During the past several years, interest, concern, and action related to environmental problems have increased. Among the problems creating the concern have been materials that can cause pollution and biological damage in and near the home and the disposal of materials used in the home. Discussed in this digest are the reduction of problems related…

Common household hazardous substances include cleansers, drain cleaners, automotive products, paints, solvents, and pesticides. This handbook was designed to serve as a resource for people frequently contacted by the public for information on household hazardous substances and wastes. Included in the handbook are: (1) an introduction to Michigan's…

Like many parts of the United States, Colorado is facing a significant hazardous waste problem. Radioactive and chemical wastes generated by the Rocky Flats Nuclear Plant, the toxic Lowry Land Fill Site, industrial dumps, and heavy land and air traffic contribute to water, land, and air pollution in the state. As part of a statewide response…

This teacher's guide begins with sample unit plans for junior high school art teachers. Unit plans cover specific themes, approaches, objectives, concepts, motivation, resources, study approaches, evaluation, and related activities. A description of how the units relate to the objectives and concepts of the art program's curriculum guide is also…

This pamphlet offers suggestions for improving laboratory safety. It is based on the notion that having an understanding of inherent hazards and learning how to be safe should be an integral and important part of science education. It is organized into "steps requiring minimal expense" and "steps requiring moderate expense." Included in these…

This document provides the text of House Joint Resolution 153 and the remarks made in the hearing held before a subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives. This joint resolution was written to provide for insurance grants and loans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act (ASHAA)…

Discusses the problem of using asbestos to insulate heating and air-conditioning systems in schools and mixing asbestos into ceiling plaster for fireproofing and noise control. Suggests that the Environmental Protection Agency's plan for asbestos removal may be causing problems where none exist. (TW)

This "Emergency Planning and Procedures Guide for Schools" is a complete revision of "Emergency/Disaster Preparedness: A Planning Guide for Schools," published in November, 1999. These materials are intended for use by Minnesota schools to help them develop emergency procedures and crisis management policies. It should be used…

The goal of this K-12 science safety resource is to bring together information needed by administrators, planners, teachers and support staff to help them make sound decisions regarding science safety. The document identifies areas for decision making and action at a variety of levels. It supports planning and action by providing information on…

This book is designed for the middle school students to learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event-based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork, independent research, hands-on investigations, and…

This book is designed for middle school earth science teachers to help their students learn about problems with toxic leaking and scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event-based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative…

In order to highlight the importance of identifying children with elevated blood lead levels, the Illinois Department of Public Health produces its surveillance report to present state and county level data on the number of children screened for and identified with lead poisoning. In Illinois, all children between 6 and 84 months of age must be…

Ways in which carpeting can affect a school's indoor air quality (IAQ) are discussed. Carpeting is defined as a system of components that includes pads, adhesives, floor preparation compounds, and seam sealers. For the last several years, these products have been increasingly scrutinized as to how they affect IAQ. Carpeting gives off volatile…

Described is a simple test which uses micro- and macro-observations of onion root tips to demonstrate mutagenic and other toxic effects of various contaminants. Discussed are materials, methods, microscopic procedures, and applications of this activity. (CW)

Discussed are hazardous substance regulations in Great Britain which effect science teaching at the secondary and college level. Included are background information, immediate implications for schools and colleges, and risk assessments concerning biology classrooms. The responsibilities of Local Education Associations are highlighted. (CW)