Environmental Science Lesson Plans

Minimata's Mercury Mayhem

Author: Andria Keene

Summary:

Day 1: Students will be introduced to the story of Minimata, Japan. For more than 30 years from 1932-1968, the Chisso chemical company released waste water containing methyl mercury into Minimata Bay. As a result, humans and animals were affected by mercury poisoning.

Day 2: Students will be introduced to the process of Gas Chromatography. After a detailed explanation of the process, students will conduct a chromatography laboratory experiment where they use a prepared paper chromatography kit. At the end of class they will be given a scientific article on ways gas chromatography is being used in marine science. They will read these articles and be prepared to teach their classmates about the process

Day 3: Whole class table discussion about uses of gas chromatography in the marine field. Students will push desks together to form a large table in the center of the room. Each student will discuss their article with the group and will be prepared to ask each other questions.

Complete Lesson Plan

Preservation and Rehabilitation of Heritage Sites in Florida

Author: Gwendolyn Martin-Apostolatos

Summary:

Students will be given a problem to try and solve: how do we preserve Florida's heritage sites for future generations while maintaining the sites integrity? Students will be given samples of typical building material used at Florida's sites and will also be given a brief background on current preservation methods.

Complete Lesson Plan

Supplemental PowerPoint