Curricular Materials

The Resource Center works with EOHSI faculty and staff to translate leading scientific research into comprehensive educational materials for schools, industry, professionals and the general public. Lesson plans, containing current and impartial information on environmental and occupational health, address pressing environmental health issues while improving the environmental literacy of elementary, secondary and vocational school students (grades K-12). Using inquiry-based, cooperative hands-on activities, the award-winning curricular materials, fact sheets, children’s books, games, videos and computer software programs promotecritical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills. In short, students learn the “how” of education, not just the “why.” A science background is not required; materials are interdisciplinary, classroom-tested and employ environmental health as a comprehensive framework for learning in all academic areas. Lessons have been indexed to local and national education standards in the visual and performing arts, health, language arts,math, science and social studies, where appropriate. Modules include lesson plans, vocabulary words, lists of required materials, topical questions for students, worksheets and lesson objectives. Select supplements have been translated into Spanish to assist bilingual classroom teachers. Each module can be used in its entirety as a unit on environmental and occupational health or individual activities can be selected for inclusion in existing programs or courses. While topics are grade-specific, materials can be modified to meet the needs of younger/older students. The Resource Center’s materials are in use nationwide and overseas. In 1999, our Garbage, Garbage, Garbage module was adapted for use in Ghana, West Africa. The Resource Center, in cooperation with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), is developing several web-based interactive activities for use in classrooms. These activities will focus on using alcohol-related themes to teach basic science concepts. Please contact the Resource Center for more information on this exciting project.