Water is one of the most important natural resources known to humans. Without this natural resource, the human race cannot survive. It is important that our students become active participants in the preservation of this precious resource. In order for them to do so, we must provide the necessary information for them. We also must grant them the freedom of scientific inquiry, and a thirst for solving the problems we are faced with!
The Oceans, with all their challenges and mysteries, draw attention from many different kinds of people. The freshest, and most naive response comes from the young people we are around. Oceans evoke a range of emotions from the human race, especially from the youth of today. While it can evoke fear, both of the known and unknown, it also brings out a wide-eyed excitement and eagerness for knowledge.
The students of New Haven have an enormous benefit of living on one of New England’s largest and most substantial resources, the Long Island Sound. However, our students have a limited knowledge on how valuable this habitat really is. They must be provided with the proper background knowledge, and encouraged to inquire about, and participate in the development of solutions to preserve our “backyard”.
When I began researching the vast array of information about the Ocean, I was slightly overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of information out there. Imagining bringing all this information to my students seemed a bit much. That is how I narrowed my unit to deal with how the Earth’s coastlines were formed and properties of the Long Island Sound. In doing this, I am provided with another classroom for my children to learn in. A classroom they can see, touch, and feel the impact they have on it! I do not feel that students should be dismayed by the tiny details, but should be given a basic understanding and be encouraged to take matters of interest under further consideration and investigation. My hope is to use the abundance of information about the Long Island Sound, and spark curiosity amongst my students.
