Description:
Mallard Lake landfill. located about two miles north of Glenbard North High School, is scheduled to close sometime in the next three years. As a class, we will investigate landfills in general: what do they do to the water and soil? how do they affect the environment? what are some alternatives to landfill usage? and what can be done with the landfill after it has been filled?
Subject:
This investigation will take place in an honors level Biology course
Grade Level:
The course is for ninth graders.
Learner Description:
The students in this ninth grade honors Biology course are a fairly homogeneous group. They are typical suburban high school students. They are usually motivated and energized by a "non-traditional" classroom environment, especially one which uses technology.
Time Frame:
The project will take three to four weeks to complete. A couple of days will be needed to introduce the topic as well as to assign subtopics and the groups which will research them. One day will be spent going to the landfill. At the landfill, the students will collect soil and water samples as well as Biological data (flora and fauna). The students will also discuss the various workings of the landfill with workers and managers at the site. The students will then work in groups to research their subtopic. They will use traditional sources as well as the internet, CD-ROM, and e-mail. They will be required to contact an expert in the field through e-mail. They will then prepare a report for the DuPage County Board with their recommendations for what should be done with Mallard Lake landfill as well as with the future garbage which will be accumulated by the community. These reports will be presented and evaluated by the class, then forwarded to the DuPage County board, and published on the Internet.
Learner Outcomes:
Students will learn about:
Students will be able to: