Reflection: Weeks 13 & 14 and Overall Course Reflection

Week 13

I was unable to make it the the Goodwill field trip this week because of some on-going car problems but I heard that it was very interesting!  We wrote our advocacy letters and I thought that was a really fun assignment.  I have never done something like that before and I feel like I did something that will make a difference.  It was nice to be able to put into action something we have been researching and learning so much about these last few weeks.  I also posted my last Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change post and have decided to stick with my goal!  I can honesty say that it has become a part of my lifestyle.

Week 14

It was really fun to put together my online learning activities for my group members.  I also enjoyed completing the activities that they posted because it gave me a chance to learn more about their topics.  I thought they all did a wonderful job and I was definitely able to learn something new! It was great to see everyones junking projects! We have a very creative class.  My favorite part of class this week was our discussion that we had talking about how environmental health has changed us.  It was great to hear from everyone! I really believe that I have learned things in this class that I will take with me and incorporate into my everyday life.

**This is a photo of my Junking Project!!

OVERALL

I had a lot of fun taking this class! I can't believe the semester is already over.  There were so many eye opening experiences through out this class and I have learned to change some of my habits and be more aware of my surroundings.  I enjoyed all of the documentaries, they really opened up my mind to some very important issues that we face today.  Because of this class I have started to do more things to decrease my impact on the earth.  I believe that every little bit helps.  I have also started to tell others what I have learned and encourage them to change as well.  The challenge will be to keep it up! I hope everyone in this class continues to do their part.  Thank you Dr. V and thank you to my wonderful group members! I really enjoyed reading your blogs.  :) Have a GREAT winter break!

Eye Opener: Online Learning Activities

 Maggie: School Lunch Subsidies and Nutrition 

1.What was your school lunch like growing up?
French fries and pizza were offered everyday as a choice at lunch and most kids chose those options.  I think our lunch was very unhealthy.  They had a few good options but very few and they were overshadowed by pizza, corn dogs, and french fries.
2. Would you consider it as healthy?
No.
3. Do you remember how it was paid for/ by whom?

My parents paid for my lunch but I brought lunch from home most days.  
4. What are some obsticles that got in the way of providing American school children with healthy lunches.  
Lobbyists, government, cost, politics
5. What health problems affect American children? Did this surprise you?
Heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, -- diseases that used to only be seen in adults. This did surprise me! 1/3 of children are overweight or obese!
6. Consider what you have read and the video you have watched: What do you think is the #1 thing that you think can be done to improve school lunch?
Better choices for kids and smaller portions sizes.  There is not reason junk food should be served at school lunches.  For some kids that is one of the only meals they get all day.  It should be as healthy as possible.  

Karly: Physical Education in the Schools Lesson 

Did your elementary/middle/high school have a Physical Education program? 

Yes.

How many days a week did you have PE class?

5 days a week

How long were the classes?

One hour

Were you required to participate?

Yes

Did you enjoy this class? Why or why not?

Yes, it was my favorite class of the day because it gave you the chance to move around and have fun with your friends.

What are the current recommendations for children and physical activity?

60 mins a day

What are the percentages of schools that are currently providing physical education? 

3.8% of elementary, 7.9% of middle, and 2.1% of high schools provide daily physical

education

What percentage of schools DO NOT have a PE program?

22%

What are some of the benefits of PE in the school?

• students’ aerobic and physical fitness increased
• reduced body mass index
• improvements in students’ academic performance 
• positive impact on tobacco use, insomnia, depression, and anxiety

Do you feel as though PE in the schools should be a required course? why or why not?

If yes, up until which age/grade? 

Yes, I feel like it should be required for every grade because physical activity doesn't become less important as you grow older.  It is important for all kids to participate in PE classes.

Do you think that it should be the parents job to make sure their children are physically active and not the schools?

I think it is a job for parents and for schools.  Physical activity should be required in schools because not every kids has the same home life or chance to participate in after school physical activity.

Do you believe that having PE in the schools incorporates other beneficial qualities besides fitness? if yes, what?  

Yes, I believe that it gives kids a chance to socialize and to have some fun.  It also helps kids focus better through out the day in their classes.  

Hailey:Water Quality and Sanitation Activity

Across:

1. People are losing their self ___ because of their lack of sanitary resources.

Dignity 

6. The other main issue that is affecting individuals in developing countries

Sanitary Resources 

7. One of the biggest barriers in reducing the amount of people affected by poor water quality and sanitation.

Money

9. The percentage of people who lack access to clean drinking water in the world.

Forty Percent

Down:

2. How many countries worldwide are in need of assistance when it comes to water quality and sanitation.

95 countries

3. One of the main issues affecting individuals living in developing countries?

Water Access

4. An economic impact of poor water quality and sanitation would be reduced worker Productivity

5. People are being infected by _____ on a regular basis due to unclean water.

Diseases

8. The acronym for one of the leading agencies who is helping out with water quality and sanitation problems?

EPA

What do you think it would be like to live without access to clean water and sanitary resources?

Everyday would be a struggle.  Water is a huge part of my life and If I didn't have clean water readily available to me or if the water I was drinking was causing me to get sick it would be hard to function.

Advocacy Project: Water Quality Problem Solver

WATER QUALITY PROBLEM SOLVER

The purpose of this excersise is to look at the different contaminants that may be in your drinking water. Or if you think there might be something wrong with your water you can narrow down the possible contaminants and find treatments and solutions to your problem.

The quality of our water is vital to the health of Americans.  It is important that water is tested by our government in order to maintain the health of our lakes and rivers.  That is why I am in support of bill H.R.1262 the Water Quality Investment Act.


Water contaminants have negative effects on people's health. The EPA Ground & Drinking Water Website has a list of contaminants that may be infecting your drinking water, along with the health effects of long time exposure to such contaminants.  After looking through these possible contaminants I thought it was important to evaluate my own drinking water.  That is why I developed this activity.

Instructions

This link below will take you to the Water Quality Association website.  Next, click on the diagnose your drinking water.

You will find a water quality symptom search engine. Now, test your water! If your drinking water has any of the symptoms listed click on them and you will find which contaminate was found in your water.  Click on the contaminate and you will find treatment methods, effects on the water, and the source of the contaminate.

***Pick two contaminates that are either in your water or that are interesting to you and list the treatment methods, effects they have on your water and the source of the contaminate.