Find a variety of educational materials, many of which are standards-based, to expose your students to environmental health concepts
CD-ROM
Keyword
Description
Grade Level
Body
Organ Systems(http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/organsystems/index.htm) Lesson 1: Bodily Defenses; Lesson 2: Digestion; Lesson 3: Detoxication; Lesson 4: Gas Exchange; Lesson 5: Coordination and Control.
These learning units focus on five main classes of functions that a body must perform. Rather than just naming organs of the body and what they do, we present a perspective on the body as a coordinated group of systems that must do certain things correctly in order to survive and thrive. Each instructional unit includes topics on: "Why Does It Matter" to explain the significance of the facts; "How We Know" to explain how understanding develops; "What We Know" to summarize the main facts; "Story Time" a biographical sketch on famous scientists emphasizing, where possible, their childhood; "Activities" for hands-on learning; "Common Hazards" and their effects on organ system functions; On-line self-study system, Get Smart!, that operates like "flash cards," but also allows the teacher to provide feedback on answers and scores automatically; Internet group work-space "FORUM" for interactions among students, teachers, and consulting scientists.
5-8
Cells
Cells Are Us(http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Cell_Biology/index.htm)
This "Cells Are Us" module has five instructional units. One is an introduction of the levels of organization in living systems, followed by four other units based on some key aspect of cell function. Rather than discuss cells from the basis of their anatomy (membranes, mitochondria, nucleus, etc.), we thought it more important to emphasize what cells DO and how they do it.
5-8
Toxicology
Chemicals, The Environment and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health
Students explore the relationship between chemicals in the environment and human health,
utilizing basic concepts in the science of toxicology. Developed by teachers, this curriculum
includes six hands-on activities that will encourage students to think about chemical exposures,
dose-response, and individual susceptibility.
Water's the Matter(http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Water_Quality/)
This module will focus on five different measurable properties of water. The quality of water is more than just visible observations such as color and odor. Nature (and also man) can cause many changes in a body of water. As a result, a given body of water will have a specific footprint. It will have unique properties when compared to another body of water. Each unit is divided into six sections: Introduction, Objectives, Pre-Test, Lesson Presentation, Activity, and Post-Test
Toxicity Testing with California Blackworms: Alcohol(../documents/BlackwormsAlcohol.pdf)
(267 kb)
Toxicology is a fundamental component of the scientific study of environmental health. This classroom experiment teaches students about the basic concepts of toxicology, including dose-response and exposure, through observing the effects of a toxicant (ethanol) on the behavior of California blackworms. This teacher's guide provides background information, laboratory instructions, discussion questions, and variations and supplemental activities for conducting the experiment.
5-8
9-12
Bacteria
Guide to Plating Bacteria Using Sterile Technique - 2001
(../documents/GuidePlatingBact.pdf)
(35 kb)
Bacteria are useful in a variety of classroom science experiments. This activity teaches the basic laboratory techniques for growing bacteria in Petri dishes. This guide consists of a teacher version and a student version of the instructions.
5-8
9-12
Cancer
Good Cells Gone Bad - 2001
(../documents/GoodCellsGoneBad.pdf)
(102 kb)
This activity teaches students about the cellular changes that lead to cancer. It provides an overview of the prevalence of cancer, cell structure, and function, and a classroom activity and worksheet that reinforce lessons about cellular structure and the differences between cancer cells and normal cells.
5-8
9-12
Community
Community Action and the Environment - 1998
(../documents/ComActionEnviron.pdf)
(534 kb)
This booklet, with an accompanying video, provides an overview of environmental pollution and ways in which citizens may contribute to the study and alleviation of pollution problems. It provides descriptions of and resources for four assignments that reinforce scientific methods for studying environmental problems. The first assignment encourages students to observe their local environment and think about potential sources of pollution. The second introduces the concept of disease clusters and demonstrates the concepts of probability and statistical distributions. The third assignment encourages group discussion of local environmental issues and requires students to learn about local environmental authorities and utilities. The fourth encourages critical thinking about local and global environmental problems. The booklet also includes a list of recommended printed and Internet resources.
