As we continue to work on argument essays, we are learning about ways students can help people to understand how small differences can be a HUGE help to our environment! We learned during our Skype to the NC Aquarium, that carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere whenever people burn fossil fuels. As the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rises, the oceans absorb a lot of it. In the ocean, carbon dioxide reacts with sea water to form carbonic acid. This causes the ocean to become more acidic. Increasing acidity will make it harder for corals to build skeletons and for shellfish to build the shells they need for protection. This in turn, not only harms the sea animal, but is a part of our food chain as well. Here are some ways that we can all help:
Transportation alternatives & efficient vehicles. Walk, bike, use mass transit, carpool or drive an electric vehicle to get around. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids use less gas and save money. Keep tires properly inflated.
Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights).
Use hot water more efficiently & make sure your home is insulated properly. Wash clothes in cold water, lower temperature settings of heater, insulate, use efficient faucets and showerheads, check that energy is being used efficiently.
Waste less food & green gardening. Reduce how much food you waste and eat less red meat. Reduce the amount of fertilizer used/use water and energy efficiently (reduces nutrient pollution).
The students are passionate about making a difference in our world. We will continue to study ways that they can help through our non-fiction reading & argument writing. I'm so proud at what problem solvers they are becoming!
Transportation alternatives & efficient vehicles. Walk, bike, use mass transit, carpool or drive an electric vehicle to get around. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids use less gas and save money. Keep tires properly inflated.
Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights).
Use hot water more efficiently & make sure your home is insulated properly. Wash clothes in cold water, lower temperature settings of heater, insulate, use efficient faucets and showerheads, check that energy is being used efficiently.
Waste less food & green gardening. Reduce how much food you waste and eat less red meat. Reduce the amount of fertilizer used/use water and energy efficiently (reduces nutrient pollution).
The students are passionate about making a difference in our world. We will continue to study ways that they can help through our non-fiction reading & argument writing. I'm so proud at what problem solvers they are becoming!