Albuquerque's Environmental Story

Educating For a Sustainable Community

Environmental Education Instructional Objectives

In General. . .

1. demonstrate a grasp of the principles and generalizations of an ecosystem.
2. define and give examples in both natural and human ecosystems of the following terms: interrelationship; adaptation; suc- cession; scarcity; survival; diversity; recycling.
3. differentiate between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
4. categorize the world's resources as renewable and nonrenewable.
5. identify some renewable and nonrenewable resources in danger of depletion or extinction.
6. identify and assess the impact of technology on the environment.
7. critically examine the ecological implications of technological "advances" before endorsing them.
8. relate consumption habits to resource depletion.
9. recognize and describe the limits of the earth's energy resources.
10. list and describe present and alternate sources of energy.
11. make informed judgments on energy sources in terms of environmental impact.
12. record, document, and report observations of environmental impact.
13. recommend specific resource materials (books, magazines, governmental publications) for obtaining information about en- vironmental issues.
14. show that the natural world and human society are in a state of constant change; cite examples of such change.
15. cite ways in which the people of Albuquerque and their physical environment are interrelated.
16. explain the geological relationship between the Sandia Mountains and the rift in which most of Albuquerque is located.
17. explain how the physical factors in Albuquerque's environment influenced its cultural history.
18. explain how Albuquerque's cultural history influenced factors in its physical environment.
19. contrast the impact upon Albuquerque's environment by peoples of other times with those of today.
20. analyze the problems affecting Albuquerque's natural, built, and cultural environment.
21. list some of Albuquerque's most serious environmental problems.
22. design and test hypotheses to explain environmental problems.
23. relate data from other disciplines to the subject area in which the environmental problem is studied.
24. design a problem solving approach to one of Albuquerque's environmental issues.
25. demonstrate an awareness of environmental problems facing the city by recognizing some current examples and by reacting to news items.
26. develop a means to share environmental information with schoolmates, parents, and community.
27. initiate or participate in action programs planned to counteract specific environmental problems in the school, neighborhood, or city/county.
28. initiate letters to local officials and newspaper editors suggesting solutions for local environmental problems.
29. defend and support with facts a position concerning possible solutions to an environmental problem concerning the school, neighborhood, or city.
30. attend, and present testimony at, a public hearing concerning an environmental issue (when possible and appropriate).
31. prepare simple questionnaires for gathering information about community reactions to local environmental problems.

Specifically. . .

32. list, describe, and indicate the sources of Albuquerque's major air pollutants.
33. cite some methods Albuquerque is using, or considering, to recover, reuse, or recycle waste or unused materials.
34. specify actions which could lessen the necessity to recover, reuse, or recycle wasted materials.
35. construct reusable items from discarded materials.
36. cite ways to dispose of wastes in a manner which demonstrates an awareness of long-range consequences to the environment.
37. express and defend an opinion concerning Albuquerque's future growth.
38. express and defend an opinion concerning the city's physical appearance, its architectural heritage, its present architecture, and future building designs.
39. locate on a map Albuquerque's publicly-owned open space, and indicate areas currently under consideration for public acquisition.
40. express a knowledgeable position concerning current open space issues, and define that position.
41. describe some of the local governmental processes which influence the quality of Albuquerque's environment.
42. describe how Albuquerque receives its water.
43. express and defend an opinion on Albuquerque's water supply, water quality, and need for water conservation.

and Finally. . .

44. demonstrate through words or actions a heightened appreciation of Albuquerque's unique natural and cultural environment.
45. refrain from abusing public parks and other areas.
46. recognize visually attractive patterns in nature and utilize them as designs for manmade products.
47. demonstrate an attitudinal change toward littering.
48. demonstrate a willingness to forego enjoyable activities that adversely affect the environment.
49. construct an "Environmental Bill of Rights" and an "Environmental Bill of Responsibilities."
50. Demonstrate a growing awareness of, and interest in, the decision making process.

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Copyright © 2008, Friends of Albuquerque's Environmental Story