Grades Levels: 5-12 Subjects Addressed: Science (biology/life sciences/ AP environmental science/chemistry); social studies; history; health; English as a Second Language, art, visual studies, computer-technology, English, special education
Project Description
My Environment, My Health, My Choices is an environmental health curriculum development project sponsored by the University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center and the Center for Science Education and Outreach. The project involves teachers in public, private and alternative schools from the greater Rochester, New York area (as well as throughout New York State) who create interdisciplinary environmental health curriculum units with the support of University of Rochester faculty.
The curriculum units focus on specific environmental health questions or problems that are of local, regional, or national concern. Such problems include, for example, water pollution due to farm runoff, links between air pollution and asthma, and the health effects linked to pesticides. The My Environment, My Health, My Choices project is intended to help teachers introduce environmental health topics in a variety of subject classes - not simply science. The project also aims to increase student and teacher knowledge about the links between the environment and human health and to encourage both teachers and their students to take action to address environmental health problems.
My Environment, My Health, My Choices curriculum units:
Have a problem-based learning or case study component
New Website
Creation of a new website(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/EHSC/outreach/curriculum.html) that provides open access to the curriculum units that were developed by participating teachers.
Environmental Health Institute
The project hosted a 4-day Environmental Health Institute in July, 2006 at the University of Rochester. Participants included 7 biology Mentor teachers and 7 chemistry Mentor teachers from the New York State Biology - Chemistry Professional Development Network(http://www.flcc.edu/biochem/), along with other Rochester area teachers. These Mentors learned about existing curricula developed through this project, and they also spent a week at a follow-up workshop writing additional curriculum modules. The curricula were then presented in October 2006 to approximately 100 Statewide chemistry and biology Mentors at their annual conference. Mentors will field test the curriculum modules and then they will host local workshops throughout New York State to introduce the curricula to other teachers in their own regions.
Well, What Will We Drink?: Water Testing and Safety(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
High School (9-12)
Keyword
Description
Project
Grade Level
Water Pollution
Well, What Will We Drink?: Water Testing and Safety(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Asthma
Asthma in the City(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Public policy
Environmental Health Concerns: From Problem to Public Policy(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Acid Rain
Killing Killer Rain: Acid Rain and Environmental Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Environmental health
As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Autism
Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Toxicology
Bioassay Investigations with Daphnia(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Alcohol
Chemistry of Alcohol(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Mold
Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze: Mold and Asthma(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Lead
The Effects of Environmental Lead Poisoning on Human Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Toxicology
Home Sweet Home: The Mysterious Death of Janelle Williams(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Noise
"i" Can't Hear You: Noise pollution(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Toxicology
Introduction to Toxicology - PowerPoint(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
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) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Carbon Monoxide
Oh Say Can You See CO? Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Radon
Radon - A Dangerous Link in the Decay Series of Uranium(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
MEMHMC
9-12
Toxicology
"Tox In" the City: Introducing Environmental Health Science(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html) 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
My Environment, My Health, My Choices is an environmental health curriculum development project sponsored by the University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center and the Center for Science Education and Outreach. The project involves teachers in public, private and alternative schools from the greater Rochester, New York area (as well as throughout New York State) who create interdisciplinary environmental health curriculum units with the support of University of Rochester faculty.
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