Interactive learning activities for college freshman??

Question

This would be for an environmental science class dealing with subjects such as the ecosystem, pollution, overpopulation, alternative energy etc. Any suggestions or good websites for this?

Answer 1

Green Teacher is a magazine that has great ideas for environmental education at all levels, and has covered the topics you mentioned. I think you can even access some articles from their website.

EE-Link is a clearinghouse of environmental education links run by the North American Association for Environmental Education.

Different government agencies and non-profit organizations also have their own programs. Zero Population Growth had a nice educational program a few years ago, and the National Wildlife Federation runs a program for college campuses.

Answer 2

Hello,

With your content, can you require them to meet outside near your campus? How about a field trip to the nearest major city where some of these aspects/concepts can be seen in person? One of the best classes I took as a freshman was Art appreciation. I am personally not an artist, but the instructor had our class meet in random parts of the city on class days (or would set two times in the day where the student could choose to attend a lecture about a specific art in the city).

Some class sessions could be held outside; where the learner gets a better feel for what is going on. Make sure to warn them in advance to dress properly, if needed.

Answer 3

I taught a class I started called global environmental architecture and it covered all of the areas that you mentioned be visited contractors who didn't mind a half hour walk thru of the building being built the student each picked a country and researched about that count in each of the area you mentioned then each presented a paper on their findings and fielded questions on their research It lead t great discussions and people interested in planning green construction on their own future house.

Answer 4

Your best bet may be to have the students write the lesson plans themselves and teach it. Outline your expectations and give each group one subject. Make sure to define interactive for them.

Students often learn more by teaching, so it is a proven educational method. And, the bonus is that you get a set of (mostly) usuable lesson plans. I always let my students know that I may be using their lesson for future classes, and I give them author's credit on the lesson.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I know Brainpop.com has some movie on environmental issues. The movies change frequently, and the target audience is anywhere from 3rd grade and up.