Standard of Learning

5.5 The student will explain how peers, families, and community groups work together to build a healthy community. Key concepts/skills include:

1. collaborative support for environmental issues;
2. the existence of customs and traditions;
3. promotion of the value of community health and wellness;
4. examination of community health issues;
5. development of community health projects;
6. promotion of volunteerism and community service.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will examine community health issues and explain the benefits of volunteering and working together to support environmental issues.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define collaborative support. (working together)
• list some health issues. (something that will effect the health of the individual or community)
• define volunteerism. (someone who offers a service without being paid)
• list types of pollutants.
• explain how pollution affects health. (environmental pollution damages people's health and harms animals and plants).
• identify community workers who help protect the environment. (park rangers, fire and rescue personnel, trash collectors, etc.)
• explain how volunteering contributes to the health of individuals and the community.
• identify community needs and volunteer to work on them.

Sample Lessons

EnviroMysteries
Grades 5-9
Students investigate the connection between where they live and how they feel.
"Breaking the Mold" http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org/breakingthemold/
"Water + ? = Trouble" http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org/watertrouble.html
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contact: http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org

Tox RAP
Grades K-9
Students understand basic environmental health sciences concepts and make informed decisions to reduce their health risks associated with potential environmental pollutants. Lessons use a risk assessment framework.
'The Case of the Green Feathers' (air pollution) Grade 3
'What is Wrong with the Johnson Family?' (investigate unexplained health problems) Grades 3-6
'Mystery Illness Strikes the Sanchez Household' (simulated health hazard) Grades 6-9
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contact: http://www.eohsi.rutgers.edu/rc/toxrap/index.htm

Additional Instructional Resources

• Game and Inland Fisheries
• Local and State Volunteer Organizations
• Local Health Department
• Parks and Recreation Departments
• Service Learning
• Waste Management

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• select one type of pollution and explain how it effects individual and family health.
• explain how to reduce air, water, land, and noise pollution.
• research volunteer organizations in the community.

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