much as their children did. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Sometimes, asking is all it takes to open doors. That’s what the parents of a team of Triangle-area homeschoolers found out when they contacted the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison about a field trip to NIEHS and a workshop on climate change. The parents thought a visit to NIEHS would help their children prepare for the research-presentation component of the 2008 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League Climate Connections Tournament.

On May 30, the students and four homeschooling parents joined NIEHS Public Affairs Officer John Peterson and Associate Director Sharon Hrynkow, Ph.D., for a morning workshop at NIEHS. Peterson organized the event, which featured a talk by Hrynkow highlighting the health risks associated with climate change. Peterson took the visitors through a slide show overview of NIH/NIEHS, facilitated a question-and-answer session about the work at NIEHS and enjoyed a working lunch with the students and parents, where they continued their conversation about the environmental health sciences.

Hrynkow, who is one of the key figures in NIEHS climate change efforts, is experienced in presenting material on the subject to scientists and policy makers. Faced with curious twelve- and thirteen-year-olds, she also proved she was up to the task of talking to, rather than down to, younger listeners and shaping her message to meet their learning styles.

Hrynkow engaged the students with questions until they were comfortable enough to participate on their own and let their own interests guide the discussion during the rest of the presentation. Poised as they were for national competition in the First Lego League Tournament (http://firstlegoleague.org/community/HomePage.aspx) Exit NIEHS Website, the homeschoolers were well prepared for the learning experience Hrynkow offered them.

Following Hrynkow’s 30-minute presentation, Peterson resumed his discussion with the students about NIEHS research on ozone/fine particle pollution, the autism-vaccine connection, health effects of mercury and lead, endocrine disrupting compounds and Parkinson’s disease. Peterson also talked about the National Toxicology Program’s Report on Carcinogens and internship opportunities in the NIEHS Summers of Discovery Program, a topic that parents and children found especially interesting.

According to the parents, experiences like this one are valuable for supplementing the home school curriculum with hands-on, real-life experiences. The complementary educational experiences also help motivate students as they engage in mentor-based programs, such as FIRST, that build science, engineering and technology skills.

FIRST is a non-profit organization whose theme-based science programs on robot building reach over 150,000 young people in the United States and other countries each year. Younger participants build robots using legos, and advanced students progress to using sheet metal and welding to make more complicated machines. The organization enjoys broad-based sponsorship by business and educational groups as well as the participation of thousands of volunteers.

Describing his efforts to take advantage of resources, such as the NIEHS visit and the FIRST competition, parent Randy Miller, above, explained, “We find curriculum and activities that foster what we want to help them learn.”
Describing his efforts to take advantage of resources, such as the NIEHS visit and the FIRST competition, parent Randy Miller, above, explained, “We find curriculum and activities that foster what we want to help them learn.” (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Peterson, above, organized the day and gave students insights into the larger context of NIEHS climate change activities. Less than five minutes into his presentation, the students were stopping him to ask questions — setting the tone for a participatory educational experience.
Peterson, above, organized the day and gave students insights into the larger context of NIEHS climate change activities. Less than five minutes into his presentation, the students were stopping him to ask questions — setting the tone for a participatory educational experience. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)


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