Earth on Edge Video

Although we didn't get to finish the "Earth on Edge" video in class, I was very intrigued with the information presented. I learned many new things; however, some of the information I already knew and a lot of things that I thought were so were actually not. I am glad this video was presented to us because I ended up learning something and correcting misconceptions I had about the world I live in. One of the most shocking discoveries I made from this video was the fact that planting trees is not always a good thing and can actually harm the environment if it is not native to the land. The main message I got overall from this class session was that no matter how well intentioned man is to better the environment, if the right precautions aren't taken, the effects could be catastrophic.

The Poison Within Us

After reading the article titled, “The Pollution Within”, I was really dumbfounded. I could not believe that all these toxins were being consumed through crops, safety materials and water. As well, I figured that since America has the world’s cleanest water and most revolutionized “safety materials” that it should be free of harmful substances. However, after reading the facts, I realized that we are also the Earth’s biggest consumers of material such as plastic, which, when thrown away and burned creates super toxins which end up in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Once I realized this fact, I understood that deadly toxins are inevitable. Everywhere we go, we are exposed to pollution. The fact that makes this information so scary is that there are probably some toxins within me. It is a sad reality but an issue is only a topic of concern when it affects someone personally.


Source:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/10/toxic-people/duncan-text/1

Field Trip to Corkscrew Swamp

This was my second to trip to Corkscrew Swamp and I am glad to say that actually learned something new! In my first visit, I was just introduced to the different types of wildlife that inhabit this particular swamp and what types of weather conditions can be expected throughout the year. During my second field trip, I learned a whole bunch of very interesting facts I have never heard of before! The coolest of all would have to be that this swamp is actually a “living machine”; that is where water is recycled naturally. The park ranger mentioned that the water used in the facilities goes in chlorinated and comes out unchlorinated, this way, it doesn’t harm the environment. Another cool fact I learned about Corkscrew is that there are actually three different types of biomes in this swamp. They are the Pinewood Flatlands, the Cypress Forest, and the Lettuce Lakes. Beyond learning some new facts, I was pretty excited to have spotted a baby alligator; as well, the park ranger explained that for every 9 inches of length a gator has, that equals approximately one year of life. This particular baby gator looked to be around two to three years old. Overall, I would have to say that it was a very enlightening trip and I am glad Corkscrew is around. As a future educator, I will definitely have this destination noted as a “must see” on my agenda for field trips!

Educational Reflections

After reading the three articles by John Dewey in the Colloquium Reader, I found that I could relate to many views this philosopher stated. Reflecting on the Traditional versus Progressive Education article, there was one statement that really hit home for me, he mentioned “Learning here means acquisition of what already is incorporated in books and in the heads of the elders. Moreover, that which is taught is thought of as essentially static. It is taught as a finished product, with little regard either to the ways in which it was originally built up or to the changes that will surely occur in the future”. As a future educator myself, I understand the point Dewey was trying to convey, basically, he pointed out that telling is not teaching, letting children confront their beliefs through inquiry lessons is the best method to facilitate effective learning.

Vital Seaweed in the Gulf

Before the oil spill occurred, I had not really thought about all the components that were vital to the Gulf Ocean’s fragile ecosystem. I was reading an article titled, “Oil Threatens Key Gulf Algae” and the author points out that algae or seaweed as most people like to call it, is already being destroyed by massive globs of crude oil. The seaweed is so essential because it houses and protects many animals such as tiny shrimp and crabs. In addition, there are so many businesses that are being affected by the spill because there will be nothing to catch in the waters, it will be another dead sea. I don’t seem to see any silver lining. This is oil spill is a catastrophe and I haven’t seen any progress yet.


Source:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/22/1317917/oil-threatens-key-gulf-algae-and.html

Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

After learning about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, I immediately thought of all the ecosystems that would be destroyed along the shores of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and possibly even Florida. What's more alarming to me is that there wasn't an immediate emergency plan set in place in the event that something like this would happen. In my perspective, I feel that it took forever for action to be taken. According to the Miami Herald, it is going to take another 75 days to construct a relief well in order to stop the rig from spilling. This time-line seems irresponsible to me, something needs to be done now. Where are the experts and the people who are supposed to be in charge of accidents like this? So far, they have let me and all the inhibitors of the Gulf Ocean down.


Source:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/11/v-fullstory/1624620/gulf-spill-provokes-worries-of.html