Growth and Disease - 2001
(../documents/GrowthAndDisease.pdf)
(123 kb)
The spread of diseases continues to be an important public health concern in the United States and abroad. Teaching accurate information about the nature and consequences of the growth and spread of disease is essential for helping students protect their own health and the health of others. This lesson aims to provide such information through four learning activities that address the following subjects: the spread of viruses, antibiotic action and microbial resistance to drugs, the spread and control of parasitic organisms, and the probability of contracting diseases. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
9-12
Environment
Toxic or Not? - Environmental Health Hazards(http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/Environ_Hazard/index.htm)
This module focuses on our surroundings and the hazards present in everyday life. The environment is defined and broken into components, and the hazards present in our environment are discussed in terms of means of exposure.
5-8
Exposure
Lemons and Onions(http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/curriculum/lemons_onions/index.html)
This entertaining and educational activity gives elementary and middle school students a hands-on lesson in evaluating environmental health problems. In a well controlled activity, students smash lemons and onions to observe what happens when they are exposed to the odors. Then they participate in a demonstration that links together the health problem, the hazard, and the people who are exposed. Afterwards they use the concept of links in a discussion about how scientists reach a conclusion that a hazard is responsible for causing health problems in people.
5-8
9-12
Microorganisms
University of Rochester Summer Science Camp--Microorganisms - 1999
(../documents/UofRsummerMicroOrg.pdf)
(284 kb)
A collection of 12 experiments and activities related to microorganisms in plant life, blood cells and skin cells, including an at-home activity. They were developed for use at the University of Rochester's 1999 Summer Science Camp for students in grades 5 through 8.
9-12
Nicotine
Toxicity Testing with California Blackworms: Nicotine(../documents/BlackwormsNicotine.pdf)
(175 kb)
Toxicology is a fundamental component of the scientific study of environmental health. This classroom experiment teaches students about the basic concepts of toxicology, including dose-response, and exposure, through observing the effects of a toxicant (nicotine) on the behavior of California blackworms. This teacher's guide provides background information, laboratory instructions, discussion questions, and variations and supplemental activities for conducting the experiment.
Isolation of Naturally Occurring Pesticides
In this classroom experiment, students learn principles of biology, environmental science, and ecology by observing the effects on fruit flies of naturally occurring pesticides, such as those found in various spices and flowers. This teacher's guide provides background information, a list of necessary materials, preparation instructions, and recommendations for variations on the experiment.
Race to Find the Cure: Isolation of Chemicals from Plant Leaves(../documents/CureIsoChemPlantLeaves.pdf)
(28 kb)
Many important pharmaceuticals and other chemicals are derived from plants. This classroom experiment teaches students about the isolation of plant chemicals using chromatography. Students apply different mixtures of spinach extract, beet leaf extract, and food coloring to strips of filter paper; observe the separation of the components of the mixtures; and extract the isolated components from the filter paper using water. This package of materials includes a teacher's guide, student instructions and notes, and discussion questions and answers.
9-12
Poison
Name That Poison(../documents/NameThatPoison.pdf)
(114 kb)
This activity sheet raises awareness and provides information about nine different poisonous substances. Users match substances with their common health effects. Background information about hazardous substances is provided.
5-8
9-12
Research
Unsolved Mysteries of Human Health(http://www.unsolvedmysteries.oregonstate.edu/)
Take a virtual tour of the labs, get accurate and non-technical explanations of complex research methods and instruments, check in on real-world examples of current research and more!
9-12
12+
Risk
Risk Management - 2001
(../documents/RiskManage.pdf)
(97 kb)
The purpose of this lesson is to investigate risk management, in order to prepare students to analyze risks and make informed choices based on their analyses. Using four learning activities, students in grades 9-12 build conceptual understanding, scientific investigation and practical reasoning while developing and using reading, writing, and mathematics.
