GRADE : Fourth

CONTENT STANDARD: Environmental Science

CONTENT TOPIC: Environmental Education

CONCEPT: Chemicals may be harmful to the environment.

CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 4I1.00 To understand how some chemicals may affect the environment

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:

1.01 relate how the use of chemicals may affect the environment.
1.02 discuss the issues relating to the use of chemicals in the environment.

I. Chemicals affect the environment
II. Careful use of chemicals.

TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Science In Society

TN GOAL:

To enable students to demonstrate attitudes toward science in solving problems and making personal decisions about issues affecting the individual, society, and the environment.

4.1 ATTITUDES - The progress of science and the attitudes of society influence one another.

4.1a Scientists can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to bear on matters of public concern.

BENCHMARK: Science provides a basis for addressing issues that affect our lives.

4.1b Science and technology should be viewed thoughtfully, in neither a categorically antagonistic or an uncritically positive manner.

BENCHMARK: Science does not create nor can it solve all of our problems.

TIME REQUIRED:

Two instructional periods

Newspaper and magazine articles

When I say the word "chemical" what do you think of? (response, list responses on the board.) Are chemicals always good? (No) Are chemicals always bad? (No) Today, we will discuss how some chemicals may affect our environment.

In order to get the greatest yield from the crops he plants, a farmer will often use some kind of chemical to kill weeds or insects in his field. This is often a necessary action, but unfortunately the chemical don't stay just on the field where they were sprayed. When a hard rain comes, the ground in the field may run off into a nearby water supply. Are the chemicals still on the crop? (No) Where are they? (In the water what could happen when these poisonous chemicals get in the water? (Fish die, animals that drink the water are contaminated, people who swim in the water could get sick, animals that eat fish from contaminated water may be adversely affected.)

Several years ago, there was a chemical pesticide called DDT. It was very effective for the farmer, but researchers found that when the DDT got into the water and the food chain, it was deadly. When the use of this chemical was banned, environmentalists saw an increase in certain species of animals that had almost been wiped out because of this dangerous agricultural chemical. Factories also introduce dangerous chemicals into our environment. Often, when factories produce a product, there is a lot of WASTE. This means there are things not used in the final product, but necessary to make the product. This waste cannot be used again. Many years ago our water supplies were seriously contaminated because these waste products were dumped into the water. There were also certain kinds of waste that were emitted into the air from exhaust pipes on cars, trucks, planes, buses and from factories. When these waste products are found to be harmful to humans and other animals, they are called toxic waste.

In the 1960's a government agency was formed to monitor these dangers to our society. It is called the Environmental Protection Agency. Since the forming of this agency, strict rules and regulations have been enforced. Our water and our air are safer because people have become aware of the dangers our environment faced. There is, however, much more effort needed and stricter enforcement also.

1. Invite a speaker From the Tennessee Wildlife Resources or U.S. Office of Conservation to discuss the effects of chemicals on wildlife and the food chain.

2. Research the Environmental Protection Agency.

3. Go to a local plant or factory and learn how they dispose of waste.

4. Research the effects of DDT on plants and animals.

5. Project WILD Resources.

We only have one world. We must all work together to ensure its safety. Being wise in our use of chemicals is one way to do this. Turn to your neighbor and discuss one way it would be possible for the two of you to help protect the environment. Share your answer with the class. (These may be listed on the board for discussion.)

This is the time this file has been accessed since 07/01/97.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.

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