Students conduct an antilitter campaign on the school grounds. Students look at maps to identify areas used by the motor vehicle transportation system and brainstorm the means by which people transport themselves and their products to schools. Groups gather data on transportation trends that they observe occurring near their school. They observe a demonstration on gathering air pollutants and design their own air pollution detectors. Students participate in a simulation activity to understand the environmental benefits of car pooling.
Students investigate properties of oil mixed in water and listen to a story about an oil spill.
They become aware of the problems caused by improper disposal of used motor oil. Students locate storm drains in their community and determine into what stream or waterway these drain. Each group reports on one way the motor vehicle transportation system affects the environment and offers ways in which the effect can be minimized. Groups design a transportation system, with emphasis on reducing air and water pollution in a human community. Students brainstorm what they know about watersheds and what they would like to know.