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2001 Summer ConfChem: ENVIRONMENTAL AND RISK/BENEFIT ISSUES IN THE K-12 SCIENCE CLASSROOM

07/06/01 to 07/31/01
Organizer(s): 
Dr. Elizabeth W. Kleppinger Eastern Kentucky University 1042 Burnell Drive, Berea, KY 40403

There are two basic premises for this online conference:

1) everyday topics that students are already aware of--such as environmental issues--can be used to get their attention and focus on the scientific principles underlying these issues;

2) students can be led to use the knowledge and skills they gain in science classes to make intelligent risk/benefit decisions. That is, introducing environmental issues will create a "need to know" on the part of the student, and what the student subsequently learns can be used to make informed decisions about environmental issues.

 

SCHEDULE

Paper 1 - Planet Earth Be Damned!: A Plea for a Return to Common Sense
          Dana Stuchul
          Department of Education Studies
          Berea College
          Berea, KY 40404
          Dana_stuchul@berea.edu

Paper 2 - THE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF USING COMBUSTION AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY

          Dana M. Barry, Ph.D., C.P.C.
          Center for Advanced Materials Processing
          Clarkson University
          Potsdam, New York 13699-5665
          dmbarry@clarkson.edu

Paper 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCES ON THE WEB

          Elizabeth W. Kleppinger
          Department of Chemistry
          Eastern Kentucky University
          Richmond, KY 40456
          beth.kleppinger@eku.edu

Paper 4 - GAINING PERSPECTIVE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

          J. David Robertson
          Department of Chemistry
          University of Missouri
          Columbia, MO  65211
          Robertsonjo@missouri.edu

Paper 5 - withdrawn

Paper 6 - SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: A PROJECT-BASED LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

          Susan E. Powers, Ph.D., P.E. and Jan DeWaters, P.E.
          Dept. Civil & Environmental Engineering
          W.J. Rowley Laboratories
          Clarkson University
          Potsdam NY 13699
          Sep@clarkson.edu

Paper 7 - withdrawn

Conference Articles

Abstracts of Papers:

Dana L. Stuchul
Department of Education Studies
Berea College
Berea, KY 40404
dana_stuchul@berea.edu

Abstract:

Inspired by the writing and living of Wendell Berry, Ivan Illich, et al., this paper will attempt to contribute to the lengthy conversation concerning the importance of including environmental issues in K-12 education. It will attempt to go beyond an argument for including environmental issues across the curriculum, beyond the ecological discourse about planet earth, beyond the recently promoted notion of education for sustainability, to call for teachers and students to participate in the recovery of "common sense."
Here used, common sense refers to a re-birth of senses, to those senses rooted in places and in the soil beneath our feet. Teachers and practitioners will be invited to consider possibilities, even in the midst of innumerable reform initiatives, accountability schemes, and diminishing resources, for shared learning among all ages so that our common sense and common places can be regenerated. In these efforts, perhaps only through these efforts, can the tide of displacement of cultures, the disembodiment of persons, and the disintegration of places be stemmed.

Dana M. Barry, Ph.D., C.P.C.
Professor and Honorary Advisory Council Member - Ansted University, Malaysia
Editor and Technical Writer - Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699 USA
dmbarry@clarkson.edu

Abstract:

This paper presents the risks of using combustion as a source of energy. It describes the greenhouse effect, air pollution, smog, and acid rain. In addition to being informative, it encourages students in grades 7-12 to analyze these risks and to brainstorm for solutions such as alternate energy sources and energy conservation. Student activities and resources for further reading are also provided.

Elizabeth W. Kleppinger

beth.kleppinger@eku.edu

Department of Chemistry

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY  40456

Abstract:

An annotated, but of necessity noncomprehensive, list of links that may be helpful to K-12 teachers who want to include more environmental science in their classes.

J. David Robertson
Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211

Abstract:

The Environmental Chemistry course that was recently developed at the University of Kentucky is a very popular elective with "pre-service" students pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a Masters degree in education. The goals of the course are:

  1. to instruct students in the fundamental principles of the chemistry of the environment;
  2. to increase students working knowledge of key chemical principles (equilibrium, kinetics, acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions, gas phase reactions, etc.) by applying these principles to "complex" environmental systems and;
  3. to have the students critically evaluate, what is often, conflicting information about environmental chemistry.

 

The third objective, which is approached by having students write a position paper about a "controversial" environmental issue, is a practical exercise in risk assessment that these individuals are encouraged to pass on to their middle and high school students.

 The Environmental Chemistry course that was recently developed at the University of Kentucky is a very popular elective with “pre-service” students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a Masters degree in education.  The goals of the course are: (1) to instruct students in the fundamental principles of the chemistry of the environment; (2) to increase students working knowledge of key chemical principles (equilibrium, kinetics, acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions, gas phase reactions, etc.) by applying these principles to “complex” environmental systems and; (3) to have the students critically evaluate, what is often, conflicting information about environmental chemistry.  The third objective, which is approached by having students write a position paper about a “controversial” environmental issue, is a practical exercise in risk assessment that these individuals are encouraged to pass on to their middle and high school students.

Abstract:

Susan E. Powers, Ph.D., P.E.
Program Director, 
Dept. Civil and Environmental Engineering Clarkson University, 
Potsdam NY 13699-5710; 
PN: 315-268-6542; FN: 315-268-7985 sep@clarkson.edu

Jan DeWaters, P.E.
Curriculum Coordinator
Dept. Civil and Environmental Engineering Clarkson University, 
Potsdam NY 13699-5710; 
PN: 315-268-3791; FN: 315-268-7985
dewaters@northnet.org

 

Abstract:

The Clarkson K-12 Project Based learning Partnership was initiated in the Fall of 2000 to bring students from Clarkson University into middle school science and technology classes. The Clarkson students teach a curriculum that focuses on solving environmental problems as a means of improving the middle school students' interest in and knowledge of these subjects. The partnership program currently focuses on the issue of solid waste disposal at the schools. Hands on activities at the 7th grade level include biodegradation by micro and macro organisms and compost ecosystems and habitat. The 8th grade science classes apply their knowledge of material properties (density, bulk density, moisture content) and elemental analysis (C, N) to characterize food waste and the finished compost. In all classes, the lessons taught through this program are designed to address education standards defined by New York State and meet preparation needs of the students for their NYS 8th grade science exam.

A project-based program was implemented last fall to increase the interest and knowledge of middle school students in science, math and technology through the solution of an environmental problem that is relevant to their local school community. Nine Clarkson students developed curricula for 7th and 8th grade science and technology classes. Clarkson students then worked with the middle school students throughout the year to reduce the solid waste generated from their school cafeteria through composting. The solution to this problem provided a vehicle to teach fundamental science and math content as well as the process of doing science and solving problems.

Abstract: