Welcome to stage 2 of environmental issues! In stage 1, our 6th graders gained foundational knowledge about our environment, including essential vocabulary. Currently, they are polishing their science research papers - their first middle school research paper.
While partnering with Mrs. Gluck and Mr. Ashley, our students have a strong support system and framework for conducting their own research. They have selected topics ranging from air pollution, to toxins (lead, mercury, etc.), and household hazardous wastes (oils, batteries, pesticides). Of course, we had a minor setback with the government shutdown (who knew?!) when they closed the Environmental Protection Agency and US Geological Survey websites. Luckily, the European Environment Agency and the Natural Resources Defense Council had a lot to offer in the interim.
Our organized and speedy researchers even extended their findings through the World Health Organization, American Cancer Society, and Greenpeace resources. I have previewed all of their research papers, providing extension feedback. I look forward to reading their findings and suggestions on "How we can repair the damage caused by these environmental issues?"
Coming up: Stage 3 involves a deep "first Reuse, then Reduce, and finally Recycle" school-wide assessment, with suggestions. Don't forget, we would like to repurpose your empty plastic bottles and jars!