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My Enviroment, My Health, My Choices
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My Environment, My Health, My Choices Curriculum Units
| Keyword | Title of Curriculum Unit | Grade Level |
| Acid Rain | Killing Killer Rain: Acid Rain and Environmental Health | 6-12 |
| Air Quality | Asthma in the City | 9-12 |
| Alcohol | Chemistry of Alcohol | 9-12 |
| Asthma | Asthma in the City | 9-12 |
| Asthma | Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze | 9-12 |
| Autism | Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma | 9-12 |
| Carbon Monoxide | Oh Say Can You See CO? | 9-12 |
| Genes and Environment | Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma | 9-12 |
| Household Chemicals | Home Sweet Home: The Mysterious Death of Janelle Williams | 9-12 |
| Lead | The Effects of Environmental Lead Poisoning on Human Health | 9-12 |
| Mold | Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze | 9-12 |
| Noise | "i" Can't Hear You | 9-12 |
| Organic Solvents | It's Organic, How Can That Be a Problem | 9-12 |
| Phthalates | As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health | 9-12 |
| Public Policy | Environmental Health Concerns: From Problem to Public Policy | 9-12 |
| Radon | Radon- A Dangerous Link in the Decay Series of Uranium | 9-12 |
| Reproductive Health | As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health | 9-12 |
| Toxicology | "Tox In" the City: Introducing Environmental Health Science | 9-12 |
| Toxicology | Bioassay Investigations with Daphnia | 9-12 |
| Toxicology | Introduction to Toxicology PowerPoint Presentation | 9-12 |
| Water Quality | Well, What Will We Drink? Water Testing and Safety | 9-12 |
| Water Quality | Living Downstream: Potable Water and Human Health | 4-8 |
| Water Quality | Dangers Seen and Unseen: Water and Environmental Health | 6-8 |
As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health
Written by Sandra Latourelle, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: four class sessions
Phthalates used as plasticizers may have a negative impact on human reproduction. 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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Asthma in the City
Written by Dan Sullivan, East High School, Rochester, NY
Grade level: high-school
Subject areas: environmental science, health, biology, social studies
Time: fourteen class sessions
This problem-based learning unit focuses on the health effects of poor air quality. The problem, Separated at Birth, introduces students to twins separated in infancy. Students are asked to explain why one twin has asthma and one does not. Can the environment make a difference in health problems? Students work in groups and research the issue by assuming one of the following roles: medical doctor, environmental biologist, epidemiologist and sociologist. They are challenged to explore the problem, research and answer the question, discover ways to evaluate the answers and then present them to other class members.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma
Written by Alan Ascher, New York State Biology-Chemistry Professional Development Network
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: four class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Bioassay Investigations with Daphnia
Written by Kathy Cahill, Wantaugh High School, Wantaugh, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: four to six class sessions
A bioassay is a useful method for allowing students to observe the effects of environmental changes on simple organisms. 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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Chemistry of Alcohol
Written by Tom Good, Cooperstown, High School, Cooperstown, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, environmental science
Time: four 45-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze: Mold and Asthma
Written by Barbara Hobart, New York State Biology-Chemistry Professional Development Network
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: three 45-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Dangers Seen and Unseen: Water and Environmental Health
Written by Liza Steffen, Larisa Useda and Meike Sedor , Monroe High School, Rochester, NY
Grade level: middle school (grades 6 – 8)
Subject areas: English language arts, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), health, science, social studies
Time: eleven class sessions
This problem-based learning unit focuses on the impact of water pollution on human health. A problem-based learning scenario, Dangers Seen and Unseen, introduces students to the health effects of exposure to polluted lake water. Students gain research skills as they use books, web sites and Internet search engines to find information. They develop group process skill as they discuss information with peers. They are challenged to explore the problem, research and answer questions, discover ways to evaluate the answers and then present information to other class members via PowerPoint.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
The Effects of Environmental Lead Poisoning on Human Health
Written by James Buckley, Edwards-Knox Central School, Russell, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: six 60-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Environmental Health Concerns: From Problem to Public Policy
Written by Michael Fantauzzo , Rush-Henrietta High School, Henrietta, NY
Grade level: high-school
Subject areas: social studies, government, science
Time: eight class sessions
