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Curricular Material


Find a variety of educational materials, many of which are standards-based, to expose your students to environmental health concepts

Teachers Guide
CD-ROM
Keyword Description Grade Level
Body  Organ Systems (http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/organsystems/index.htm) Exit NIEHS
Lesson 1: Bodily Defenses;
Lesson 2: Digestion;
Lesson 3: Detoxication;
Lesson 4: Gas Exchange;
Lesson 5: Coordination and Control.

These learning units focus on five main classes of functions that a body must perform. Rather than just naming organs of the body and what they do, we present a perspective on the body as a coordinated group of systems that must do certain things correctly in order to survive and thrive. Each instructional unit includes topics on: "Why Does It Matter" to explain the significance of the facts; "How We Know" to explain how understanding develops; "What We Know" to summarize the main facts; "Story Time" a biographical sketch on famous scientists emphasizing, where possible, their childhood; "Activities" for hands-on learning; "Common Hazards" and their effects on organ system functions; On-line self-study system, Get Smart!, that operates like "flash cards," but also allows the teacher to provide feedback on answers and scores automatically; Internet group work-space "FORUM" for interactions among students, teachers, and consulting scientists.
     5-8          
Cells  Cells Are Us (http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Cell_Biology/index.htm) Exit NIEHS This "Cells Are Us" module has five instructional units. One is an introduction of the levels of organization in living systems, followed by four other units based on some key aspect of cell function. Rather than discuss cells from the basis of their anatomy (membranes, mitochondria, nucleus, etc.), we thought it more important to emphasize what cells DO and how they do it.
     5-8          
Toxicology  Chemicals, The Environment and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health Students explore the relationship between chemicals in the environment and human health, utilizing basic concepts in the science of toxicology. Developed by teachers, this curriculum includes six hands-on activities that will encourage students to think about chemical exposures, dose-response, and individual susceptibility.
  • Lesson Plans(http://science-education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/Chemicals/default.htm) Exit NIEHS
  • CD-ROM(http://science-education.nih.gov/customers.nsf/MSEnvironment?OpenForm&CS_23=false&) Exit NIEHS
     5-8          
Water  Water's the Matter (http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Water_Quality/) Exit NIEHS This module will focus on five different measurable properties of water. The quality of water is more than just visible observations such as color and odor. Nature (and also man) can cause many changes in a body of water. As a result, a given body of water will have a specific footprint. It will have unique properties when compared to another body of water.
Each unit is divided into six sections: Introduction, Objectives, Pre-Test, Lesson Presentation, Activity, and Post-Test
     5-8          

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General
Keyword Description Grade Level
Alcohol  Toxicity Testing with California Blackworms: Alcohol (/health/docs/blackworms-alcohol.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (267KB) Toxicology is a fundamental component of the scientific study of environmental health. This classroom experiment teaches students about the basic concepts of toxicology, including dose-response and exposure, through observing the effects of a toxicant (ethanol) on the behavior of California blackworms. This teacher's guide provides background information, laboratory instructions, discussion questions, and variations and supplemental activities for conducting the experiment.
     5-8 9-12     
Bacteria  Guide to Plating Bacteria Using Sterile Technique - 2001 (/health/docs/plating-bact.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (36KB) Bacteria are useful in a variety of classroom science experiments. This activity teaches the basic laboratory techniques for growing bacteria in Petri dishes. This guide consists of a teacher version and a student version of the instructions.
     5-8 9-12     
Cancer  Good Cells Gone Bad - 2001 (/health/docs/good-bad.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (103KB) This activity teaches students about the cellular changes that lead to cancer. It provides an overview of the prevalence of cancer, cell structure, and function, and a classroom activity and worksheet that reinforce lessons about cellular structure and the differences between cancer cells and normal cells.
     5-8 9-12     
Community  Community Action and the Environment - 1998 (/health/docs/community-action.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (604KB) This booklet, with an accompanying video, provides an overview of environmental pollution and ways in which citizens may contribute to the study and alleviation of pollution problems. It provides descriptions of and resources for four assignments that reinforce scientific methods for studying environmental problems. The first assignment encourages students to observe their local environment and think about potential sources of pollution. The second introduces the concept of disease clusters and demonstrates the concepts of probability and statistical distributions. The third assignment encourages group discussion of local environmental issues and requires students to learn about local environmental authorities and utilities. The fourth encourages critical thinking about local and global environmental problems. The booklet also includes a list of recommended printed and Internet resources.
          9-12     
Disease  Cluster Busters: A Game of Disease Mystery Solving (/health/docs/disease-solve.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (369KB) Scenario: Dr. Wanda B. Better (Infant Pulmonary Hemorrhage)
          9-12     
Disease  Growth and Disease - 2001 (/health/docs/growth-disease.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (124KB) The spread of diseases continues to be an important public health concern in the United States and abroad. Teaching accurate information about the nature and consequences of the growth and spread of disease is essential for helping students protect their own health and the health of others. This lesson aims to provide such information through four learning activities that address the following subjects: the spread of viruses, antibiotic action and microbial resistance to drugs, the spread and control of parasitic organisms, and the probability of contracting diseases. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
          9-12     
Environment  Toxic or Not? - Environmental Health Hazards (http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Environ_Hazard/index.htm) Exit NIEHS This module focuses on our surroundings and the hazards present in everyday life. The environment is defined and broken into components, and the hazards present in our environment are discussed in terms of means of exposure.
     5-8          
Exposure  Lemons and Onions (http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/curriculum/lemons_onions/index.html) Exit NIEHS This entertaining and educational activity gives elementary and middle school students a hands-on lesson in evaluating environmental health problems. In a well controlled activity, students smash lemons and onions to observe what happens when they are exposed to the odors. Then they participate in a demonstration that links together the health problem, the hazard, and the people who are exposed. Afterwards they use the concept of links in a discussion about how scientists reach a conclusion that a hazard is responsible for causing health problems in people.
     5-8 9-12     
Microorganisms  University of Rochester Summer Science Camp--Microorganisms - 1999 (/health/docs/microorganisms-camp.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (285KB) A collection of 12 experiments and activities related to microorganisms in plant life, blood cells and skin cells, including an at-home activity. They were developed for use at the University of Rochester's 1999 Summer Science Camp for students in grades 5 through 8.
