Environmental Education

Ideas for high school science fair projects in environmental science.

Assessing Toxic Risk is a comprehensive guide to student research in toxicology. It includes an overview of basic principles of toxicology and how they are used to assess chemical risks. It provides simple but authentic research protocols to engage students in the process of testing chemical toxicity by conducting bioassays using lettuce seeds, duckweed, and Daphania. It also contains guidelines for integrating peer review and other collaborative knowledge-building into classroom science. Toxicology makes an ideal topic for student research because it provides a natural link between biology, chemistry, environmental science, and human health; it highlights the connections between science and public policy; and builds critical-thinking skills. Available for purchase from NSTA for a nominal charge.

Through background material and hands-on activities, this teacher resource helps students learn how mixing is used in various industrial applications. The activities capture students¿ interest in the manufacture and production of familiar products while offering active learning and problem solving opportunities. The book provides links to the National Science Education Standards, ideas for cross-curricular integration, and scenario-based culminating projects that challenge students to apply what they¿ve learned.

Provides 32 detailed, interdisciplinary environmental science lessons with complete directions for use, including summary, introduction, materials needed, preparation and step-by-step teaching directions plus worksheets and background sheets. Organized into six topical units covering Land Use Issues ... Wildlife Issues ... Water Issues ... Atmospheric Issues ... Energy Issues ... Human Issues.

Seven illustrated sections give hands-on activities to teach. Ideal for teachers who cover integrated science, physical science, environmental science, and Earth science. Get a free Life Cycle of a Pencil classroom poster. E-book available for purchase from NSTA for a nominal fee.

Developed by the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Community Affairs, Bureau of Energy & Recycling

This 99-page guide enables teachers to introduce concepts and processes of industrial chemistry and relate these concepts to the consumer products students encounter daily. Hands-on, problem-solving activities help connect these science lessons with real life. Students explore making aspirin and sophisticated chemical techniques like gel filtration. Appropriate for grades 7-12.

This curriculum consists of a one-week course of study designed to introduce students to (or increase their awareness of) toxic substances commonly found in the home. It includes an introduction/conceptual framework, five lessons, a unit test, and appendices. Each lesson consists of a statement of purpose, objectives, list of equipment and/or materials (with overhead projector masters and ready-to-duplicate student handouts provided), time allocation, activities, teaching procedures, and a form of evaluation capable of measuring the achievement of the objectives. The concepts fostered focus on emergency preparedness and problems with antidotes, labeling of ingredients, adverse health effects, disposal problems, and on advertising techniques and safer substitutes. The appendices include an annotated list of resource materials, a list of state hazardous and solid waste agencies containing additional background information on household toxics and safety precautions, a chart of household products causing indoor air pollution, a resource sheet on chemical hazards in the arts, a list of environmental/health and safety programs, a chart of first aid tips for poisoning, and a question and answer sheet on specific toxic "incidents." The curriculum is appropriate for use in a variety of subject areas, including health and safety, home economics, physical sciences, environmental sciences, and young mothers programs.