Informed Citizens: Environmental Issues Hit Home

This article explains how the learning that took place in an after school science club for fourth- through sixth-graders spilled out into the community and created more informed citizens to ... See More

This article explains how the learning that took place in an after school science club for fourth- through sixth-graders spilled out into the community and created more informed citizens to help protect the environment. Inner city students worked with graduate students and teachers to learn about common environmental contaminants and their effects on humans. Then students examined their own environments by testing tap water and soil samples. One of their findings showed that 67% of the home soil samples were potentially contaminated with lead. As a result of these activities, students gained a new enthusiasm for learning and even went on to present their findings at the National Association of American Environmental Educators. Teachers looking for ways to connect science with home and community will enjoy reading about this program’s success.