          9-12     
Nicotine  Toxicity Testing with California Blackworms: Nicotine (/health/docs/blackworms-nicotine.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (175KB) Toxicology is a fundamental component of the scientific study of environmental health. This classroom experiment teaches students about the basic concepts of toxicology, including dose-response, and exposure, through observing the effects of a toxicant (nicotine) on the behavior of California blackworms. This teacher's guide provides background information, laboratory instructions, discussion questions, and variations and supplemental activities for conducting the experiment.
     5-8 9-12     
Nuclear  Nuclear Energy: the Good, the Bad, and the Debatable (/health/docs/energy-good-bad.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (409KB) curriculum booklet
          9-12     
Pesticides  Isolation of Naturally Occurring Pesticides In this classroom experiment, students learn principles of biology, environmental science, and ecology by observing the effects on fruit flies of naturally occurring pesticides, such as those found in various spices and flowers. This teacher's guide provides background information, a list of necessary materials, preparation instructions, and recommendations for variations on the experiment.
     5-8 9-12     
Plants  Race to Find the Cure: Isolation of Chemicals from Plant Leaves (/health/docs/chemicals-leaves.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (28KB) Many important pharmaceuticals and other chemicals are derived from plants. This classroom experiment teaches students about the isolation of plant chemicals using chromatography. Students apply different mixtures of spinach extract, beet leaf extract, and food coloring to strips of filter paper; observe the separation of the components of the mixtures; and extract the isolated components from the filter paper using water. This package of materials includes a teacher's guide, student instructions and notes, and discussion questions and answers.
          9-12     
Poison  Name That Poison (/health/docs/name-poison.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (114KB) This activity sheet raises awareness and provides information about nine different poisonous substances. Users match substances with their common health effects. Background information about hazardous substances is provided.
     5-8 9-12     
Research  Unsolved Mysteries of Human Health (http://www.unsolvedmysteries.oregonstate.edu/) Exit NIEHS Take a virtual tour of the labs, get accurate and non-technical explanations of complex research methods and instruments, check in on real-world examples of current research and more!
          9-12 12+
Risk  Risk Management - 2001 (/health/docs/risk-manage.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (98KB) The purpose of this lesson is to investigate risk management, in order to prepare students to analyze risks and make informed choices based on their analyses. Using four learning activities, students in grades 9-12 build conceptual understanding, scientific investigation and practical reasoning while developing and using reading, writing, and mathematics.
          9-12     
Risk  Risk Management and Health Care - 2001 (/health/docs/risk-manage-hlthcare.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (113KB) An understanding of healthcare management is critical for maintaining one's own health. This lesson aims to build such an understanding through four learning activities that address the following subjects: diagnosis of various illnesses, costs and benefits of disease prevention, healthcare plans and HMOs, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of private healthcare as compared to government-sponsored HMOs. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
          9-12     
Risk  Risk Management: Health Risks - 2001 (/health/docs/risk-manage-health.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (97KB) An understanding of health risks is critical for maintaining one's own health. This lesson aims to help students identify and investigate health risks through four learning activities that address the following subjects: common causes of death, evaluation of personal daily health risks, health risks of substance abuse, and stress and mental health. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
          9-12     
Risks  Risks & Choices Staff Development Units (http://www.terrificscience.org/programs/environmentalhealth.jsp) Exit NIEHS Four units are available for outreach to inservice and preservice middle school teachers. The following topics are available for download at no cost from www.terrificscience.org/ (http://www.terrificscience.org/) Exit NIEHS: environmental toxins, hands-on use of the scientific method, risk perception, and water quality. (Click on the "Free Resources" link and go to the Terrific Science Lesson Exchange.) Activity instructions (written procedures, questions, and background information) are included, as well as instructor notes (materials lists, procedure notes, anticipated outcomes, sample calculations, and answers to student questions). Detailed background handouts for participants are also provided.
     5-8          
Tobacco  Chemicals and Human Health Web Site (http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/curriculum/chh/index.html) Exit NIEHS Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Development Activity: Teacher's Guide and Student Sheet
          9-12     
Tobacco  Tobacco Induced Mutations - 2001 (/health/docs/tobacco-mutations.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (361KB) Toxicology is a fundamental component of environmental health science. This classroom activity teaches about the basic concepts of toxicology as well as the scientific method and laboratory techniques by observing the mutagenic effects of tobacco on bacteria. Students prepare plates of bacteria and observe the effects on the colonies of the addition of varying concentrations of tobacco extract. The package of materials includes a teacher's guide, student instructions, student and class (pooled) data sheets, and discussion questions.
          9-12     
Toxicology  Tox-in-a-BoxTM (http://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/Outreach/k12.html) Exit NIEHS Tox-in-a-Box is a toxicology curriculum and resource kit for toxicologists and other environmental health professionals to use in outreach efforts to K-12 students and teachers. Developed by the COEP at the University of Washington, Tox-in-a-Box is both a literal and virtual suitcase of materials that can be used for many presentations to a wide range of students. The kit includes activities, slides, demonstrations, and a script of explicit instructions and tips for the presenter. The kit's materials are focused around five principles of toxicology and environmental health.
K-4 5-8 9-12     

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Lesson Plans
Keyword Description Grade Level
Acid Rain  Killing Killer Rain: Acid Rain and Environmental Health (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This problem-based learning unit focuses on acid rain: its sources, environmental effects, health effects, economic impact, political impact, and potential solutions in the United States and Canada.
Keywords: acid rain, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, History, Geography
          9-12     
Agriculture  AgOdyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The AgOdyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. AgOdyssey focuses on the impacts of family vs. large scale farming.
