at
as part of
Thanks to all of the dedicated faculty who participated in the Teach-In!
On April 14 and 15, 2008, during National Environmental Education Week, in nearly 50 classes in a wide range of disciplines, HCC faculty offered educational opportunities that explored some aspect of the environment. This gave students a chance to examine environmental issues from many perspectives.
For a number of months , our faculty discussed and developed diverse methods for integrating this kind of content into their classes. Some brought in outside speakers, some offered presentations or class activities, while others led field trips or developing other projects for students.
Below is a program for the teach-in, organized by section:
As part of this process, I have had the good fortune of working with many of our faculty to brainstorm and refine ideas. We've had some terrific conversations about teaching and learning and environmental issues. Overall, the teach-in reflects the vision, creativity, and commitment of our talented faculty and their dedication to encouraging engaged citizenship in our students.
Professor of English
Campus Teaching/Learning Consultant
Chair, Center for Teaching
Time and Location |
Class |
Instructor |
Description |
9-11:45 a.m. Starts in B229 and B215 and may move to the Courtyard, weather permitting |
Acrylic Painting |
John Favret Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Computer Graphics |
The students will be creating new paintings using organic material. Some acrylic paint has hazardous additives like cobalt and cadmium. We will substitute acrylic paint with items like chocolate syrup, grape juice, oatmeal, flour, and berries. We may try to do this outside in the courtyard to save energy on interior lights. Only enrolled students will be painting, but all are welcome to come and watch. |
9:30-10:50 a.m. B123 |
Academic Reading |
Rob Nelson Instructor of Developmental English |
Students will have read excerpts from Rachel Carson’s landmark environmental text Silent Spring as well as a modern-day rebuttal to Carson’s arguments from Capitalist Magazine. The class will examine the techniques both writers use to put forth their arguments. Students will attempt to understand and paraphrase what those arguments are and evaluate their effectiveness. Finally, the class will choose—if possible—which of the two is the more convincing and talk about ways to act on the argument's premises. |
10 a.m. C232 |
Calculus |
Cathy Cron, Professor of Mathematics |
This class session will focus on solving a math problem that takes into account the interaction of two species in the same habitat. |
11:00-12:20 p.m. C102 |
Human Sexuality |
Henry Schissler Assistant Professor of Sociology |
Grassroots Organizing: Strategies To Advocate For and Accomplish Change: If you believe that change cannot occur because the “system” seems too powerful and entrenched, you’re in for a surprise. Change does happen, and change has happened for the good of environmental and many other causes. We will explore how this happens through grassroots organizing and advocacy, and will review blueprints for change that have proven to be successful. |
12:30 p.m. Meet in Courtyard, weather permitting |
History |
Dave Koch Instructor of History |
This 100-yard walk describes the history of the world and the impact that human beings have exerted on it in the short time they have been in existence. The walk begins 5 billion years ago and comes down to the present, using a 100-yard long marked field to denote the passage of time. Landmark events in the world’s history, such as the appearance of life, the separation of plant and animal life, etc, introduce students to the role and field of endeavor of the various scientific academic disciplines. The walk is an enjoyable method for explicating the slow development of the world, contrasted with the marked and rapid influence we are currently exhibiting. |
12:30-1:50 p.m. A228 |
Principles of Sociology |
Henry Schissler Assistant Professor of Sociology |
When DID Dinosaurs Rule The Earth? The Evolution of Political and Religious Thought About Climate Change and Other Environmental Concerns: The environmental movement has a rich history of successes and setbacks. Environmental concerns have often become enmeshed with politics and certain religious views. The debate over climate change is a recent example of these tensions, along with the status of our national parks and protected public lands. We will review this history in order to better understand the conflicting viewpoints that dominate debate over the future of environmental initiatives. |
12:30-1:50 p.m. B125 |
Academic Reading |
Rob Nelson Instructor of Developmental English |
Students will have read excerpts from Rachel Carson’s landmark environmental text Silent Spring as well as a modern-day rebuttal to Carson’s arguments from Capitalist Magazine. The class will examine the techniques both writers use to put forth their arguments. Students will attempt to understand and paraphrase what those arguments are and evaluate their effectiveness. Finally, the class will choose—if possible—which of the two is the more convincing and talk about ways to act on the argument's premises. |
