| The increase
in knowledge in the field of chemistry has led to advances in
more that just “heavy” industry. Chemicals are discovered
and designed to assist in almost every field imaginable. This
unit will focus on the impact chemistry has on human health via
agricultural practices; including the use of fertilizers and
pesticides.
The impact
of pesticides and fertilizers on human health offers a window
into basic chemistry - through soil chemistry
and into pesticide
toxicity. It also provides insight into one of the major factors
behind the Chicano movement.
This unit highlights
the importance of health in a social context. The Chicano movement
and the health
of migrant workers provide
an engaging environmental health context to examine the relationship
between health, basic chemistry, and migration.
Major
Project-Speaking Your Mind
This unit highlights the importance of health in a social
context. The increase in knowledge in the field of chemistry
has led to advances in almost every field imaginable. Agricultural
practices, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides,
have benefited from new discoveries in chemistry. However,
there are issues of how these new chemicals impact human
health. The Chicano movement and the health of migrant
workers provide an engaging environmental health context
to examine the relationship between health, basic chemistry,
toxicology, and migration. The unit develops science and
health literacy thru a variety of reading, writing, and
library research activities. It culminates with an extemporaneous
persuasive verbal presentation that brings together the
social issues and the scientific issues related to pesticide
use. Students study the research of environmental health
scientists and create speeches concerning a community based
health related issue that specifically targets their understanding
of chemistry.
|
Scientist
Profile: Professor Serrrine Lau
|