Keywords: Agriculture, family farm, CAFO, factory farm, farming, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Air  EnviroHealth Connections Lessons (http://envirohealth.thinkport.org) Exit NIEHS These interdisciplinary lesson plans integrate environmental health topics into core content areas at both the middle school and high school level. The lessons are technology rich and effectively integrate media into the instructional process. Topics covered include: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming and cancer. Lessons online through www.thinkport.org (http://www.thinkport.org) Exit NIEHS Keywords: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, health, environmental science, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming, cancer, etc.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness
     5-8 9-12     
Air  My World: My World Indoors (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=94) Exit NIEHS In this unit, readers meet the main characters of the My Health My World series: two squirrels (cousins) named Riff and Rosie, an old beaver named Mr. Slaptail, and a grasshopper-Chirpen J. Wingfellow, III-who serves as a guide for students and teachers. My World Indoors explores air quality and related issues, including allergies, in the places we live, study and work. The adventure story finds Riff and Rosie observing their neighbor, Mr. Slaptail, dragging a big dark bag down a moonlit road. What could be in that bag? As the mystery unfolds, the cousins discover Mr. Slaptail's cluttered, dusty home is packed full of trash, recycled products and chemical products such as paint and glue. It turns out that he uses this trash to make toys! But this lifestyle creates a contaminated indoor environment. Riff and Rosie help Mr. Slaptail clean up his house, making it a healthier place to live.
Keywords: Gases, air, breathing/respiration, indoor air pollution, allergies, asthma, smoking pollution/cessation, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Air Contamination  Air Contamination Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/air/Tair.html) Exit NIEHS Interdisciplinary module of activities on air contamination and environmental triggers contributing to respiratory problems. Activities can be taught as "stand alone" or as a complete module. Includes case studies and epidemiology issues.
Keywords: Air Contamination - Respiratory Problems
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
          9-12     
Air Contamination  Air Module - Particulate Observation (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html) Exit NIEHS Students collect, observe and identify common substances in samples of dust taken from students' homes and/or daily environment.
Keywords: Air Contamination - Respiratory Problems
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science
K-4 5-8          
Air pollution  Sick of School? Odyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Sick of School? Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Sick of School? challenges students to investigate the indoor environmental quality of their school.
Keywords: Indoor Environmental Quality, Air pollution, mold, bacteria, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Alcohol  Chemistry of Alcohol (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Methanol and ethanol are both metabolized (oxidized) into an aldehyde and then an organic acid. Why then is methanol more toxic than ethanol? Should a Breathalyzer be used to screen for drinkers at school events? A Web Quest, a molecular model building activity and class presentations for a Board of Education meeting are all part of this organic chemistry lesson.
Keywords: alcohol, toxicology, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Asthma  Asthma in the City (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This problem-based learning unit focuses on the health effects of poor air quality.
Keywords: asthma, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Asthma  Environmental Health Fact Files: Asthma - Washington State Environmental Health Fact Files: Asthma - New Mexico (English & Spanish) Environmental Health Fact File: Asthma provides subject area specific lesson plans about asthma to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. At least two lessons are provided for each subject area. Additional resource materials are also included to help school librarians who are facilitating student research projects. The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas. Keywords: Asthma, Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness, Technology, Library media
     5-8          
Autism  Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Research suggests that autism may be due to a combination of environmental factors which impact the genetic information and lead to errors in the development process during gestation. Students explore autism and research on the causes of autism through problem-based learning and a Web Quest. They create an informational brochure based on their research findings.
Keywords: autism, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Basic Needs  My World and Me: Living Things and Their Needs (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=98) Exit NIEHS Living Things and Their Needs unit allows very young students to explore living and non-living things, and the basic needs of plants and animals (including humans). The unit consists of ten age-appropriate guided inquiry lessons. In the rhyming "big book" that accompanies the unit, the turtle, Tillena Lou explores her home and discovers interesting things about the animals that live nearby. Tillena Lou and all of the other characters in the My World and My Health My World series were created by T Lewis, illustrator of "Over the Hedge."
Keywords: Basic Needs including air, food, water, shelter and relationships to health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Brown Lung  The Waterfall Ghost (http://peer.tamu.edu/IntegratedCur.shtml) Exit NIEHS The Waterfall Ghost deals with the 19th-century textile industry and the byssinosis (brown lung) that many workers contracted.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Carbon Monoxide  Oh Say Can You See CO? Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS The poetry of Edgar Allan Poe is used to introduce the issue of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. It is thought that Poe died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Students match symptoms of CO poisoning with quotes from Poe’s works. They research information on carbon monoxide including: physical properties, sources, uses, mitigation, detection, and medical treatment. They create and present "Poe-sters" to convey information from their research via a graphic and a poem.
Keywords: carbon monoxide, environmental health, toxicology
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, History
          9-12     
Chagas Disease  Kiss of the Assassin (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=6) Exit NIEHS The Kiss of the Assassin focuses on pathogens and bacterial infectious diseases (Chagas disease in this case) that can be obtained from insects, like the "kissing bug," that harbor the bacteria and serve as vectors for the disease. Twenty lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Cholera  Dark Poison (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=8) Exit NIEHS Dark Poison concerns a cholera epidemic in New York in the 1830s. Thirteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Communicable disease  GermOdyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The GermOdyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. GermOdyssey focuses on germ and disease transmission.
Keywords: Communicable disease, hand washing, hygiene, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Communicable disease  ZoOdyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/zo/) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. This on-line activity is based upon the ZoOdyssey unit. The on-line ZoOdyssey asks students to find the cause of the mystery illness after a zoo field trip. There is a Student Page and a Teacher Page with resources to enhance the activity.
Keywords: Communicable disease, hand washing, hygiene , food born disease, animals, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Community Resources  Environmental Health Fact Files: Lead - Washington State Environmental Health Fact Files: Lead - New Mexico (English & Spanish) Environmental Health Fact File: Lead provides subject area specific lesson plans about the hazards of lead to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. At least two lessons are provided for each subject area. Additional resource materials are also included to help school librarians who are facilitating student research projects. The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas. Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual, Lead, Lead Poisoning,Susceptiblity,Risk,Toxicity
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness, Technology, Library media
     5-8          
Community Resources  HEART (Health and Environment Activities Research Tool) Manual for Interdisciplinary, Problem-based Environmental Health Education - Washington State or New Mexico (English or Spanish) The Health and Environment Activities Research Tool (HEART) is an instuctional manual. It provides teachers with the tools they need to incorporate environmental health into their curriculum by engaging students in locally relevant research projects. The manual includes step-by-step guides for teachers, lesson plans, activities, rubrics and worksheets to guide students as they develop research projects. It also includes a list of additional resources for both teachers and students.
  • Washington State (http://www.iehmsp.com/online/teachers/heartpage.php)Exit NIEHS
  • New Mexico (http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)Exit NIEHS
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness, Technology, Library media
     5-8          
Community Resources  Environmental Health Fact Files: Diabetes - New Mexico (http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml) Exit NIEHS Environmental Health Fact File: Diabetes provides subject area specific lesson plans about diabetes in New Mexico to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. . The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas.
