Environment

=//**Silent Spring**//=

Click the book to begin reading //Silent Spring//.



What is ecology?
 * Essential Questions**

What is nature?

What is the balance of nature?

How do toxins contribute to water pollution?
 * Unit Questions**

Why is runoff in rivers and the ocean such a serious problem?

What is uniquely problematic in DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons?
 * Content Questions**

Do you agree that the project of controlling nature is arrogant, foolish, and dangerous as Carson argues? Why or why not?

@http://pages.uoregon.edu/eherman/teaching/460/Silent%20Spring%20questions.htm
 * Discussion Questions:**

=**//Last Child in the Woods//**=



What is Nature-Deficit Disorder?
 * Essential Questions**

What is alienation?

What's more real for today's children, technology or nature? Why? Is there a balance? Why or why not?
 * Unit Questions**

How do the physical, cultural, political, and legal barriers separating children from nature differ in inner city, suburban, and rural neighborhoods?

How is our society shaping young people to avoid direct experience in nature?
 * Content Questions**

What are the health benefits of nature experiences to children and adults?

“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.” — Thomas Berry

Read the following document:

Link to author's website: @http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/excerpt/

Read the following document:

“Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self interest, not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depends on it. The health of the Earth is at stake.” — Richard Louv

Discussion Questions: 1. Recall and share a treasured childhood memory of an experience you have had with nature.

Link to videos showing importance of children spending time outdoors @http://richardlouv.com/news/videos/

= = =//Flush//=

What are pollutants?
 * Essential Question**

What are ecosystems?

How do human decisions impact the environment?
 * Unit Questions**

What effect does toilet waste have on various species?

How can we promote and communicate the importance of protecting the natural environment of marine life?
 * Content Questions**

What are the consequences of dumping sewage in a water supply?

The Florida Keys are a National Marine Sanctuary. VIsit @http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ to describe the purpose of the National Marine Sanctuary. How are sanctuaries selected? What government agency oversees the sanctuaries?
 * Pre-reading Activity:**

Have students write a brief description about the Key West Sanctuary for a travel magazine. Include information about special programs to protect it.
 * Activity Suggestion:**

=//**Hoot**//=

What is a habitat? Why is it important?
 * Essential Questions**

What length will you go to in order to support a worthy cause?

How does population growth impact the habitats of other species?
 * Unit Questions**

How can business and communities raise environmental awareness?
 * Content Questions**