Methods of Teaching The Living Environment Curriculum Using
Water Quality Studies, Hands-On Activities, and The Internet (Course MTLEC)
Presented
by Robert J. Connick Jr.
B.S.
in Biology and Chemistry; M.S. in Earth, Space and Environmental Science
Veteran
Biology (all levels), Chemistry (Regents and Honors) and AP Environmental
Science
Mahopac
High School, Mahopac, N.Y.
Target
Audience: Living Environment and Environmental Science Teachers
This program is designed to assist
instructors in developing lessons that can be taught to their students that
involves the use of scientific inquiry using local flora and fauna. Educators will be lead through a variety of activities that
will help them to develop a better understanding of how they can use local
ecosystems to enhance their curriculum. Data
that is generated by the teachers will be organized in such a way that it will
be able available for them to analyze and manage during the upcoming year.
The
following goals/outcomes of the course will be:
 | Access
various resources to learn about watersheds, aquatic biodiversity, and data
analysis
|
| Develop
coordination and standardization between the groups involved with monitoring
water quality
|
| Encourage
teachers to compare and use the information they collect
|
| Improve
ability to gather and organize the data
|
| Gain
experience in the use of water quality testing kits
|
| Use
pH, dissolved oxygen and SCT meters to collect and generate water quality
information
|
| Collect,
identify and organize macro invertebrates
|
| Improve
the ability of teachers to generate data that can be used by the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation and local communities for
management purposes
|
| Identify
local resources, such as Tea town Lake Reservation and the Saw Mill River
Audubon Society, that can be used in helping develop lesson plans for the
Living Environment curriculum
|
| Learn
how to use research to promote responsible land-use decisions, protect water
quality, and preserve the environment
|
| Learn
the New York State Water Quality Standards
|
| Develop
ways to integrate existing programs such as “Leaf Pack” and “Trout in
the Classroom” into your classroom
|