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Diabetes, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness
     5-8          
Community Resources  The Quicksilver Question Web Module and Extension Activities - New Mexico (http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml) Exit NIEHS The Quicksilver Question Web Module - New Mexico is an online game that introduces middle school students to the connections between historic gold mining, mercury contamination, fish consumption and human health. Students explore the imaginary town of Quicksilver, NM, collecting key documents along the way that help them evaluate how much mercury is in the local lake, and the fish that live there.
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Fish Consumption, Mercury, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk,Toxicity,Water Quality
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness, Technology, Library media
     5-8          
Environment  EHP Science Education Lessons (http://www.ehponline.org/science-ed/) The EHP Science Education Program comprises an EHP Student Edition of news articles published in EHP and environmental health science lessons based on selected articles. Lessons are aligned with National Science Education Standards in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, and physical science, and are targeted at students in grades 9-12. The EHP Student Edition and corresponding lessons (as well as individual news articles) can be downloaded for FREE from this website. We invite all educators to use this resource and provide us with your feedback.
          9-12     
Environment  Environmental Health Disaster Scenario program (http://www.bu.edu/bahec/) Exit NIEHS Students learn how complicated public health decision making can be, and how quickly decisions must sometimes be made. The scenarios place the students in roles they might not normally find themselves in--as an environmental expert or public health official, for example. They also give the students a glimpse at potential public health careers beyond the familiar ones such as nursing, medicine, or pharmacy.
          9-12     
Environment  The Environmental Cyber Schoolhouse (http://www.cyberschoolhouse.org/) Exit NIEHS Environmental Health Curriculum on the World Wide Web. A set of interactive, web-based curricular units geared toward students in grades 9-12. Training required.
          9-12 12+
Environmental Justice Issues  ENVIROTHON - Cultural Landscapes / Env. Justice (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/envirothon/envirothon#2005) Exit NIEHS ENVIROTHON Competition - Environmental Heatlh Station with a reading packet provided to students so that they will be prepared to answer competition questions on topics related to environmental health.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, History, Civics, Economics
          9-12     
Environmental Justice Issues  Environmental Justice Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/env_justice/Tej.htm) Exit NIEHS Interdisciplinary module of activities on environmental justice. Includes oral histories of those affected by environmental justice issues.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
          9-12     
Environmental health  As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This problem based learning activity encourages students to investigate opposing sides when considering the effects of chemical phthalates on reproductive health. The lessons provide guided practice in weighing risks and benefits associated with everyday product use. Student teams apply what they have learned by creating a media campaign to present their position to voters.
Keywords: phthalates, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Epidemiology  Investigation of an Outbreak (http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html) Exit NIEHS Students learn the steps in an epidemiology investigation, work in teams, and use real data to investigate an outbreak of gastrenteritis in Southern Oregon.
Keywords: Epidemiology, gastroenteritis, illness outbreak
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Epidemiology  What Should I Use to Clean My Shower? (http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html) Exit NIEHS Students will learn the essential steps in an epidemiology investigation by studying John Snow's classic investigation of the cholera epidemic in London in 1854.
Keywords: Epidemiology, cholera, illness outbreak
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, History
          9-12     
Ethics and Environmental Health  Environmental Health Ethics Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/ethics/ethics.html) Exit NIEHS Critical thinking activities and case studies involving ethics relating to issues of environmental health.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, Civics, Economics
          9-12     
Food  My World: Food and My World (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=97) Exit NIEHS The latest My Health My World unit, Food and My World, examines food production, nutrition and food safety with unique activities for students and families. The story book places Curious Riff and Rosie in a new sleuthing situation with Mr. Slaptail. When they receive a strange, urgent note from him asking for their help, they know it must be big mystery, indeed! What could be happening that even Mr. Slaptail can't figure it out? While enjoying sandwiches made with vegetables from Mr. Slaptail's garden, the two cousins learn from their friend that leaves are disappearing from his lettuce plants. What could be happening to the leaves? Where are they going? And who-or what-is taking them? After a scary night in the garden, the secret is revealed. By the end of the story, Riff and Rosie learn some important lessons about food, plants, and good health.
Keywords: soil, photosynthesis, producers and consumers, food webs, food safety, bacterial contamination of food, pesticides, nutrition, food pyramid, safe food preparation, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Food Contamination  Food Module - Viewing Bacteria (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html) Exit NIEHS Students compare harmful and helpful bacterial cells and observe the structures within the bacterial cells.
Keywords: Food Contamination and Nutrition
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
K-4 5-8          
Food Contamination and Nutrition  Food Contamination and Nutrition Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/food/Tfood.html) Exit NIEHS Interdisciplinary module of activities on food contamination and nutrition. Activities involve seafood contamination in transport, storage, and handling. Includes issues of nutrition.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
          9-12     
Food born bacteria  Food Odyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Food Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Food Odyssey focuses on food bourne illnesses.
Keywords: Food born bacteria, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Global Resources  My World: My Home Planet Earth (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=96) Exit NIEHS My Home Planet Earth focuses on changes in the upper atmosphere, such as global warming, and how the changes may affect life on Earth. In this adventure story, Riff and Rosie can't wait to see what contraption Mr. Slaptail is masterminding now - on his rooftop! However, while helping him complete his solar water heater, an explosion occurs at the local coal mine. Community members rush to the site to find the owner, Beulah Diggerpaw, is trapped inside! How will they get her out? After Beulah is rescued, she announces she will close the mine which fuels most of the energy needs in Bright Water Corners. Now, what will they use for energy? Like all My Health My World story books, this one includes illustrated instructions for a toy used by Riff and Rosie during their adventure, as well as a glossary of health and science terms for student and teacher use.
Keywords: solar energy, radiation, carbon cycle, atmosphere, global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, skin cancer prevention, alternative energy souces, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Hazardous Chemicals  ChemOdyssey (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Chem Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Chem Odyssey focuses on household hazardous chemicals.
