As educators, it is important to combat real-world issues - after all, they are our future. In this post, there will be a list of topics that educators are encouraged to discuss/integrate into their lessons. Many of these topics can also lead to long-term projects as students can be scholars and solve real-world issues which creates a lifetime experience for them. Many of the issues listed are broad and flexible that can co-exist with the Virginia SOL standards on life sciences.
The Environment
Pollution: There are seven types of pollution -- air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light, and thermal pollution. Students can explore the length of time it takes to recuperate from pollution. They can also explore the consequences of industry and motor vehicle exhaust and how plastic is toxins from pollution. In correlation to plants, students can investigate the effects of soil pollution and how it can alter plant metabolism or how plants become sick and die. Students can observe this especially through acid rain and how important pH levels are to animals and plants.
Soil degradation: The decline of soil conditions based is another hot topic to talk about with students. As soil degradation is caused by agriculture, industrial, and commercial pollution; there is less arable land now. Students can also observe other facts such as urban expansion, overgrazing, and unsustainable agriculture practices, and their long-term effects. Another discussion can also include the clogging of waterways and the destruction of species' habitat, biodiversity, and soil fertitlity.
Global Warming: Climate change are a result of human practices. This leads to rising temperatures of the earth's surface and ocean which results in natural disasters. Students can discuss the nature of global warming and the effects they have on a local level. They can create projects observing temperature and notice any changes in their academic years in comparison to temperatures a decade ago. Students can also be involved in news reports and research if rises in flooding, drought, hurricanes occured more frequently in recent years than ten years ago.
Human Involvement
Overpopulation: The earth is facing challenges as it is reaching unsustainable levels because of shortages of water, fuel, and food. Due to intensive agriculture practices to produce food, it damages the earth because of the usage of chemical fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides. Students can discuss agricultural practices and how to find sustainable methods of agriculture. The teacher can use this topic as a long-term project where students can explore and plan alternative forms of farming within the classroom and combat issues such as water shortage, food shortages, and affordable sustainable living.
Natural Resource Depletion: Humans use so many natural resources! As humans advance, we will increase our need for natural resources. One day, we might run out of those resources. Teachers and students can engage in a discussion about alternative methods -- especially through renewable resources. Students can explore the use of renewable resources, cost, benefits, and long-term effects it would have on the earth.
Local Issues
Invasive species: invasive species are either accidentally or intentionally introduced by human activity, which can cause harm to native species, natural resources, and humans. Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation has provided a list of invasive species that causes a threat to native species. The DCR created an online database that searches for invasive species based on Virginia's geographic region. Students can explore in their own backyards to see if invasive species live around them. They can also create solutions for eliminating these threats to the native environment in a sustainable way.
Conservation: Virginia is known to be a land of history, what about our natural history? Virginia's parks, forests, mountains, and oceans define our state. Students can create projects that focus on preserving nature, like picking up trash on their walks. Students can also create discussions about the importance of conservation and tie it with issues like overpopulation and how to preserve nature but also combatting issues like urbanization.
Deforestation: As urbanization grows (especially in Northern Virginia) more trees are being torn down in order to create more homes. Students can discuss the effects of deforestation such as pollution and how to combat these issues. They can also find alternative methods of preserving forests and integrating programs that encourages more tree growth in Virginia.
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