2 p.m. A217 |
Publications Workshops |
Steve Mark Professor of English |
Your Green Life: Writing the Micro-Memoir: Journalists are often called upon to explore complex ideas in a short amount of space. In class, students will calculate their environmental footprint, learn about the "micro-memoir," and work to convey their relationship to the environment in two rounds of writing in this unusual genre. Students will share their work in class and discuss both their writing and environmental issues as well as possibilities for publication and further writing. |
3:30 p.m. A103, Performing Arts Center |
Acting II |
Geoff Sheehan Associate Profesor of Theatre |
A performance of an original Commedia del’Arte scenario focusing on the environment. |
3:30 p.m. A229 |
Writing Fundamentals |
Scott Empric Associate Professor of Developmental English |
Writing about environmental issues |
5 p.m. A217 |
Writing Fundamentals |
Scott Empric Associate Professor of Developmental English |
Writing about environmental issues |
6:30 p.m. A217 |
Publications Workshops |
Steve Mark Professor of English |
Your Green Life: Writing the Micro-Memoir: Journalists are often called upon to explore complex ideas in a short amount of space. In class, students will calculate their environmental footprint, learn about the "micro-memoir," and work to convey their relationship to the environment in two rounds of writing in this unusual genre. Students will share their work in class and discuss both their writing and environmental issues as well as possibilities for publication and further writing. |
Time and Location |
Class |
Instructor |
Description |
9:30-10:50 a.m. A228 |
Principles of Sociology |
Henry Schissler Assistant Professor of Sociology |
Grassroots Organizing: Strategies To Advocate For and Accomplish Change: If you believe that change cannot occur because the “system” seems too powerful and entrenched, you’re in for a surprise. Change does happen, and change has happened for the good of environmental and many other causes. We will explore how this happens through grassroots organizing and advocacy, and will review blueprints for change that have proven to be successful. |
9:30- 10:50 a.m. in C231 and 11:00 a.m.– 12:20 p.m. in C204 |
Intermediate Algebra and Online Statistics Course |
Marina Philips Assistant Professor of Mathematics |
3-minute student presentations based on watching the film at www.storyofstuff.com and coming up with one thing they can do to change the environment for the better. Presentations will include:
|
11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m. C102 |
Principles of Sociology |
Henry Schissler Assistant Professor of Sociology |
Grassroots Organizing: Strategies To Advocate For and Accomplish Change: If you believe that change cannot occur because the “system” seems too powerful and entrenched, you’re in for a surprise. Change does happen, and change has happened for the good of environmental and many other causes. We will explore how this happens through grassroots organizing and advocacy, and will review blueprints for change that have proven to be successful. |
12:30 p.m. Meet in Courtyard, Weather Permtting |
History |
Dave Koch Instructor of History |
This 100-yard walk describes the history of the world and the impact that human beings have exerted on it in the short time they have been in existence. The walk begins 5 billion years ago and comes down to the present, using a 100-yard long marked field to denote the passage of time. Landmark events in the world’s history, such as the appearance of life, the separation of plant and animal life, etc, introduce students to the role and field of endeavor of the various scientific academic disciplines. The walk is an enjoyable method for explicating the slow development of the world, contrasted with the marked and rapid influence we are currently exhibiting. |
12:30-1:50 p.m. A228 |
Sociology of Sport |
Henry Schissler Assistant Professor of Sociology |
When DID Dinosaurs Rule The Earth? The Evolution of Political and Religious Thought About Climate Change and Other Environmental Concerns: The environmental movement has a rich history of successes and setbacks. Environmental concerns have often become enmeshed with politics and certain religious views. The debate over climate change is a recent example of these tensions, along with the status of our national parks and protected public lands. We will review this history in order to better understand the conflicting viewpoints that dominate debate over the future of environmental initiatives. |
12:30 p.m. A-103, Performing Arts Center |
Acting 1 |
Geoff Sheehan Associate Professor of Theatre |
A staged reading of the environmentally themed play Six by Timothy Mason |
As part of Earth Weeks, the Photography Club is sponsoring a trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for the bus are $5. The BBG will be hosting a Japanese festival, called Hanami, which celebrates the cherry blossom viewing season and they also have special bird watching lectures that day. Contact Professor Michael Stein, advisor of the Photography Club at MStein@hcc.commnet.edu for tickets.