9-12
Risk
Risk Management and Health Care - 2001
(../documents/RiskManageHealthCare.pdf)
(113 kb)
An understanding of healthcare management is critical for maintaining one's own health. This lesson aims to build such an understanding through four learning activities that address the following subjects: diagnosis of various illnesses, costs and benefits of disease prevention, healthcare plans and HMOs, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of private healthcare as compared to government-sponsored HMOs. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
9-12
Risk
Risk Management: Health Risks - 2001
(../documents/RiskManageHealthRisks.pdf)
(96 kb)
An understanding of health risks is critical for maintaining one's own health. This lesson aims to help students identify and investigate health risks through four learning activities that address the following subjects: common causes of death, evaluation of personal daily health risks, health risks of substance abuse, and stress and mental health. The teaching materials package includes an overview of the entire lesson and a description of the objectives, performance tasks, class structure, procedures, and evaluation of each activity.
9-12
Risks
Risks & Choices Staff Development Units(http://www.terrificscience.org/programs/environmentalhealth.jsp)
Four units are available for outreach to inservice and preservice middle school teachers. The following topics are available for download at no cost from www.terrificscience.org/(http://www.terrificscience.org/): environmental toxins, hands-on use of the scientific method, risk perception, and water quality. (Click on the "Free Resources" link and go to the Terrific Science Lesson Exchange.) Activity instructions (written procedures, questions, and background information) are included, as well as instructor notes (materials lists, procedure notes, anticipated outcomes, sample calculations, and answers to student questions). Detailed background handouts for participants are also provided.
5-8
Tobacco
Chemicals and Human Health Web Site(http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/curriculum/chh/index.html)
Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Development Activity: Teacher's Guide and Student Sheet
9-12
Tobacco
Tobacco Induced Mutations - 2001
(../documents/TobInducedMutations.pdf)
(361 kb)
Toxicology is a fundamental component of environmental health science. This classroom activity teaches about the basic concepts of toxicology as well as the scientific method and laboratory techniques by observing the mutagenic effects of tobacco on bacteria. Students prepare plates of bacteria and observe the effects on the colonies of the addition of varying concentrations of tobacco extract. The package of materials includes a teacher's guide, student instructions, student and class (pooled) data sheets, and discussion questions.
9-12
Toxicology
Tox-in-a-BoxTM(http://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/Outreach/k12.html)
Tox-in-a-Box is a toxicology curriculum and resource kit for toxicologists and other environmental health professionals to use in outreach efforts to K-12 students and teachers. Developed by the COEP at the University of Washington, Tox-in-a-Box is both a literal and virtual suitcase of materials that can be used for many presentations to a wide range of students. The kit includes activities, slides, demonstrations, and a script of explicit instructions and tips for the presenter. The kit's materials are focused around five principles of toxicology and environmental health.
Killing Killer Rain: Acid Rain and Environmental Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
This problem-based learning unit focuses on acid rain: its sources, environmental effects, health effects, economic impact, political impact, and potential solutions in the United States and Canada.
Keywords: acid rain, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography
9-12
Agriculture
AgOdyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The AgOdyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. AgOdyssey focuses on the impacts of family vs. large scale farming.
Keywords: Agriculture, family farm, CAFO, factory farm, farming, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Air
EnviroHealth Connections Lessons(http://envirohealth.thinkport.org)
These interdisciplinary lesson plans integrate environmental health topics into core content areas at both the middle school and high school level. The lessons are technology rich and effectively integrate media into the instructional process. Topics covered include: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming and cancer. Lessons online through www.thinkport.org(http://www.thinkport.org)Keywords: air pollution, asthma, environmental justice, health, environmental science, food supply, evolution, weather, water, lead, urban development, genetics, obesity, food webs, global warming, cancer, etc.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness
5-8
9-12
Air
My World: My World Indoors(http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=94)
In this unit, readers meet the main characters of the My Health My World series: two squirrels (cousins) named Riff and Rosie, an old beaver named Mr. Slaptail, and a grasshopper-Chirpen J. Wingfellow, III-who serves as a guide for students and teachers. My World Indoors explores air quality and related issues, including allergies, in the places we live, study and work. The adventure story finds Riff and Rosie observing their neighbor, Mr. Slaptail, dragging a big dark bag down a moonlit road. What could be in that bag? As the mystery unfolds, the cousins discover Mr. Slaptail's cluttered, dusty home is packed full of trash, recycled products and chemical products such as paint and glue. It turns out that he uses this trash to make toys! But this lifestyle creates a contaminated indoor environment. Riff and Rosie help Mr. Slaptail clean up his house, making it a healthier place to live.
