David A. Cicarella
Lesson
I
A) Paraphrase information from Watt’s textbook, concerning the various disciplines that are involved in studying environmental sciences. Duplicate appropriate passages from the preface, as this will provide insight to the desired train of thought. Read this information orally in class, encouraging student participation. The vocabulary may be somewhat difficult, therefore oral reading and questioning of material is important.
B) To insure students understand the vocabulary, have all students complete activity #1.
Lesson
II
An attempt to develop student awareness of physical surroundings is necessary. An oral discussion generalizing the concepts will be an appropriate introduction. When you feel some headway has been established, have the students complete activity #4. (This can be a grouptype assignment).
This activity contains many elements of the learning process—researching, reading, writing, and drawing. If the structure does not exist physically in the community and there are no pictures or sketches provided in textbooks; the student will now be forced to form a mental projection based upon the written material and place that projection in a drawing of his own. This activity can lead to class and/or group discussion.
Lesson
III
Researching, and writing or discussing that research is certainly valuable. However, as a culminating activity, a walking tour beginning at Fair Haven Middle and ending at the oyster house on Quinnipiac Avenue would provide students with an opportunity to see what they have been studying. Before leaving the classroom review vocabulary list so when walking you can casually discuss the area, without interrupting to define terms