Location |
Class |
Instructor |
Description |
Library |
Sculpture |
Suzan Shutan Adjunct Instructor |
"Capturing & Preserving Nature":
We live in a world that is no longer immune from
environmental changes. Industrial and population
expansion has proven to affect the outgrowth of
natural forms. Toxicity can devastate a growth process
and mutate an outcome. Worse yet, end a species. In this class project, students were asked to study small natural objects that are produced as an outgrowth of a process (onion bulbs, lotus pods, tree bark, bird feathers, sea urchin shells). They then selected an object that has a distinct texture, form and contribution to its species and cast a plaster mold block from which they enlarged their object three to six times, and using a subtractive process, carved a replica that pays homage to its characteristics and to nature's ability to produce magnificent objects with inherent visual elements from which the language of art draws from. |
Library |
Teaching Children Art |
Lisa Greenberg Adjunct Instructor |
“What’s in Your Water?" Two classes collaborated on a recycled water bottle project depicting the seemingly “invisible” pollution which lives in our drinking water supply. The colorful tissue paper vases convey energy, beauty and happiness with their bold splashes of color. Although the covered bottles have been recycled, the story they tell is of a deeper meaning. Students then researched the topic of tap and bottled water contamination and our findings were then displayed, graffiti-style, on the surfaces of recycled boxes which double as the platform and backdrop for our flower vases.
Students combed articles containing alarming descriptions of pharmaceuticals which are present not only in our drinking water, but in our food supply (fish, livestock, chicken) as well. Articles speaking about chemical cocktails and toxic brews flowing from our faucets angered and surprised everyone. Stories about chemicals leeching into water bottles that sit on store shelves while being exposed to fluorescent lights/heat were unsettling as well.
This exhibit was assembled to educate, stimulate, and raise awareness about a growing problem that cuts across socioeconomic backgrounds.“What’s in Your Water?" will hopefully have an effect on all who take the time to view it and absorb the message. |
Contact the instructor in advance to see if seats are available
Time and Location |
Class |
Instructor |
Description |
April 14 and 16, 2008 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. B214 |
English 101 |
Screening of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. This film will be discussed over a period of two weeks. Students are expected to write an essay/research paper in response to the documentary about whether or not to urge the U.S. government to change gas emission standards for automobiles. |
|
April 15 , 12:30 p.m. A215 |
General Psychology 1 |
Maz Burbank Assistant Professor of Psychology |
Students will have been assigned to calculate their own carbon footprint via one of the websites that facilitate this. The first part of the class will be devoted to a short lecture of the role of psychology in behavioral changes such as anti-global warming activities; research in this area will be reported. Then the class will have small group discussions in which they draw up a pledge for changes to be made that will reduce their carbon footprint and design a follow-up activity for the last day of class. |
April 15, 9:30 a.m. C229 |
Microbiology |
Sandra Barnes Assistant Professor of Biology |
"Microbes in Bioremediation:" Screening of a short film on using bacteria in gold mining. HCC student Arian Paul will talk about her job in a bioremediation business and related careers in this area. |
The following class activities are for students enrolled in these courses only. However, these short descriptions give you an idea of the types of interesting lessons faculty have created for the Teach-In. If you are a teacher yourself, perhaps our faculty might inspire you to try something new in your own classes. HCC faculty, if you see something that interests you, why not ask your colleague for more information?
