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Environmental health and service learning.

Article Excerpt
Abstract

In developing curriculum for a Salt Lake City, Utah High School's Advance Placement--Environmental Studies class, one goal was a module on air quality/air pollution. University of Utah graduate students and faculty presented on air pollution topics. Community exposure to school bus emissions was identified and students developed a study design, performed air sampling, learned to interpret results, and communicate results and recommendations to various audiences. This project emphasized health impacts, public awareness, and policy recommendations to promote change.

Background

Service Learning Service learning is "a method of teaching that enriches the process of learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities through careful integration with established curricula."[1,2] This learning methodology is often coordinated with institutions of higher education, as well as communities, as a way to apply solutions to real-world problems. Students learn through active participation in projects that meet real community needs, and in doing so learn to be involved and concerned about community issues. [1] Shelly Billig pointed out the positive impacts that service learning has on students in personal and social development, their sense of civic and social responsibility, academic learning and career exploration. [2] Extending learning beyond the walls of the classroom enhances what is taught in the classroom. A major component of service learning is ongoing evaluation and reflection throughout the project in order to strengthen and reinforce learning. [3]

Diesel Exhaust Diesel exhaust contains very fine particulate matter and toxic gases. More than 40 individual diesel exhaust chemicals are known carcinogens and hazardous air pollutants. [4] The EPA has classified diesel exhaust as a probable human carcinogen. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) in exhaust is of great concern since 94% of it is less than 2.5 [micro]m in diameter and is almost totally respirable. Ninety-two percent of particles less than 1.0 [micro]m in diameter can penetrate deep within human lungs.[5] Exposure to DPM can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems and has been associated with decreased pulmonary function, increased airway inflammation and infection susceptibility and increased cancer risk.[6] Although...

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