Keywords: Gases, air, breathing/respiration, indoor air pollution, allergies, asthma, smoking pollution/cessation, science careers
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Health & fitness
K-4
Air Contamination
Air Contamination Module(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/air/Tair.html)
Interdisciplinary module of activities on air contamination and environmental triggers contributing to respiratory problems. Activities can be taught as "stand alone" or as a complete module. Includes case studies and epidemiology issues.
Keywords: Air Contamination - Respiratory Problems
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
9-12
Air Contamination
Air Module - Particulate Observation(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html)
Students collect, observe and identify common substances in samples of dust taken from students' homes and/or daily environment.
Keywords: Air Contamination - Respiratory Problems
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science
K-4
5-8
Air pollution
Sick of School? Odyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Sick of School? Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Sick of School? challenges students to investigate the indoor environmental quality of their school.
Keywords: Indoor Environmental Quality, Air pollution, mold, bacteria, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Alcohol
Chemistry of Alcohol(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: alcohol, toxicology, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
9-12
Asthma
Asthma in the City(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
This problem-based learning unit focuses on the health effects of poor air quality.
Keywords: asthma, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Social studies,
Health & fitness
9-12
Asthma
Environmental Health Fact Files: Asthma - Washington State Environmental Health Fact Files: Asthma - New Mexico (English & Spanish)Environmental Health Fact File: Asthma provides subject area specific lesson plans about asthma to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. At least two lessons are provided for each subject area. Additional resource materials are also included to help school librarians who are facilitating student research projects. The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas.
New Mexico(http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)
Keywords: Asthma, Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness,
Technology,
Library media
5-8
Autism
Autism, a Pervasive Dilemma(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: autism, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
9-12
Basic Needs
My World and Me: Living Things and Their Needs(http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=98)
Living Things and Their Needs unit allows very young students to explore living and non-living things, and the basic needs of plants and animals (including humans). The unit consists of ten age-appropriate guided inquiry lessons. In the rhyming "big book" that accompanies the unit, the turtle, Tillena Lou explores her home and discovers interesting things about the animals that live nearby. Tillena Lou and all of the other characters in the My World and My Health My World series were created by T Lewis, illustrator of "Over the Hedge."
Keywords: Basic Needs including air, food, water, shelter and relationships to health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Health & fitness
K-4
Brown Lung
The Waterfall Ghost(http://peer.tamu.edu/IntegratedCur.shtml)The Waterfall Ghost deals with the 19th-century textile industry and the byssinosis (brown lung) that many workers contracted.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
5-8
Carbon Monoxide
Oh Say Can You See CO? Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: carbon monoxide, environmental health, toxicology
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
History
9-12
Chagas Disease
Kiss of the Assassin(http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=6)The Kiss of the Assassin focuses on pathogens and bacterial infectious diseases (Chagas disease in this case) that can be obtained from insects, like the "kissing bug," that harbor the bacteria and serve as vectors for the disease. Twenty lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
5-8
Cholera
Dark Poison(http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=8)Dark Poison concerns a cholera epidemic in New York in the 1830s. Thirteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
5-8
Communicable disease
GermOdyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The GermOdyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. GermOdyssey focuses on germ and disease transmission.
Keywords: Communicable disease, hand washing, hygiene, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Communicable disease
ZoOdyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/zo/)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. This on-line activity is based upon the ZoOdyssey unit. The on-line ZoOdyssey asks students to find the cause of the mystery illness after a zoo field trip. There is a Student Page and a Teacher Page with resources to enhance the activity.
Keywords: Communicable disease, hand washing, hygiene , food born disease, animals, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Community Resources
Environmental Health Fact Files: Lead - Washington State Environmental Health Fact Files: Lead - New Mexico (English & Spanish)Environmental Health Fact File: Lead provides subject area specific lesson plans about the hazards of lead to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. At least two lessons are provided for each subject area. Additional resource materials are also included to help school librarians who are facilitating student research projects. The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas.
