Ferrate, which is a strong iron oxidant for removing pollutants from water, is developed electrochemically in the laboratory, and used for experiments simulating environmental situations. Thus, ferrate is a powerful oxidizing agent capable of destroying an immense variety of contaminants.

The American Geological Institute is helping teachers and geoscientists to emphasize the importance of inquiry and active investigation of the world around by selecting "Eyes on Planet Earth: Monitoring Our Changing World" as the theme of this year's Earth Science Week. The activity on the back of this month's poster insert, "Monitoring the…

Riparian ecosystems are an exciting and dynamic subject for study. These areas are valuable lands and important wildlife habitats, and they contribute greatly to the environmental health of an area. Definitions for the term "riparian" vary, but in this curriculum, the land called the "Green Zone" lies between flowing water and upland ecosystems.…

This study explores seventh graders' use of inscriptions in a teacher-designed project-based science unit. To investigate students' learning practices during the 8-month water quality unit, we collected multiple sources of data (e.g., classroom video recordings, student artifacts, and teacher interviews) and employed analytical methods that drew…

Inquiry can be implemented in various ways, ranging from simple classroom discussions to longterm research projects. In this article, the authors developed a project in which high school students were introduced to the nature and process of scientific discovery through a two-week guided inquiry unit on "limnology"--the study of fresh water, which…

Lakes, streams, and wetlands serve many purposes for the people of the state of Kentucky and are necessary and valued elements of its natural resources. The Water Watch program promotes individual responsibility for a common resource, educates people about the use and protection of local water resources, provides recreational opportunities through…

Designed for high school debate students and coaches, this guide presents a preliminary analysis of the issues concerning the 1985-86 national high school debate topic on water policy and provides information concerning the inquiry and advocacy process. Following discussions on the value of policy debate and its future, the book contains one…

Describes how earth and environmental science courses became one of three required courses for high school graduation in North Carolina and explains the arguments against and in favor of this curriculum change effort. (YDS)

Describes the silent environmental threat posed by acid rain. Caused mainly by manmade pollutants, acid rain damages water and trees, decreases visibility, corrodes monuments, and threatens public health. The article includes guidelines for action. (SM)

Discusses legislation currently under consideration that sets standards for the amount of radon, aluminum, and arsenic allowable in drinking water. Considers the economic impact of the legislation and traces the status of the Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations from 1989-92. (MDH)

Describes a program centered around water and water quality in which a series of stories are used to build a complete picture of the students local surroundings. The program incorporates students' personal experiences, imagination, and listening skills as guiding principles for the stories. (MDH)

Details the response to a health threat caused by illegal wastewater disposal in Wisconsin. Traces the identification of the problem, ordinances and policies adopted to guide the remedy, and subsequent monitoring of environmental quality. (DDR)

Describes a program evaluation of the Rouge Education Project (REP), a school-based environmental education program that uses water monitoring, telecommunications, and student actions to improve water quality. Reports that results indicated that the REP met its goals of increasing awareness and concern about the Rouge River and developing a…

Describes a multidisciplinary, team-taught introductory course on water. Focuses on the chemistry section of this course which used a systems approach to introducing students to the aquatic chemistry of natural systems. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/ASK)

An exciting laboratory environment is activated by the preparation and novel use of magnetic materials to decontaminate water through adsorption and magnetic removal of metals and organics. This uncomplicated technique is also adaptable to the possible application of adsorbents to numerous other environmental substances.