What is this unit about?
This unit focuses on learning about the problems that currently face our environment such as air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, endangered animals and global warming etc. Students will learn about these problems and also explore possible solutions to these problems.
FOCUS:
A main focus during this unit is learning the nature of cause and effect, for example if we throw our trash in the water we cause water pollution. The effect is that we make the water dirty and in turn that trash may kill sea life underwater environment.
Essential Questions:
Student will develop their own questions that they wish to explore.Some of these will be explored as a class as well as independent research.
Vocabulary List:
This unit will require students to become familiar with the following vocabulary.
For translations in Korean and Swedish please click on our documents below.
Environmental Technology English to Swedish
Assessment:
There will be many opportunities to show your learning throughout this inquiry unit.
For your final project you will be asked to research a current problem in the environment and to find solutions (of which ONE must involve technology).
You will be using Keynote or Publisher to create an explanation text (pamphlet).
Environmental Issues Resources (Level of english required is in traffic light system. Green-Simpler English, Orange-Middle Level, Red-Adult Assistance required)
Environmental Tech Project Websites
(1) Air Pollution/ Global Warming/ Greenhouse Effect
Easy facts about air pollution. Green/ ESOL Level
http://www.eschooltoday.com/pollution/air-pollution/air-pollution-facts.html
Facts about air pollution. Orange Level
http://www.kidsbuilder.com/FunFactsForKids/air.html
A newspaper article about air pollution in China. Red Level
http://teachingkidsnews.com/2013/11/06/3-pollution-shuts-chinese-city/
Facts about air pollution from National Geographic. Red Level
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution-overview/
(2) Global Warming/Climate Change
USA Government website for students. Facts and solutions. Orange Level
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
Great link to videos, websites and facts. Orange Level
Greenhouse gases, car pollution, plants and oxygen. Green to Orange Level
http://www.ehow.com/info_7944457_causes-global-warming-kids.html
Greenhouse Effect
Detailed article. Red Level
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/greenhouse-effect-for-kids.html
Links to information about acid rain, air quality, global warming, ozone layer, recycling and links to other websites and games. Green to Orange Level
http://www.clean-air-kids.org.uk/information.html
(3) Water Pollution
10 Global Warming Fast Facts That Will Blow Your Mind.
Interesting facts. Red Level
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/water.html
Facts about water pollution. Orange to Red Level
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-water-pollution.html
Great quick facts about water pollution. Green/ESOL Level
http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/water-pollution/important-water-pollution-facts.html
(4) Land Pollution
Great quick facts about land pollution. Green/ESOL Level
http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/land-pollution/what-is-land-pollution.html
Facts about land pollution, quiet detailed. Orange Level
http://www.ducksters.com/science/environment/land_pollution.php
Detailed advanced information about land pollution. Red Level
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Land_Pollution
(5) Endangered Animals
Electronic fact sheets of over 50 endangered animals. Red Level
http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html
Complex website with details about endangered animals. Red Level
http://www.fws.gov/international/travel-and-trade/illegal-wildlife-trade.html
People for the ethical treatment of animals. Complex information about animals used in experiments. Red Level
http://www.peta.org/issues/Companion-Animals/inside-the-exotic-animal-trade.aspx
The Ivory Trade Is Out of Control, and China Needs to Do More to Stop It
Time Magazine article about the ivory trade in China. Red Level
National Geographic story about ‘China Cracks Down on Illegal Online Wildlife Trade’. Red Level
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080229-china-internet.html
Links to other more detailed information. Orange to Red Level
http://www.kidinfo.com/Science/Endangered_animals.html
Great facts about all kinds of animals. Orange to Red Level
http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/
11 Facts About Poaching Animals
Specific facts about poaching. Orange Level
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-poaching-animals
Facts about poaching and endangered animals. Orange to Red Level
http://thetruthaboutpoaching.wordpress.com/
News article about Rhinos being poached. Orange Level
http://teachingkidsnews.com/2011/12/04/rhinos-being-poached-for-horns/