New Mexico(http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual, Lead, Lead Poisoning,Susceptiblity,Risk,Toxicity
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness,
Technology,
Library media
5-8
Community Resources
HEART (Health and Environment Activities Research Tool) Manual for Interdisciplinary, Problem-based Environmental Health Education - Washington State or New Mexico (English or Spanish)The Health and Environment Activities Research Tool (HEART) is an instuctional manual. It provides teachers with the tools they need to incorporate environmental health into their curriculum by engaging students in locally relevant research projects. The manual includes step-by-step guides for teachers, lesson plans, activities, rubrics and worksheets to guide students as they develop research projects. It also includes a list of additional resources for both teachers and students.
Washington State(http://www.iehmsp.com/online/teachers/heartpage.php)
New Mexico(http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness,
Technology,
Library media
5-8
Community Resources
Environmental Health Fact Files: Diabetes - New Mexico(http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)Environmental Health Fact File: Diabetes provides subject area specific lesson plans about diabetes in New Mexico to teachers of social studies, science, language arts, math and health and fitness. . The material is designed to facilitate teaching environmental health across multiple subject areas.
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Diabetes, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk, Toxicity
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness
5-8
Community Resources
The Quicksilver Question Web Module and Extension Activities - New Mexico(http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/iehms/teachers.shtml)The Quicksilver Question Web Module - New Mexico is an online game that introduces middle school students to the connections between historic gold mining, mercury contamination, fish consumption and human health. Students explore the imaginary town of Quicksilver, NM, collecting key documents along the way that help them evaluate how much mercury is in the local lake, and the fish that live there.
Keywords: Community Resources & Actions, Dose/Response, Environmental Justice, Exposure, Fish Consumption, Mercury, Individual Susceptiblity,Risk,Toxicity,Water Quality
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness,
Technology,
Library media
5-8
Environment
EHP Science Education Lessons(http://www.ehponline.org/science-ed/)
The EHP Science Education Program comprises an EHP Student Edition of news articles published in EHP and environmental health science lessons based on selected articles. Lessons are aligned with National Science Education Standards in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, and physical science, and are targeted at students in grades 9-12. The EHP Student Edition and corresponding lessons (as well as individual news articles) can be downloaded for FREE from this website. We invite all educators to use this resource and provide us with your feedback.
9-12
Environment
Environmental Health Disaster Scenario program(http://www.bu.edu/bahec/)
Students learn how complicated public health decision making can be, and how quickly decisions must sometimes be made. The scenarios place the students in roles they might not normally find themselves in--as an environmental expert or public health official, for example. They also give the students a glimpse at potential public health careers beyond the familiar ones such as nursing, medicine, or pharmacy.
The Environmental Cyber Schoolhouse(http://www.cyberschoolhouse.org/)
Environmental Health Curriculum on the World Wide Web. A set of interactive, web-based curricular units geared toward students in grades 9-12. Training required.
ENVIROTHON - Cultural Landscapes / Env. Justice(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/envirothon/envirothon#2005)
ENVIROTHON Competition - Environmental Heatlh Station with a reading packet provided to students so that they will be prepared to answer competition questions on topics related to environmental health.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Social studies,
History,
Civics,
Economics
9-12
Environmental Justice Issues
Environmental Justice Module(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/env_justice/Tej.htm)
Interdisciplinary module of activities on environmental justice. Includes oral histories of those affected by environmental justice issues.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
9-12
Environmental health
As the Scale Tips: Phthalates and Reproductive Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: phthalates, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
9-12
Epidemiology
Investigation of an Outbreak(http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html)
Students learn the steps in an epidemiology investigation, work in teams, and use real data to investigate an outbreak of gastrenteritis in Southern Oregon.
Keywords: Epidemiology, gastroenteritis, illness outbreak
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Health & fitness
9-12
Epidemiology
What Should I Use to Clean My Shower?(http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html)
Students will learn the essential steps in an epidemiology investigation by studying John Snow's classic investigation of the cholera epidemic in London in 1854.
