Solid Waste Issues Not Limited to Science Teachers
Educating and empowering our students about how to care for our
environment is not just the responsibility of science teachers. Although
environmental studies clearly have science applications, environmental
problem solving involves math, citizenship, reading and writing skills.
We all need and want clean air to breath, clean water to drink and
responsible land development to live healthy productive lives. So who
should help our students make informed decisions about protecting,
preserving and enhancing our environment?
Who will teach students how to select information from a variety of
resources to support ideas, concepts, and interpretations so they can
make informed decisions? Should the Rumpke Landfill be permitted to
expand?
Who will teach students how to make computations and to comprehend large
numbers? How much space is needed to dispose of 375 million tons of
trash every year in the United States.
Who will teach students how government policies impact the factors of
production? Why is it cheaper to turn a tree into paper, than paper into
paper?
Who will teach students how to differentiate between statements of fact
and opinion found in information about public issues, and policies such
as cutting the budget for the recycling program in the city of
Cincinnati?
If you teach math, social studies, citizenship, life skills, english,
reading, writing, etc. and would like to use real life local solid waste
or environmental issues as a context for learning, contact me or join us
at one of the workshops or conferences listed on page 2. I would be
happy assist you in developing a unit, or providing lesson plans that
meet your needs. I can be reached at sue.magness@hamilton-co.org. or at
513-946-7736. |
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Ten local schools participated in the 2002 Mercury Awareness Program.
Over 50 pounds of mercury was collected from thermometers, barometers,
thermostat switches, blood pressure meters, elemental mercury, and
various mercury containing chemicals.
In order for the schools to afford to replace these items, the Hamilton
County Solid Waste Management District awarded over $3,000 to help pay
for the mercury-free replacements.
Special thanks to the following people for volunteering and pledging to
make their schools a safer place for students:
- Mary Sizemore, Assumption
Elementary School
Michelle White (AKA Crystal Clear Science), Concordia Lutheran
- David Sharp, Elder High School
- Sr. Margaret Rein, Holy Family
School
- Carolyn Jauch, Loveland Middle
School
- Mike D’Agostino and Mary Way,
Madeira Jr./Sr. High School
- Walter Podmore, Mt. Healthy High
School
- Sr. Ann Gorman, St. Boniface
- Sr. Patrick Ann, St. Dominic
- Laura Burton, Winton Woods High
School
If your school still has mercury or
any items containing mercury, contact Sue Magness at 513-946-7736 or at
sue.magness@hamilton-co.org. For a limited time, we can help you
properly dispose of the items, free of charge.
Mercury Fact Sheet |
