View and discuss a video which concentrates on the production of a landfill, what it is designed to do, and the category of waste material placed into it. Discuss alternate methods for dealing with the non decomposable waste.
The plastic problem is examined through the use of a second video. Discussion revolves around the formation of micro-plastics from the physical breaking apart of bottles, and the harm it can cause to marine life.
The formation of methane gas, how to collect it from the landfills and deliver the gas for commercial use. The leachate water which is produced when the waste is compacted must be removed before it enters the ground and pollutes the water. This water can be treated and used to water fields and plants, but it is not potable.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Ayden was more attentive today, answering questions
Discussion regarding municipal solid waste (MSW).
Define MSW.
Elicit a list of waste which is discarded by the student's family.
These included paper, yard waste, food waste, plastics, metals, rubber, textiles, glass, and wood.
View and analyze a graph showing the increase in per capita generation of solid waste and the total MSW over the last 55 years.
Use a diagram of a landfill to show how it is constructed and that it is not a just a dump.
Review biodegradable and non biodegradable.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Ayden was a little tired today, had to keep pushing him.
Define and draw up a list of common discarded solid waste.
Elicit alternate ways of disposing if land fills are full.
Discuss NIMBY- not in my back yard
500 years from now, what would you find in a dump?
Define and discuss bio-degradable and non biodegradable solids.
Discuss the plastic problem and relate the chemistry of plastic bottles which are non biodegradable to other hydrocarbons which are biodegradable.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
on line lesson. Ayden was prompted to construct the list of solids in all categories which would be found in landfills and come up with ways of disposing of non biodegradable solids
We had an interesting discussion regarding the problems of solid waste in the society. Concluded that disposal is the main problem and not production. Ideas were formulated to introduce ways of decreasing the disposal problem.
Discuss society and the production of waste.
Examine what factors other than waste production can be the major problem.
Elicit activities which can lesson the problem of waste.
Examine what waste a typical fast food lunch, like McDonald's would produce. Track where where the physical waste, like a paper bag, foam container, cardboard carrier, paper cup, and straw might end up.
Explain what is a "land fill".
Comprehensive test covering the last few chapters of material discussed in class and online. Each question was read by Ayden and then he decided the best multiple choice answer
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Ayden answered all the questions correctly. He read each one, carefully analyzed all the choices, and picked the right on each time.
Discussion of cross-species transfers and examples. Discuss the Covid-19 pandemic based on the prediction of epidemiologists- The greatest threat to human health may be the outbreak of a very virulent strain of virus. List the main ideas of the chapter from toxic chemicals to emerging diseases caused by pathogens.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
On line lesson. All notes were written on a word document and shared with Ayden as the class proceeded.
In what ways do we alter the environment to make it more suitable for pathogens to live in and reproduce/
List how the soil is polluted with chemicals from pesticides and pathogens, usually from fecal matter.
Rain washes away the pollutants with soil and contaminates other areas.
One common parasite found is a hookworm. Scan diagrams on the computer screen showing the parasite.
Indicate that it is easily spread by walking barefoot in the soil which usually contains the fecal waste.
Parasite also is spread through contaminated food and water.
List the symptoms of hookworm infestation, both externally and internally.
Bring up pictures of tapeworms.
Discuss how they infect and the symptoms.
Read a section from Silent Spring which discusses this type of pollution and its affect on human health.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
On line lesson. All visual material was shared on the screen
Lab based on a study of 4 groups of individuals over a period of 7 years, divided into 3 month readings, 15 month readings, 1 year reading, 5 year readings and 7 year readings. The blood levels of lead at each reading for each member, and their IQ average are individually plotted. Analysis questions, conclusion questions, and extension analyzing a viewpoint to be discussed after the completion of the exercise. It will take 2 days to complete the exercise.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
An initial hypothesis was formulated based on the data. Plotting and graphing the data will be completed during the next class, along with the analysis and conclusions
Discussion and video relating steps being taken to lessen the contamination of the water supply resulting in the spread of water borne diseases. The main subject area today is malaria, how it is spread, and the infectious disease caused. Indicate that it is transmitted by a mosquito vector, the female anopheles mosquito. The protist Plasmodium is picked up by the female after biting an infected organism and spread to a second organisms when bitten. Stagnant water is the site of egg laying and larvae of the mosquito, along with contaminated water from waste. Discuss symptoms and geographic areas affected. Discuss ways to prevent the development of larvae, and some biological methods used to prevent fertilization of the eggs.