Keywords: Epidemiology, cholera, illness outbreak
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
History
9-12
Ethics and Environmental Health
Environmental Health Ethics Module(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/ethics/ethics.html)
Critical thinking activities and case studies involving ethics relating to issues of environmental health.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Economics
9-12
Food
My World: Food and My World(http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=97)
The latest My Health My World unit, Food and My World, examines food production, nutrition and food safety with unique activities for students and families. The story book places Curious Riff and Rosie in a new sleuthing situation with Mr. Slaptail. When they receive a strange, urgent note from him asking for their help, they know it must be big mystery, indeed! What could be happening that even Mr. Slaptail can't figure it out? While enjoying sandwiches made with vegetables from Mr. Slaptail's garden, the two cousins learn from their friend that leaves are disappearing from his lettuce plants. What could be happening to the leaves? Where are they going? And who-or what-is taking them? After a scary night in the garden, the secret is revealed. By the end of the story, Riff and Rosie learn some important lessons about food, plants, and good health.
Keywords: soil, photosynthesis, producers and consumers, food webs, food safety, bacterial contamination of food, pesticides, nutrition, food pyramid, safe food preparation, science careers
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Health & fitness
K-4
Food Contamination
Food Module - Viewing Bacteria(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html)
Students compare harmful and helpful bacterial cells and observe the structures within the bacterial cells.
Keywords: Food Contamination and Nutrition
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
K-4
5-8
Food Contamination and Nutrition
Food Contamination and Nutrition Module(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/food/Tfood.html)
Interdisciplinary module of activities on food contamination and nutrition. Activities involve seafood contamination in transport, storage, and handling. Includes issues of nutrition.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
9-12
Food born bacteria
Food Odyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Food Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Food Odyssey focuses on food bourne illnesses.
Keywords: Food born bacteria, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Global Resources
My World: My Home Planet Earth(http://ccitonline.org/ceo/content.cfm?content_id=96)
My Home Planet Earth focuses on changes in the upper atmosphere, such as global warming, and how the changes may affect life on Earth. In this adventure story, Riff and Rosie can't wait to see what contraption Mr. Slaptail is masterminding now - on his rooftop! However, while helping him complete his solar water heater, an explosion occurs at the local coal mine. Community members rush to the site to find the owner, Beulah Diggerpaw, is trapped inside! How will they get her out? After Beulah is rescued, she announces she will close the mine which fuels most of the energy needs in Bright Water Corners. Now, what will they use for energy? Like all My Health My World story books, this one includes illustrated instructions for a toy used by Riff and Rosie during their adventure, as well as a glossary of health and science terms for student and teacher use.
Keywords: solar energy, radiation, carbon cycle, atmosphere, global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, skin cancer prevention, alternative energy souces, science careers
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Health & fitness
K-4
Hazardous Chemicals
ChemOdyssey(http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/programs/excite/resources/information.html)
Project EXCITE Odysseys are interdisciplinary problem-based curricula focusing on real world environmental health issues. The Chem Odyssey unit includes easy-to-use implementation guides and lesson plans, field tested inquiry activities, PBL resources, duplication masters, assessments with rubrics and interactive CD-Rom materials. Chem Odyssey focuses on household hazardous chemicals.
Keywords: Hazardous Household Chemicals, inquiry, problem-based learning
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Civics,
Technology
5-8
9-12
Health
EnviroHealth Connections Website(http://www.thinkport.org/Career/connections/default.tp)
In addition to the lessons and other products under development, the Connections website houses PowerPoint presentations from our Institutes and Colloquia as well as highlights of teacher discussions.The website redesign, which is underway, will allow linkages between relevant lessons, presentation, highlights of teacher discussions and interviews with experts.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
Geography,
Civics,
Economics,
Health & fitness
5-8
9-12
Health
ToxRAP: Sail the Circulatory System(http://www.toxrap.org/36_kids_game1intro.html)
Be the captain of the USS Heme (short for Hemoglobin, the molecule in the blood that carries oxygen). With your heart pumping away, your job is to carry oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the organs in your body to keep yourself alive. Your fast ship has four transport bins which enable you to move four oxygen molecules from the lungs through the circulatory system to the brain or muscles. But be careful - poisonous carbon monoxide molecules are invading your lungs from the outside air.
