Environment/Recycle Meghan Corbett Alyssa Greene Nichole Hall

Energy What is Energy? Energy is the ability to do work. Oil, coal, natural gas, wind, water – just to name a few - provide us the energy we need in our daily lives. For example, we use oil to produce gasoline for our cars. We use natural gas, coal, solar and wind power to generate electricity that makes the computer you are using work!   There are two forms of energy: renewable energy and non-renewable energy.

Conserve Energy Why is it important to conserve energy? All of us use energy every day – for entertainment, cooking, transportation, lighting, heating and cooling homes, manufacturing, etc. We consume a lot of energy. The United States consumes about one fourth of the world’s energy resources.  When energy is produced from non-renewable fuels, to heat our homes or power our cars for example, pollutants are released into the air contaminating the air we breathe and water too. The more energy we use or miles we drive in our cars, the more energy power plants must produce or gasoline our cars burn, releasing more pollutants into the air.

Where does energy come from? Energy comes from different sources such as oil, coal, wind, the sun, water, natural gas and even manure

Water Water is one of Pennsylvania's most precious and basic resources. Pennsylvanians use 14.3 billion gallons of water every day. Almost all of it -- 13.7 billion gallons -- is returned to the environment. That means that each of us has a special responsibility to use water in ways that do not harm aquatic life and other water users downstream.   But we also must be concerned about water in other ways. What we do to the land, affects the health of our streams, lakes and other bodies of water. The connection between the land and water is made through a watershed.

Always pick up after your pet! Convince your parents to drive less. Try to plan trips to the store, school and gas station or other places in the same area so you waste less gas and time. The shorter the trip, the less air pollution.  Plant some trees or grass next to the stream in your watershed. These plants will help keep the dirt in place and out of the stream. They will also help catch some of the bad chemicals that can get washed into streams Ask you parents to wash the car in the yard, where suds can absorb into the soil, and water the grass all at the same time!  Be aware of how much water you use. Think of ways to conserve! Never throw trash on the ground. Make sure to put it in the trash, and remember to recycle when you can. Tell your parents to never use fertilizer or other items with chemicals especially before it rains. Use natural fertilizers like manure, mulch, or compost.

It’s up to you to protect the environment! Keeping our planet clean and safe is everyone’s duty. If you make a habit of reducing, reusing and recycling, you can make the world a better place. So, go for it! Protect our planet today and everyday 

Action Plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWMPNiEzAkw

Activity: Global Footprint http://earthday.net/footprint2/flash.html

Class Activity Now that we have been shown how much we personally affect the earth on an individual basis, it is time for us to give back. The class will separate into three groups to make a plan to make a greener classroom. Your can create bins, programs, whatever you think of. Then we will all get together and make posters, slideshow, and a short ad to get the rest of the school involved in our causes.

Teaching Standards Standards: NETS*S: 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making- Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research , manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students: a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation. B. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project. C. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. D. Process data and report results. 2. Communication and Collaboration- students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students: a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media. B. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. C. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures. D. contribute to project teams to produce original words or solve problems . Pa Dept. of Education Standards: 4.3.4.A: Identify ways humans depend on natural resources for survival.                 Identify resources used to provide humans with energy, food, employment, housing and water. 4.5.4.D: Describe a waste stream.                         Identify sources of waste derived from the use of natural resources.                         Identify those items that can be recycled and those that can not.                 Describe how everyday activities may affect the environment

Cited Works http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/justforkids/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=472538 http://earthday.net/footprint2/flash.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWMPNiEzAkw