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Recognizing that many families might be unaware that their home may contain lead hazards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 issued a grant to the University of Illinois-Chicago to develop a model curriculum for junior high school students on the risks of lead in the home and environment. This integrated seven-lesson unit of study allows teachers to incorporate special topics into existing curriculum units. Each lesson is designed to be used individually. The lessons are: (1) "The Leading Role of Lead," concerning the qualities of lead; (2) "LEADing the Way," presenting information on a history of the uses of lead; (3) "Lead Flakes," demonstrating that water can contain lead; (4) "Don't Be a Leadbelly," concerning where lead is stored in the body and where it can do damage; (5) "Getting the Lead Out!," making students familiar with lead abatement procedures and allowing students to survey their homes; (6) "Family Lead Alert: Students as Teachers," in which students profile their families to determine if their nutritional practices prevent unnecessary lead absorption; and (7) "LEADing Questions," incorporating creative problem solving regarding lead in the environment. Each lesson includes learning objectives, an introductory statement, a list of necessary materials, management suggestions, procedural instructions, safety concerns (if necessary), extension suggestions, and assessment ideas. "The Lead Detectors," a radio script and audiotape intended to be listened to or performed by middle school students (with accompanying poster) is provided as a companion to the curriculum. The play's radio mystery format allows students to perform without scenery, props, costumes, or line memorization. (Contains 32 references.) (KB) |
