The Environment and You
By Mr. Marc Coe

In this informative and sometimes disturbing class, students will learn how every aspect of their lives is dependent upon the natural world. Students will explore nearby ecosystems, using such tools as microscopes and mathematical analysis, and marvel at their complexity. We will also delve into environmental problems such as pollution and global warming; problems that affect us locally and globally.  We will come to appreciate how complex these problems are, both in their creation and in their solution.  We will evaluate ways in which our modern society must change to ensure the future habitability of the Earth.  Ultimately, students will become leaders in their families and in their communities to ensure a "greener" future for everyone.

Some topics we will explore in this interdisciplinary course include biodiversity, overpopulation, ecological footprints, environmental justice, and how small decisions we make every day have large environmental consequences.  For example, what is the environmental impact of the food we eat?  You'll be surprised to learn how much fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, steroids, and oil (petroleum, not cooking oil!) are required to produce a fast food hamburger.  And how many fast food hamburgers are consumed every day?

We will focus on water testing for a few sessions.  Using various tools, we will examine a nearby body of water in detail.  Using basic chemistry, the water will be analyzed for various pollutants.  We will use microscopes and magnifying glasses to survey the biodiversity of the body of water.  Finally, we will examine the body of water for erosion and attempt to determine how the body of water interacts with other systems around it.

Come join us and learn how scientific findings and methods can be used to ensure a healthy environment for us and future generations. 

Students will also have the option to specialize in a particular environmental problem, develop and conduct a scientific experiment around it, and present their findings at the Jersey Shore Science Fair in March of next year.  Last year, several students won awards at the JSSF and advanced to the Delaware Valley Science Fair!

Mr. Marc Coe
Science Faculty
Cedar Drive School, Colts Neck

Mr. Coe has been teaching science and math for fifteen years.  He has been recognized by the New Jersey State Systemic Initiative Program for innovative use of technology in the classroom.  He has presented workshops at Rutgers University, Monmouth University, and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.  Mr. Coe believes that successful science instruction involves critical thinking and problem solving using real world situations.