Keywords: Hazardous Household Chemicals, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Health  EnviroHealth Connections Website (http://www.thinkport.org/Career/connections/default.tp) Exit NIEHS In addition to the lessons and other products under development, the Connections website houses PowerPoint presentations from our Institutes and Colloquia as well as highlights of teacher discussions.The website redesign, which is underway, will allow linkages between relevant lessons, presentation, highlights of teacher discussions and interviews with experts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness
     5-8 9-12     
Health  ToxRAP: Sail the Circulatory System (http://www.toxrap.org/36_kids_game1intro.html) Exit NIEHS Be the captain of the USS Heme (short for Hemoglobin, the molecule in the blood that carries oxygen). With your heart pumping away, your job is to carry oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the organs in your body to keep yourself alive. Your fast ship has four transport bins which enable you to move four oxygen molecules from the lungs through the circulatory system to the brain or muscles. But be careful - poisonous carbon monoxide molecules are invading your lungs from the outside air.
Keywords: health, circulatory system, hemoglobin, carbon monoxide
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Health & fitness, Technology
K-4 5-8          
Health  ToxRAP: Toxic Mansion (http://www.toxrap.org/69_kids_game1intro.html) Exit NIEHS Your house is contaminated with a hazard that is making at least one person sick. As a Junior CSI (Contamination Scene Investigator) in training, your job is to identify the hazard and its source. Awards and recognitions are based upon the accuracy, speed and thriftiness of the player.
Keywords: health, health hazards, investigation
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Health & fitness, Technology
     5-8          
Hepatitis  Midnight at the Marble Tomb (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=6) Exit NIEHS Midnight at the Marble Tomb focuses on the health consequences of raw sewage in streets, acupuncture, tattoos, body piercing (of the nose, ears, lips, eyebrows, and belly button), blood transfusions, and organ donations in India. Fourteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Household chemicals  What makes a Product Hazardous? (http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html) Exit NIEHS Students read product labels noting signal words, hazardous properties, and routes of exposure. They inventory hazardous household products in their homes and identify unsafe storage and use of products, and write a memo to their parents detailing what they found and recommended changes.
Keywords: Household chemicals, risk, routes of exposure, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Illness outbreak  Mysterious Illness Outbreak Scenario (http://www.hydroville.org/illness/) Exit NIEHS Students form teams that take on the roles of the professionals on the Hydroville Health Department team involved in determining the cause and control of an outbreak. Students follow the steps of an epidemiology investigation. They collect data, develop a case definition, and form a hypothesis about the cause of the outbreak. They learn data collection and analysis techniques used by such investigators, analyze simulated data, modify their case definition based on this analysis, and present their results in a press release and press conference format.
Keywords: illness outbreak, epidemiology, pesticides, environmental health, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum, problem-based, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Indoor Air Quality  Indoor Air Quality Scenario (http://www.hydroville.org/air/) Exit NIEHS The local school board has received complaints of illness at the newly renovated Hydroville Middle School. Many people believe that this is due to poor indoor air quality. High school students participating in this problem act as a team of environmental consults to determine if there really is an indoor air quality problem in the school. Student teams present their findings at the next school board meeting.
Keywords: indoor air quality, indoor air quality in schools, environmental health, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum, problem-based, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Geography, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Influenza  March Madness (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=7) Exit NIEHS March Madness focuses on the influenza epidemic surrounding World War I. Sixteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Lead  Soil Contamination Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/soil/Tsoil.html) Exit NIEHS Interdisciplinary module of activities on lead contamination in soil that can be taught as "stand alone" or as a complete module. Environmental Justice and Ethics issues involved.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
          9-12     
Lead  Soil Module - Lead Detection (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html) Exit NIEHS Students learn one method for the detection of lead.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
K-4 5-8          
Lead  The Effects of Environmental Lead Poisoning on Human Health (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This activity begins with a directed, problem-based learning activity and a PowerPoint lesson. Students then use a survey to investigate sources of lead exposure in homes and a webquest to research health problems caused by this exposure, historical use of lead and ways to reduce exposure to lead in older homes. Practice questions incorporating graphing and graph analysis are also included.
Keywords: lead, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Mold  Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze: Mold and Asthma (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Students use problem based learning to develop their understanding of allergies, asthma, and the role of molds as a trigger. They research the relationship of the respiratory and immune systems to allergies and asthma. Cooperative group and individual activities and assessment options are included. Students use Internet resources to answer specific questions (on line or hard copies provided by the teacher) and then share the researched information.
Keywords: mold, asthma, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Mold  EnviroMysteries: Breaking the Mold (http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org/breakingthemold/) Exit NIEHS This video and accompanying extensive online educational resources look at health and air pollution and empower students to take an active role in environmental issues that can affect their health today and in the future.
Keywords: asthma, mold, air pollution, indoor air pollution, respiratory system, mystery, science, environmental health, health
Subjects: Science, Health & fitness
     5-8 9-12     
Mold  Mold Control (http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html) Exit NIEHS Using four types of cleaning solutions, students analyze which product is most effective for controlling yeast (substitute for mold) and create a dose-response curve to analyze the toxicity of the cleaning product to yeast.
Keywords: Mold, toxicology, dose-response, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Mosquito  MosquitOdyssey (In Final Development Stages) (http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html) Exit NIEHS Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The MosquitOdyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. In MosquitOdyssey, students learn how and why our communities spray chemicals to control mosquito infestations. Given the disease spreading potential, students way the pros and cons of controlling mosquitos this way.
Keywords: Larvacide, pesticide, communicable disease, mosquito, vector, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Civics, Technology
     5-8 9-12     
Noise  "i" Can't Hear You: Noise pollution (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Personal listening devices, MP3 players, and iPods are seemingly ubiquitous and omnipresent. This learning experience is a modified jigsaw designed to raise students' awareness of the environmental health risks associated with MP3 player use, abuse, and overuse, in particular and noise pollution in general.
Keywords: noise, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Pesticides  Pesticide Spill Scenario (http://www.hydroville.org/spill/) Exit NIEHS Students involved in the Hydroville Pesticide Spill Scenario act as members of the team of scientists and engineers that are sent to the site of a pesticide spill. Their task is to remove the liquid, evaluate the risk posed to the citizens of Hydroville, develop a proposal for complete cleanup of the site, and make a presentation about their proposal to an open meeting of the Hydroville Town Council.
