Preface:

Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental contamination. A major source of exposure in Philadelphia is air pollution, which causes asthma and exacerbates allergies in children, making asthma rates much higher than statewide and US rates. Another is lead, which poisons more than 1000 children every year. This seminar provided teachers with actionable information that they could use to promote civic engagement among their students around environmental issues. It covered the principles of biology, cell physiology and pathology underlying environmental health for children. We considered the current state of the environment, the regulatory framework that protects our health, and preventative measures such as anti-idling programs, air monitoring in schools and lead testing of soils and water. The seminar linked participants to curriculum-building resources and experts whom they could bring into the classroom for demonstration and enrichment. Strategies for effective communication with City Council members, environmental regulators and legislators were be discussed. Though focused on STEM, this seminar was open to STEM and non-STEM teachers in any grade level.