Environmental and Community Health Kelly Komara Joe Paxton

Table of Contents Unit Description Unit Rationale Unit Plan Goals Unit Plan Objectives National Health Education Standard Performance Indicators Unit Special Considerations Classroom Ground Rules Unit Block Plan Lesson Plans Unit Assessment Unit Resources

Unit Description Content Area: Environmental and Community Health Skills: Accessing Valid Information, Products and Services; Advocacy Grade: Middle School Number of Lessons: 3

Unit Rationale In 1990, American industry emitted more than 2.4 billion pounds of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere (CDC, 2001). In 1991, 98 areas exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended levels for ozone, and an estimated 140 million Americans lived in those areas (CDC, 2001). An estimated 50,000 to 120,000 premature deaths are associated with exposure to air pollutants (CDC, 2001). It is important for students to be aware of this information and the dangers associated with environmental and community health matters as well as be able to access valid community and environmental health information, products and services and advocate for community and environmental health. Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2001, April). Available:

Unit Plan Goals The students will comprehend concepts related to environmental and community health. The students will demonstrate the ability to assess valid environmental and community health information, products, and services, and advocate for environmental and community health.

Unit Plan Objectives Lesson 1: Responsible for Recycling Content: A student will explain the importance of conserving the earth’s resources and environment. Skills: A student will describe their community’s recycling program A student will advocate community recycling

Unit Plan Objectives Lesson 2: Accessing Community Health Resources Content: None Skills: A student will describe types of health resources available in the community A student will identify valid resources for help with health concerns.

Unit Plan Objectives Lesson 3: Waste Not Content: A student will identify the relationship between solid wastes and the quality of the environment A student will identify ways that they can reduce or reuse materials Skill: A student will advocate the reduction of waste materials in the environment

National Health Education Standards Performance Indicators Lesson 1 Content Students will be able to comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention. Skills Demonstrate the ability to influence and support others in making positive health choices Demonstrate the ability to locate health products and services Lesson 2 Content Students will be able to comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention Skill Analyze how media influences the selection of health information and products

National Health Education Standards Performance Indicators Lesson 3 Content Students will be able to comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention. Skill: Identify barriers to effective communication of information, ideas, feelings, and opinions about health issues.

Unit Special Considerations When teaching students about environmental and community health it is important to let the students know that this information affects everyone. Nobody is immune to the problems presented in environmental and community health. It is also important to know that some students may know or be related to an individual that may work for a known polluter in the community, thus not to point out any specific polluters in the community. Students should be encouraged to respect the thoughts and feelings of others related to environmental and community health.

Unit Ground Rules Some individuals choose to help the environment and others do not, therefore it is important to respect the feelings and opinions of others when discussing these topics.

Unit Block Plan Lesson TitleConceptSkill 1. RecyclingConserving Resources Advocacy, Accessing Valid Health Information, Products and Services 2 Accessing Community Health Resources Community Health Resources Accessing Valid Health Information, Products and Services 3 Waste NotReducing waste to protect the environment Advocacy

Lesson Plans

Unit Assessment Strategies Content and Skill Advocacy Performance task: Writing PSA’s to Advocate for Recycling Performance task: Letters to the Editor to Support Community Recycling Accessing Valid Health Information, Products, and Services Performance task: Creating Community Health Resource Directories

Unit Resources Student Teacher