RATIONALE:  In today's world, we face many problems concerning the environment.  More times than not, these problems are the result of human action.  The Eco-Rangers team feels that it is of the utmost importance to educate students on some of the environmental issues that affect their lives daily.
    Once students have an understanding of these environmental issues, they will increase not only their knowledge, but will naturally become more aware of these problems within their own environments.
    Given this knowledge, students will also learn how they can help their environment.  It is our hope that students will use this knowledge to teach others how to help the environment, thus creating a cleaner world for future generations.
    Our module is also applicable to the Chicago Public School Standards and the Illinois Board of Education Standards.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Use a web browser to access our URL
• Use an Internet search engine in regards to environmental issues
• Choose from a variety of Critical Thinking situations to learn more about environmental issues
• Name the four environmental issues, water pollution, air pollution, endangered species and garbage pollution in the United States
• Define some or all of the following:  water pollution, air pollution, endangered species and garbage pollution
• List tips to help solve environmental issues
• Complete activities, such as word searches and experiments, as related to water pollution, air pollution, endangered species and garbage pollution with the teacher acting soley as a facilitator
• If applicable, to work cooperatively with other students to achieve the goals of the module

    There are various activities throughout this site.  On the home page, students can choose from one of four critical thinking situations.  Once inside each of the four areas, students will be presented with a problem to solve.  For example, in the air pollution site, students will be required to research information concerning "Ozone Action Days."  There is an accompanying worksheet with questions to guide students through their journey.
    Also included are additional activities which are unique to each pollution page.

AUDIENCE:
 
    The intended audience for this module is intermediate/upper grade levels.  However, some sites, such a water pollution, may contain components appropriate for all elementary students, K-8 grades.

PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS:

    Students come to class on varying levels.  For this module, we recommend that students have some experience with a computer so as to successfully complete this module with little to no help from the teacher.  This module can be explored either independently or in small cooperative groups.  If students work in groups it is our recommendation that they be familiar with this method of learning and again, look to the teacher as a facilitator only.

INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN: