Socially Active Environmental Projects

Lesson objective:

To have students learn about an environmental issue they are interested in and get involved in a solution

Grade level and subject area:

7-12/Sciences

Activities and strategies:

We teach an individual environmental project as part of a earth science course. We introduce the 3 month project for about a week. Then each student chooses an environmental issue they are interested in from a list of over 40 topics. Some of the popular topics are the greenhouse effect, dolphins and overpopulation, but others choose local projects like landfills, trash burning, and sewers. Next, they have a number of "check points" to break the project up (i.e. doing research, finding resources). At the end, students share the project with their classmates in a 10 minute presentation using audio-visual aids or posters.

As part of the project, we require students to contact organizations which deal with the issue in which they are interested. We have compiled a list of over 250 environmental organizations with their addresses to which students refer. Students write to a group and then summarize the information that comes back to them.

The big emphasis of this project is to get them involved in a solution. Recently, our students wrote letters about environmental issues to Congressmen, President Clinton, and newspapers. In addition, students raised $2,485 through baby-sitting, bake sales, and door-to door. The money raised went to help endangered species. Students also created and distributed pamphlets and talked to grade schools about their projects. Though it is a great deal of work for us, the students learn a tremendous amount and really get involved in their projects.

Jim & Susan Snyder teach 8th grade Earth Science at Jones Middle School, 2100 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, OH, 43221

This document was last updated 6/29/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth through the Library of Congress card catalog; send electronic mail to colleagues around the globe; read and post notices or lesson plans on electronic bulletin boards (Several Teacher Talk lessons have come from these); or subscribe to any of hundreds of newsgroups, which are like topical newspapers read on the computer screen. Newsgroups cover a broad range of topics including Distance Education, Autism, Ethics, or Politics.

To link up to the Internet, you need a computer, a modem, and a telephone line. Next, you will need access to an institution or agency that is linked to the Internet. Most colleges and universities are linked, as are most state's Departments of Education. To learn more, contact the technology coordinator at your school or call the Department of Education in your state. We look forward to meeting you and your students in cyberspace!

With so many services, how does one gain access to this valuable resource? Universities and corporations can sometimes provide access for nearby public schools. Several online computer services provide limited access, but offer additional services available only to subscribers. Only a few road maps are available for the "information superhighway." Therefore, you are encouraged to explore and to ask directions. Remember, though, even if you get lost, you will never be far from home. Most state departments of education have a consultant well traveled in "cyberspace."

Additional Reading:

Online Computer Services

(involve user fees):

Access Providers:

For additional information about access providers, call InterNIC Information Services at 1-800-444-4345.

This document was last updated 6/29/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
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