Keywords: pesticides, toxicology, dose response, integrated, environmental health, problem-based, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Geography, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Pollen  ToxRAP: Adventure in Pine Cone Park (http://www.toxrap.org/k3_kids_game1intro.html) Exit NIEHS Chick ChockTM is visiting Pine Cone Park. He is allergic to pine pollen. Play this web activity to see how Chick ChockTM reacts and how pollen counts change as you change the number of pine trees, Chick Chock's position in the Park and the wind direction.
Keywords: pollen, allergies
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Health & fitness, Technology
K-4               
Professional Development  Using Media In Your Classroom- A Case Study: Environmental Health A case study for teachers on how to incorporate media with EHSIC themes sucessfully in any classroom. The video demonstrates effective methods of infusing technology into environmental lessons. Interviews and classroom footage of teachers and students show students engaged in learning about the environment and human health.
Keywords: Professional Development, media utilization, environmental health integration
Subjects: Technology, Library media
               12+
Public policy  Environmental Health Concerns: From Problem to Public Policy (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS students create public policy statements based on complaints from town members about local environmental health threats
Keywords: public policy, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, Civics
          9-12     
Radon  Radon - A Dangerous Link in the Decay Series of Uranium (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS The environmental hazard associated with radioactive radon gas is used to motivate students' interest in transmutation and the decay series of uranium and to make students aware of the risks of exposure to radon. Students will discover the sequence of transmutations in the decay series of uranium-238, recognize radon as the only gaseous isotope produced, use correct notation for writing isotopes and predict the products of alpha and beta emissions.
Keywords: radon, enviromental health, toxicology
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Resources  My World and Me: Resources and Environments (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=99) Exit NIEHS Classroom activities can be downloaded from BioEd Online(http://www.bioedonline.org/k%2D5/teacher-resources.cfm) Exit NIEHS Through guided inquiry activities, young students learn how resources from the environment help fill basic human needs for clean air, water, food and places to live. The accompanying "big book," Tillena's Big Adventure, focuses on the differences between natural and manmade environments. Tillena Lou and all of the other characters in the My World and My Health My World series were created by T Lewis, illustrator of "Over the Hedge."
Keywords: Resources that fulfill human needs, ecosystems
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Smallpox and Bioterrorism  Three Rivers, Three Nations (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=8) Exit NIEHS Three Rivers, Three Nations takes a look at bioterrorism, focusing on the use of smallpox during the French and Indian War in the 18th Century. Seventeen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Soil Contamination  ENVIROTHON -The Land and Human Health (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/envirothon/envirothon.htm) Exit NIEHS ENVIROTHON Competition - Environmental Heatlh Station with a reading packet provided to students so that they will be prepared to answer competition questions on topics related to environmental health.
Keywords: Soil Contamination - Lead and Arsenic Poisoning
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies
          9-12     
Toxicity  Environmental Health Fact Files Toxicology Lesson: Yeast & Household Substances (http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml) Exit NIEHS This lesson uses simple, readily available materials to introduce students to the concepts of dose/response and toxicity.
Keywords: Toxicity, Dose/Response, Experiment, Yeast
Subjects: Science
     5-8 9-12     
Toxicology  "Tox In" the City: Introducing Environmental Health Science (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This series of activities is intended to introduce students to environmental health vocabulary and concepts. A variety of engaging activities allow students to think about their environment, their health and their choices through multiple learning styles. Springboard Bingo makes students aware of environmental health issues. A PowerPoint introduces concepts that are then reinforced with activities to illustrate these concepts. In Tox Town scenes students observe a city scene to identify potential hazard sources. Think/Pair Share is used to distinguish between ecology and environmental health science. Information on dihydrogen monoxide develops the concept that "the dose makes the poison". Dose lab activities illustrate the relationship between dose, concentration of a chemical and the size of an organism. Risk and benefit posters are used to help students understand that potential hazards may also have benefits.
Keywords: toxicology, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Toxicology  Bioassay Investigations with Daphnia (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Students will conduct bioassays to investigate the effect of various toxicant concentrations on Daphnia. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine the LD50 for toxicants. Conclusions regarding the application of these studies to short and long-term effects on human health will be discussed.
Keywords: toxicology, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Toxicology  Chemicals, The Environment and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health Students explore the relationship between chemicals in the environment and human health, utilizing basic concepts in the science of toxicology. Developed by teachers, this curriculum includes six hands-on activities that will encourage students to think about chemical exposures, dose-response, and individual susceptibility.
  • Lesson Plans(http://science-education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/Chemicals/default.htm) Exit NIEHS
  • CD-ROM(http://science-education.nih.gov/customers.nsf/MSEnvironment?OpenForm&CS_23=false&) Exit NIEHS
     5-8          
Toxicology  Home Sweet Home: The Mysterious Death of Janelle Williams (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This is an interrupted case study in which students assume the role of chemical investigators as they assist in determining the cause of death of a young woman. The case study is interrupted as students learn necessary background information in toxicology, exposure, routs of entry, dose response curves, reading labels, and risk assessment. Students use this information to understand clues on the labels of household cleaning products found at the scene. Using police, coroner, and forensic documents students reconstruct a scenario that might have created a toxic situation.
Keywords: toxicology, household chemicals, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Toxicology  Introduction to Toxicology - PowerPoint (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This PowerPoint presentation provides and overview of some of the principles of toxicology and environmental health. It can be used as a resource to supplement any of our other curriculum materials.
Keywords: toxicology, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Toxicology  It's Organic, How Can That Be a Problem?: Organic Solvents and Human Health (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS Organic solvents encountered in many common activities can pose a risk to our health. Students relate the events in a real-world scenario to the chemistry and risks of solvents. They research the answers to questions and learn about various aspects of toxicology. This directed case study also includes a hands-on molecular modeling activity. The culminating activity involves short student group presentations about plans to remediate the site of a gasoline spill.
Keywords: organic solvents, toxicology, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Toxicology  Toxicology Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/tox/Ttox.html) Exit NIEHS Module of toxicology activities, including basic terminology in toxicology.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies
          9-12     
Toxins  ENVIROTHON - Chemicals in the Park (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/envirothon/envirothon#2004) Exit NIEHS ENVIROTHON Competition - Environmental Heatlh Station with a reading packet provided to students so that they will be prepared to answer competition questions on topics related to environmental health.
Keywords: Toxins in the Park - Lead, Arsenic, and Mercury
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies
          9-12     
Water  EnviroMysteries:Water +? = Trouble (http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org/watertrouble.html) Exit NIEHS This video and accompanying extensive print teacher resources explore how water can become polluted, consequences of and potential remedies for water pollution. Students are engaged in a mystery and learn why it is important to take an active role in environmental issues that can affect their health today and in the future.
Keywords: water, water pollution, cholera, water cycle, water purification, mystery, science, environmental health, health
Subjects: Science, Health & fitness
     5-8 9-12     
Water  My World: Water and My World (http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=95) Exit NIEHS Water and My World provides a fresh perspective on water and why it's important to the well-being of all living creatures. In the adventure story, Riff and Rosie are racing paper boats on Beaver Pond when they encounter many of their neighbors sadly leaving their homes. The marsh and creek have become murky, shallow and downright smelly! What is going on in Beaver Pond that the animals must leave? Riff and Rosie set out to discover the cause of pollution in their water environment. They find that the fertilizer making the nearby park beautiful also is creating a scummy swamp! The cousins work together with their neighbors to make their water livable again. This fun, educational book features colorful and informative science boxes. These highlighted areas discuss health related topics such as fresh water facts, water in the human body, pollutants and water runoff.
Keywords: Physical science of water, water in living systems, non-point source water pollluntion, bio-accumulation, eutrophication, risks to human health from water pollution, wise use of water, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
K-4               
Water Contamination  ENVIROTHON - Water in a Changing Climate (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/envirothon/envirothon#2006) Exit NIEHS ENVIROTHON Competition - Environmental Heatlh Station with a reading packet provided to students so that they will be prepared to answer competition questions on topics related to environmental health.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies
          9-12     
Water Contamination  Water Contamination Module (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/water/Twater.html) Exit NIEHS Interdisciplinary module of activities on recreational water contamination that can be taught as "stand alone" or as a complete module. Based on authentic events.
Keywords: Recreational Water Contamination - Microbes
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
          9-12     
Water Contamination  Water Module - Create a Microbe (http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html) Exit NIEHS Students construct models of microorganisms recognizing size relationships - comparing the size of viruses with the sizes of bacterial cells.
Keywords: Recreational Water Contamination - Microbes
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science
K-4 5-8          
Water Pollution  Well, What Will We Drink?: Water Testing and Safety (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS In this directed case study students assist a family in making the choice between using private well water or a public water supply. Students investigate the publicly available information from their local area water supply and compare this with the information from water tests on the family's well. A laboratory activity using serial dilution of food coloring illustrates several ways of expression solution concentrations. Students present a report with recommendations for the family about what water source they should use.
Keywords: water pollution, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science
          9-12     
Water Quality  Tut's Revenge (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=6) Exit NIEHS Tut's Revenge is about water contamination during construction of King Tut's tomb in ancient Egypt.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          
Water pollution  Dangers Seen and Unseen: Water and Environmental Health (http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) Exit NIEHS This problem-based learning unit focuses on the impact of water pollution on human health
Keywords: water pollution, environmental health
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Health & fitness
     5-8          
Water quality  Water Quality Scenario (http://www.hydroville.org/water/) Exit NIEHS The town of Hydroville is experiencing some of the social, political, and environmental problems associated with rapid growth and development. The drinking water report shows that certain pollutants in the water supply have increased significantly.Students teams investigate possible causes of the increase in contaminants in the water supply and develop remediation options that will protect the drinking water from further contamination. Students report their findings to the city council through presentations and to the community through newspaper articles and public service announcements.
Keywords: water quality, drinking water, groundwater pollution, groundwater remediation, environmental health, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum, problem- based, science careers
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Science, Social studies, Geography, Health & fitness
          9-12     
Yellow Fever  Texas, 1867 (http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=7) Exit NIEHS Texas: 1867 deals with the yellow fever epidemic in Texas after the end of the Civil War. Seventeen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History
     5-8          

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Presentations
Keyword Description Grade Level
Environment  Student Introduction: Environmental Health (http://www.iehms.com/online/teachers/teacher_intro.php) Exit NIEHS Download this engaging presentation with accompanying notes to introduce middle and high school students to environmental health concepts.
     5-8 9-12     
Environment  Your Environment and Your Health (/health/docs/your-enviro-ppt.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (2.9MB)
K-4 5-8 9-12 12+
Gene-Environment  Environment and Gene Interactions Cancer Module (/health/docs/enviro-cancer.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (3.2MB)
          9-12 12+
Lead  Get the Lead Out: Your Environment, Your Health! (/health/docs/lead-health.pdf) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (980KB)
          9-12 12+

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Web Based Activities
Keyword Description Grade Level
Air  Air and My World Indoors (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/baylor/homeair.htm)
K-4 5-8          
Air  EnviroHealth Connections Lessons (http://envirohealth.thinkport.org) Exit NIEHS These interdisciplinary lesson plans integrate environmental health topics into core content areas at both the middle school and high school level. The lessons are technology rich and effectively integrate media into the instructional process. Topics covered include: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming and cancer. Lessons online through www.thinkport.org (http://www.thinkport.org) Exit NIEHS Keywords: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, health, environmental science, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming, cancer, etc.
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness
     5-8          
Air - Indoor air  ToxRAP: What is Wrong with the Johnson Family? (http://www.toxrap.org/36_modulePg.html) Exit NIEHS The goal of the SUC2ES2 (Students Understanding Critical Connections between the Environment, Society and Self) is to empower students in the fifth grade to improve their science knowledge, skills and attitudes so that they can make informed decisions about the environment and their health. Students become health hazard investigators and through a series of hands-on, inquiry-based, authentic activities, investigate effects of an indoor pollutant on human health. Over the course of 10 weeks, students learn how to apply environmental health sciences using the ToxRAPTM (Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Pollution) Map and Framework to real world problems using data, experiments, stories, puzzles, games, simulations, case studies and math activities.