Class |
Instructor |
Description |
Early Language and Literacy; Student Teaching Practicum |
Laurie Noe Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator |
Classes will explore children’s books that have an environmental theme and discussing how to use them in lesson plans for 3-5 year olds. The Early Childhood Education club will create displays for the library cases that focus on environmental topics for young children, as this is The Week of the Young Child as well. |
Creative Experiences (Early Childhood Education) |
Michele Cohen Instructor of Early Childhood Education |
Trip to the Garbage Museum and Recycling Center with a tour and hands on experiences. |
Prealgebra; Elementary Algebra Foundations |
Teresa Foley Instructor of Developmental Mathematics |
This Earthweek activity is designed to help students become more aware of the impact their daily activities have on the environment and as a way to demonstrate how they can use math and percentages in to aid in daily decision making. After class discussions on the concept of one’s “ecological footprint” the students will calculate their “Personal Ecological Footprint” from material provided by the Institute for Sustainable Energy. The students will then explore different ways in which they can reduce their ecological footprint by 10% to 20% and keep a written journal describing their efforts at reducing their ecological footprint. |
Prealgebra |
Jane Wampler Assistant Professor of Developmental Mathematics |
The class will be learning about ratios and percents. Some environmental facts about the United States vs. “the rest of the world” will be provided. The students will find the percentage of the world’s population that lives in the US. We will then compare this number to the percentage of oil consumption, energy used, food grown, etc. in the US compared to other countries. |
Composition |
Stephanie Hart Associate Professor of English |
Discussion of the essay “The Land Ethic” by Aldo Leopold. Students will read the essay in advance and complete a Reading Response activity. Class discussion will focus on Leopold’s argument that we must develop a sense of ethical responsibility to our feelings about land in order to effectively protect it. This essay was written in 1949, so the class will discuss what has changed since Leopold wrote this essay, and do some in-class writing about the role of ethics in environmental concerns and policies today. |
Composition |
Liz Keefe Adjunct Instructor |
Students will view the documentary An Inconvenient Truth during class. Students are often surprised and powerfully affected by the changing geography of our planet and the damaging effects of global warming on humankind and wildlife. Discussion will ensue in the following class regarding ways to cut down on carbon emissions and save the planet for future generations. Students will then compose an argumentative essay addressing and enumerating the ways that each of us can cut down on energy usage and enlighten others about this global crisis. |
Writing Fundamentals |
Susan Monroe Instructor of Developmental English |
As part of a unit on argument and persuasion, students will be asked to enter the debate on a proposed ban of the ubiquitous plastic bags doled out by supermarkets and other retail stores. Students will read model editorials and will closely follow the writing process as they structure statements for or against a ban. This is a short writing assignment that will take place over three class meetings. |
Composition and Literature; Film and Literature |
Peter Ulisse Professor of English |
Both classes will explore the theme that humans NEED nature (as we know it) to survive not only physically but psychologically. English 102 will explore "The Yellow Wallpaper" and how deprivation of the natural world literally drives her insane. English 271 will explore the Virginia Woolf character in “The Hours” in a similar way. |
Composition and Literature |
Janet Zamparo Associate Professor of English |
A unit on Nature Poems by Claire Rossini, James Wright, and William Wordsworth. Students will explore Nature as a subject of much poetry and Nature as a metaphor for life. Students also will reflect on their own relationship to the natural world through writing and discussion. |
Creative Writing |
Stephanie Hart Associate Professor of English |
The class will be preparing for a visit from author Chandra Prasad, who will read from her novel On Borrowed Wings on April 23, by discussing the role of nature imagery in Prasad’s work. The class will compare her use of nature imagery to that of other writers and discuss the potential of nature imagery today. Can nature imagery communicate the same concepts and emotions it once did given changing culture and changing attitudes toward nature? What uniquely contemporary uses of nature imagery can we imagine? If time permits, there may also be some in-class writing. |
Academic Skills Development (2 classes) |
Kathy Micinilio Assistant Professor of Developmental English |
In each class, a few students will be presenting on issues related to global warming. They will also discuss how everyone can work to improve the situation. |
Effective Speaking |
Stephanie Hart Associate Professor of English |
The class will watch portions of a speech on global warming delivered by Al Gore at a conference in 2006 (seen on TED Talks on YouTube). Students will discuss public speaking techniques that help him to achieve his speech goal, techniques such as use of visual aids, use of humor, various methods of audience adaptation, and source citation. |
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics |
John Tibor Associate Professor, Accounting and Business |
The class discussion will focus on environmental issues that affect economic decision making. The game of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” will be used to lead the discussions. In addition, there will be a reading of a short story on the effects of poor decision making and the impact on the environment. |
Principles of Retailing |
Pamela Pirog Instructor of Business and Accounting |
Small businesses and other retailing organizations should be concerned about business decisions that affect the environment. Environmental friendliness and its financial implications could result in greater profits, thereby also creating increased social capital better known as goodwill. |
Introduction to Biology |
Shirley Zajdel Professor of Biology |
The class will study water quality using the Aquarion Water Company report for customers in the greater Bridgeport area. |