CORE QUESTION: How do humans deal with waste? Is there
a way to eliminate waste?
OVERVIEW:
In a typical day, every human leaves behind some waste.
In fact, the average American generates nearly 4 pounds
of solid waste every day of their life. Industries also
contribute to this by creating solid and hazardous waste
products. Sustainability is the ability of a natural
system to function and survive indefinitely, but with
tons of solid waste being produced yearly in each state,
is it likely that the United States will be able to
grow and develop forever? Regulatory agencies suggest
'reduce, reuse, recycle' and energy conservation as
ways of dealing with hazardous and nonhazardous waste.
Waste management guidelines must be adhered to in order
to ensure the safety of our natural resources.
TIME REQUIRED: Ongoing, but at least one week of forty-five minute periods.
SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL: Grades 7 - 12
INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS:
- Social Studies: Students will be able to investigate
environmental law and policies involving waste management.
- English: Students will be able to compose outlines and
presentations for their action plan on waste management.
- Science: Students will discuss hazardous and nonhazardous
waste production and reduction.
- Technology: Students will search various Internet sites to
investigate waste management.
CORE CONTENT STANDARDS:
- Standard 5.4: All Students Will Develop An Understanding Of
Technology As An Application Of Scientific Principles
Descriptive Statement: Understanding the unique interdependence
of science and technology is an important goal of
science education. This standard is an attempt to
show students how the application of scientific knowledge
can be used to improve the human condition and how
technological development affects the quality of life.
- Standard 5.12: All Students Will Develop An Understanding Of
The Environment As A System Of Interdependent Components
Affected By Human Activity And Natural Phenomena Descriptive
Statement: Creating an awareness of the need to protect
and preserve natural resources is a goal of science
education. This standard calls for students to develop
knowledge of environmental issues, including management
of natural resources, production and use of energy,
waste management, and the interdependence of ecosystems.
STRATEGIES:
Day 1:
Warm-up activity: Trace your steps throughout your average day. How much garbage do you throw out? Make
a list of things you use and then throw away each day.
Investigation questions for the students: What is the difference between
hazardous waste and municipal solid waste? How are different wastes treated and stored? Describe what is meant by
each of the three Rs : reduce, reuse, recycle. What are the benefits of following the three Rs?
Day 2-3:
The students will research companies contributing
waste in their region. Begin by visiting the Scorecard
website and enter your zip code to locate companies
in your area.
Investigation questions for the students: What companies are producing
waste in your area? What types of waste is being generated?
What effect is this having on human health? What are
the environmental effects?
What are the problems associated with fossil fuel use? What
waste management issues are involved?
Day 4:
What can you do to protect your local environment?
Develop a strategy with a group of 4-5 students on how
you could work locally to preserve the resources of
your town (examples could include beach sweeps, town
cleanups, educational/awareness programs for the community).
REFERENCES:
MATERIALS:
- Internet-ready computer lab
- E-mail accounts for all students
ASSESSMENT:
- Completion of charts and lists from investigations
- Quiz on defining waste and waste management
- Action plan - appropriateness and feasibility
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