A joint research team of environmental technology experts and educators was formed, and spent over a year analyzing core curriculum topics needed to train environmental technicians. When factories manufacture goods, waste products are created that must be either prevented from forming or treated in some fashion for safe disposal. Federal and state laws govern and limit the emission of waste products, and environmental technicians are the workers who help execute the mandates of the regulations. In addition, the series looks at the political and economic aspects of certain pollution prevention strategies. Throughout, the programs encourage critical thinking skills by allowing learners to evaluate and compare various approaches to the environmental challenge.
Technology springs to life.
Industrial Processes and Waste Stream Management is graphically rich, using animation and electron microscope imagery to illustrate concepts and processes. The 15 programs may be used as an entire telecourse or as a classroom resource. The camera takes learners to areas that may be ordinarily inaccessible, such as hazardous waste sites or research laboratories, where they see environmental technicians using advanced techniques and technologies. The programs include interviews with experts, scientists, EPA regulators, and corporate management. The text functions as text and student guide.