The focal points of the unit are five fictional letters from concerned citizens complaining about five different environmental health issues. Students are guided to research these issues, to interview local people with experience related to these issues, to evaluate sources used, and to write public policy statements. Students will also produce a public service announcement. During this unit they are involved in both policy-design and policy-making.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Home Sweet Home: The Mysterious Death of Janelle
Williams Hazardous Household Chemicals
Written by Tracy Suggs, Vestal Senior High School, Vestal, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, biology, environmental science
Time: five 40-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
“i“ Can’t Hear You: Noise pollution
Written by David Kleehammer, Brockport High School, Brockport, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: three 40-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Introduction to Toxicology - PowerPoint
Written by Dina Markowitz, University of Rochester
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, environmental science
Time: one 45-minute class session
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
It’s Organic, How Can That Be a Problem?: Organic Solvents and Human Health
Written by Robert Dayton, New York State Biology-Chemistry Professional Development Network
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, environmental science
Time: four 45-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Killing Killer Rain: Acid Rain and Environmental Health
Written by Andrew Ragan , Allendale Columbia School, Rochester, New York
Grade level: middle school or high-school
Subject areas: social studies, history
Time: eleven class sessions
This unit uses interdisciplinary problem-based learning to focus on acid rain: its sources, environmental effects, health effects, economic impact, political impact, and potential solutions in the United States and Canada. The introductory problem, Killing Killer Rain, asks students to research specific questions about acid rain in order to make recommendations to government officials about the future of coal-burning power plants, a major source of the acid rain. Students are challenged to define the problem, to work in teams to research questions related to the problem, and to present their reports and recommendations to the class. The class is divided into six research groups. Each student in the group adopts a different perspective to research and reports on the effects of acid rain. The group then uses this information to make recommendations for problem solutions and presents a report on their recommendations to the class.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Lab Activities to Accompany Killing Killer Rain
Written by Beth Guzzetta, Allendale Columbia School, Rochester, New York
Grade level: middle or high school
Subject areas: chemistry, biology, environmental science
Time: four class sessions
These four science activities are designed to accompany the "Killing Killer Rain" social studies lessons. In the hands-on laboratory activities, the students will develop an understanding of acids, buffers, and pH.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Living Downstream: Potable Water and Human Health
Written by Julie Laskey, Jason DeJohn, and Linda Bryson, Laurelton-Pardee Intermediate School East Irondequoit, NY
Grade Level: 4-8
Subject areas: social studies, English language arts, science
Time: eight class sessions
This unit focuses on the human health effects of water pollution. Students learn through history, language arts, science and technology how land use, disposal of waste, household practices and lifestyle choices impact our quality of life and availability of local potable water. Students are challenged to explore the problem through an integrated interdisciplinary lens and use their knowledge to present possible solutions to the problem of water contamination via video, PowerPoint, presentations, websites or brochures disseminated to their school and community.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Oh Say Can You See CO?
Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Written by Paul Jebb, Ticonderoga High School, Ticonderoga, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, biology, environmental science
Time: four 40-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Radon - A Dangerous Link in the Decay Series of Uranium
Written by Kevin Lavarnway, Schroon Lake Central School, Schroon Lake, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, physical science, environmental science
Time: three 45-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
“Tox In” the City: Introducing Environmental Health Science
Written by Colleen Hagadorn and Judy Moffitt, South Glen Falls High School, South Glen Falls, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: biology, chemistry, environmental science
Time: three to four 40-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
Well, What Will We Drink?: Water Testing and Safety
Written by Diana Larrabee, Thomas J. Corcoran High School, Syracuse, NY
Grade Level: high school
Subject areas: chemistry, environmental science
Time: three 40-minute class sessions
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.
Click here to register in order to download these curriculum materials.
My Environment, My Health, My Choices is funded by a seven-year grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences EHSIC Grant #ES10717.
My Environment, My Health, My Choices is a part of the Center for Science Education and Outreach at the University of Rochester. |
