This activity is intended to have students interact with the issue of the existence of a recycling facility in a community. After reading an article recounting an actual situation, students will have an opportunity to advocate a certain point of view and argue its merits in a simulation of a county Board of Supervisors meeting. Students need to analyze issues by resolving ambiguities, taking into account the most relevant values of the decision makers, balancing the advantages and drawbacks of alternative solutions, and projecting the likely consequences of a particular choice. By combining such a decision- making procedure with pertinent scientific and technological information, students move toward achieving scientific literacy. As students work through this activity, encourage them to base their opinions on scientific principles as well as on social values and ethics.
Humans are part of the biosphere and are dependent upon it.
They need to exercise judgment, care and planning in their use of natural resources including plants, animals, soil, and water, and in their practices of disposing of wastewater and materials. Land use, pollution, energy use, and application of technology all involve ethical considerations for individuals and society. Humans are unique among the earth's organisms in their intelligence and adaptability. Humans can choose to change their behavior and plan to provide for the needs of future generations. In addition, visual, auditory, and thermal pollution not only detract from human appreciation of natural ecosystems but also affect adversely other organisms living in them.