Keywords: Toxicology, risk assessment, risk management, exposure assessment, inquiry-base, applied science, integrated, authentic, environmental health, carbon monoxide, indoor air quality
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness, Art
     5-8          
Asthma  ToxRAP: The Case of the Green Feathers (http://www.toxrap.org/k3_modulePg.html) Exit NIEHS The goal of the SUC2ES2 (Students Understanding Critical Connections between the Environment, Society and Self) is to empower students in the second grade to improve their science knowledge, skills and attitudes so that they can make informed decisions about the environment and their health. Students become health hazard detectives and through a series of hands-on, inquiry-based, authentic activities, investigate effects of pollen on human health. Over the course of 10 weeks, students learn how to apply environmental health sciences using the ToxRAPTM (Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Pollution) Map and Framework to real world problems using data, experiments, stories, poems, books, puzzles, games, simulations, case studies and math activities.
Keywords: Toxicology, risk assessment, risk management, exposure assessment, inquiry-base, applied science, integrated, authentic, environmental health, pollen, allergies, asthma
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness, Art
K-4               
Community Resources  The Quicksilver Question Web Module and Extension Activities (http://www.iehmsp.com/online/webModules/qsIntro.php) Exit NIEHS The Quicksilver Question Web Module is an online game that introduces middle school students to the connections between historic gold mining, mercury contamination, fish consumption and human health. Students explore the imaginary town of Quicksilver, WA, collecting key documents along the way that help them evaluate how much mercury is in the local lake, and the fish that live there. Printed extension activities in langauage arts, math, social studies, science, and health allow for more in-depth exploration of the issues raised by the narrative.
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Fish Consumption, Mercury, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk,Toxicity,Water Quality
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Health & fitness, Technology, Library media
     5-8          
Earth  Home Planet Earth (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/baylor/homeearth.htm)
K-4 5-8          
Environment  Youth Network for Healthy Communities (http://whs.wsd.wednet.edu/socstudies/YNHC/ynhchome.htm) Exit NIEHS The goal of the project is to train middle and high school teachers to help students research environmental health issues in their communities. The students then present their projects to university scientists and environmental health professionals at the University of Washington using videoconference technology. The teacher orientation is also conducted via videoconference.
     5-8 9-12     
Food  Food and My World (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/baylor/homefood.htm)
K-4 5-8          
Lead  Lead Busters (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/leadbusters/home.htm)
K-4 5-8          
Lead  ToxRAP: Mystery Illness Strikes the Sanchez Household (http://www.toxrap.org/69_modulePg.html) Exit NIEHS The goal of the SUC2ES2 (Students Understanding Critical Connections between the Environment, Society and Self) is to empower students in the seventh grade to improve their science knowledge, skills and attitudes so that they can make informed decisions about the environment and their health. Students become health hazard scientists and through a series of hands-on, inquiry-based, authentic activities, investigate effects of an indoor pollutant on human health. Over the course of 10 weeks, students learn how to apply environmental health sciences using the ToxRAPTM (Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Pollution) Map and Framework to real world problems using data, experiments, puzzles, games, simulations, case studies and math activities.
Keywords: Toxicology, risk assessment, risk management, exposure assessment, inquiry-base, applied science, integrated, authentic, environmental health, lead paint hazards, indoor air quality
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health & fitness
     5-8          
Toxicology  ToxRAP: Toxicology Risk Assessment and Air Pollution (http://www.eohsi.rutgers.edu/rc/toxrap/index.htm) Exit NIEHS
Project goals and description:
ToxRAPTM, a three-part curriculum series (the two parts described below are for k-4 grades), enables students to understand basic environmental health sciences concepts and to make informed decisions to reduce their health risks associated with potential environmental pollutants. Activities and lessons use a risk assessment framework that draws upon processes and tools from toxicology, environmental health risk assessment and risk management. Using age-appropriate investigative science, math, health and language arts activities, students learn to collect, organize and critically analyze real information, while evaluating and making decisions based on scientific evidence. Teaching techniques include problem-based learning, games, graphing, hands-on experiments and case studies. The materials are being disseminated nationally by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Public Health (UMDNJ-SPH), as well as collaborative program partners.
  • The Case of the Green Feathers - ToxRAPTM
    Format: Lesson plan & oversized children's storybook
    Audience: Kindergarten - Grade 3
    Early elementary grade students use the ToxRAPTM Framework to explain how natural air contaminants, such as pollen, can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions. Students read an oversized children's book that tells the story of Chick ChockTM who awakens from a nap sneezing and covered with green dust. Students investigate the cause of Chick ChockTM's health problems. They conduct activities that show air takes up space and moves objects; construct paper plate chicks and expose them to green gelatin to show how air moves pollen; exercise to show how respiration rates affect pollen intake; conduct a survey to determine the prevalence of allergies in the community; cut up onions and lemons to illustrate exposure concepts; build a cubic meter to learn about pollen counts; use pollen count information to avoid health problems; and apply what they have learned to other situations and case-studies. Available for $75.00.

  • What is Wrong with the Johnson Family? - ToxRAPTM
    Format: Lesson plans & a game ("What's in the Air?")
    Audience: Grade 3 - Grade 6
    Intermediate elementary grade students become environmental health scientists and use the ToxRAPTM Framework to conduct an investigation into the Johnson family's unexplained health problems. Students conduct a series of activities and games focusing on indoor air pollutants to help them solve the mystery. Through the course of the investigation, students learn about the health problems of the Johnson family, investigate possible environmental hazards that might be causing the health problems, develop a hypothesis about the cause of the health problems, learn about the health effects of health hazards, analyze data and evaluate their hypothesis, and develop ideas about ways to control indoor air pollution problems. In the end they apply their knowledge to a case study based on real events. Available for $90.00.

  • Mystery Illness Strikes the Sanchez Household
    Format: Lesson plans
    Audience: Grade 6 - Grade 9
    The Sanchez family is getting sick and their dog dies. Middle school students assume the role of environmental health scientists and are asked to help the family solve their health problems. Students conduct a simulated health hazard investigation following the ToxRAP Framework that guides them to the solution. Through the course of the investigation, students learn about the health problems of the Sanchez family, investigate possible environmental hazards that might be causing the health problems, collect data to aid in their investigation, learn about the health effects of health hazards, develop a hypothesis about the cause of the health problems, evaluate their hypothesis, and learn about treatment and clean-up methods for health hazards. In the end they apply their knowledge to an actual air pollution-related health problem. Available for $75.00.
K-4 5-8 9-12     
Water  Water and My World (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/baylor/homewater.htm)
K-4 5-8          

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Last Reviewed: August 13, 2007