Keywords: health, circulatory system, hemoglobin, carbon monoxide
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Health & fitness,
Technology
K-4
5-8
Health
ToxRAP: Toxic Mansion(http://www.toxrap.org/69_kids_game1intro.html)
Your house is contaminated with a hazard that is making at least one person sick. As a Junior CSI (Contamination Scene Investigator) in training, your job is to identify the hazard and its source. Awards and recognitions are based upon the accuracy, speed and thriftiness of the player.
Keywords: health, health hazards, investigation
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Health & fitness,
Technology
5-8
Hepatitis
Midnight at the Marble Tomb(http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=6)Midnight at the Marble Tomb focuses on the health consequences of raw sewage in streets, acupuncture, tattoos, body piercing (of the nose, ears, lips, eyebrows, and belly button), blood transfusions, and organ donations in India. Fourteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
5-8
Household chemicals
What makes a Product Hazardous?(http://www.ehsc.orst.edu/outreach/ClassActivities.html)
Students read product labels noting signal words, hazardous properties, and routes of exposure. They inventory hazardous household products in their homes and identify unsafe storage and use of products, and write a memo to their parents detailing what they found and recommended changes.
Keywords: Household chemicals, risk, routes of exposure, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Health & fitness
9-12
Illness outbreak
Mysterious Illness Outbreak Scenario(http://www.hydroville.org/illness/)
Students form teams that take on the roles of the professionals on the Hydroville Health Department team involved in determining the cause and control of an outbreak. Students follow the steps of an epidemiology investigation. They collect data, develop a case definition, and form a hypothesis about the cause of the outbreak. They learn data collection and analysis techniques used by such investigators, analyze simulated data, modify their case definition based on this analysis, and present their results in a press release and press conference format.
Keywords: illness outbreak, epidemiology, pesticides, environmental health, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum, problem-based, science careers
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Geography,
Health & fitness
9-12
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality Scenario(http://www.hydroville.org/air/)
The local school board has received complaints of illness at the newly renovated Hydroville Middle School. Many people believe that this is due to poor indoor air quality. High school students participating in this problem act as a team of environmental consults to determine if there really is an indoor air quality problem in the school. Student teams present their findings at the next school board meeting.
Keywords: indoor air quality, indoor air quality in schools, environmental health, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum, problem-based, science careers
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science,
Geography,
Health & fitness
9-12
Influenza
March Madness(http://peer.tamu.edu/MiniMods.asp?grade=7)March Madness focuses on the influenza epidemic surrounding World War I. Sixteen lessons including activities, handouts, worksheets, and testing materials in science, math, social studies and English/language arts.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
5-8
Lead
Soil Contamination Module(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/soil/Tsoil.html)
Interdisciplinary module of activities on lead contamination in soil that can be taught as "stand alone" or as a complete module. Environmental Justice and Ethics issues involved.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Mathematics,
Science,
Social studies,
History
9-12
Lead
Soil Module - Lead Detection(http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacherr/Tresc.html)
Students learn one method for the detection of lead.
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
K-4
5-8
Lead
The Effects of Environmental Lead Poisoning on Human Health(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: lead, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
9-12
Mold
Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze: Mold and Asthma(http://www2.envmed.rochester.edu/envmed/ehsc/outreach/curriculum.html)
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.
Keywords: mold, asthma, environmental health
Subjects:
Reading,
Writing,
Communication,
Science
9-12
Mold
EnviroMysteries: Breaking the Mold(http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org/breakingthemold/)
This video and accompanying extensive online educational resources look at health and air pollution and empower students to take an active role in environmental issues that can affect their health today and in the future.
Keywords: asthma, mold, air pollution, indoor air pollution, respiratory system, mystery, science, environmental health, health
Subjects:
Science,
Health & fitness
