Quick Look
Grade Level: 9 (8-10)
Time Required: 1 hours 15 minutes
(one to two 50-minute class period(s) per each of the five EJ StoryMaps)
Expendable Cost/Group: US $0.00
Group Size: 2
Activity Dependency: None
Subject Areas: Earth and Space, Reasoning and Proof, Science and Technology
NGSS Performance Expectations:
| HS-ESS3-2 |
| HS-ESS3-4 |
| HS-ETS1-1 |
| HS-ETS1-3 |
| HS-LS2-7 |
| MS-ESS3-3 |
| MS-ESS3-4 |
| MS-ESS3-5 |
| MS-ETS1-1 |
| MS-ETS1-2 |
Quick Look 
- Grade Level:
- 9 (8 – 10)
- Time Required:
- 1 hours 15 minutes
(one to two 50-minute class period(s) per each of the five EJ StoryMaps)
- Group Size:
- 2
- Subject Areas:
-
Earth and Space Reasoning and Proof Science and Technology -
NGSS Performance Expectations:
HS-ESS3-2 HS-ESS3-4 HS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-3 HS-LS2-7 MS-ESS3-3 MS-ESS3-4 MS-ESS3-5 MS-ETS1-1 MS-ETS1-2
Summary
The series of five Environmental Justice (EJ) StoryMaps explores the connections between air quality, transportation, and engineering. The EJ StoryMap collection provides background knowledge from reliable sources to build students’ understanding of concepts presented in a visual and interactive format.Engineering Connection
Chemical Engineers use their knowledge of the chemical properties of materials to improve existing vehicle batteries and create new battery designs. These engineers also assist in planning and testing manufacturing processes and vehicle batteries for safety, efficiency, and performance. Chemical engineering is essential in developing sustainable lithium-ion battery alternatives to power the increasing demand for EVs.
Electronics Engineers focus on control systems and other electronic technology that EVs use to function instead of how EVs use and distribute electricity. Mechanical Engineers contribute to improving rechargeable battery safety and reliability. Electrical and mechanical engineering works together in creating more efficient and safer EVs.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Understand the main relationships between transportation, air quality, climate, and environmental justice.
- Know the general environmental justice impacts in local communities related to transportation and air quality issues.
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios. (Grades 9 - 12) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Evaluate competing design solutions to a real-world problem based on scientific ideas and principles, empirical evidence, and logical arguments regarding relevant factors (e.g. economic, societal, environmental, ethical considerations). Alignment agreement: | All forms of energy production and other resource extraction have associated economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical costs and risks as well as benefits. New technologies and social regulations can change the balance of these factors. Alignment agreement: When evaluating solutions it is important to take into account a range of constraints including cost, safety, reliability and aesthetics and to consider social, cultural and environmental impacts.Alignment agreement: | Science and technology may raise ethical issues for which science, by itself, does not provide answers and solutions. Alignment agreement: Science knowledge indicates what can happen in natural systems—not what should happen. The latter involves ethics, values, and human decisions about the use of knowledge.Alignment agreement: Many decisions are not made using science alone, but rely on social and cultural contexts to resolve issues.Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. (Grades 9 - 12) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Design or refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations. Alignment agreement: | Scientists and engineers can make major contributions by developing technologies that produce less pollution and waste and that preclude ecosystem degradation. Alignment agreement: When evaluating solutions it is important to take into account a range of constraints including cost, safety, reliability and aesthetics and to consider social, cultural and environmental impacts.Alignment agreement: | Feedback (negative or positive) can stabilize or destabilize a system. Alignment agreement: Engineers continuously modify these technological systems by applying scientific knowledge and engineering design practices to increase benefits while decreasing costs and risks.Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants. (Grades 9 - 12) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Analyze complex real-world problems by specifying criteria and constraints for successful solutions. Alignment agreement: | Criteria and constraints also include satisfying any requirements set by society, such as taking issues of risk mitigation into account, and they should be quantified to the extent possible and stated in such a way that one can tell if a given design meets them. Alignment agreement: Humanity faces major global challenges today, such as the need for supplies of clean water and food or for energy sources that minimize pollution, which can be addressed through engineering. These global challenges also may have manifestations in local communities.Alignment agreement: | New technologies can have deep impacts on society and the environment, including some that were not anticipated. Analysis of costs and benefits is a critical aspect of decisions about technology. Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. (Grades 9 - 12) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations. Alignment agreement: | When evaluating solutions it is important to take into account a range of constraints including cost, safety, reliability and aesthetics and to consider social, cultural and environmental impacts. Alignment agreement: | New technologies can have deep impacts on society and the environment, including some that were not anticipated. Analysis of costs and benefits is a critical aspect of decisions about technology. Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity. (Grades 9 - 12) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Design, evaluate, and refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations. Alignment agreement: | Moreover, anthropogenic changes (induced by human activity) in the environment—including habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change—can disrupt an ecosystem and threaten the survival of some species. Alignment agreement: Biodiversity is increased by the formation of new species (speciation) and decreased by the loss of species (extinction).Alignment agreement: Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.Alignment agreement: When evaluating solutions it is important to take into account a range of constraints including cost, safety, reliability and aesthetics and to consider social, cultural and environmental impacts.Alignment agreement: | Much of science deals with constructing explanations of how things change and how they remain stable. Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Apply scientific principles to design an object, tool, process or system. Alignment agreement: | Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and causing the extinction of other species. But changes to Earth's environments can have different impacts (negative and positive) for different living things. Alignment agreement: | Relationships can be classified as causal or correlational, and correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Alignment agreement: The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use varies from region to region and over time.Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ESS3-4. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Construct an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support or refute an explanation or a model for a phenomenon or a solution to a problem. Alignment agreement: | Typically as human populations and per-capita consumption of natural resources increase, so do the negative impacts on Earth unless the activities and technologies involved are engineered otherwise. Alignment agreement: | Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems. Alignment agreement: All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment.Alignment agreement: Scientific knowledge can describe the consequences of actions but does not necessarily prescribe the decisions that society takes.Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Ask questions to identify and clarify evidence of an argument. Alignment agreement: | Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth's mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. Alignment agreement: | Stability might be disturbed either by sudden events or gradual changes that accumulate over time. Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions. Alignment agreement: | The more precisely a design task's criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions. Alignment agreement: | All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment. Alignment agreement: The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions.Alignment agreement: |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria. Alignment agreement: | There are systematic processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem. Alignment agreement: | |
Materials List
Each student or team of two needs:
- 1 laptop/computer with internet connection: Windows, Mac, or Chrome OS recommended (but not needed)
- Access to https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/d56e2cb1243944e996fea875c0d14810
For the entire class to share:
- 1 laptop computer with access to the internet
- projector
Worksheets and Attachments
Visit [www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub-2812-environmental-justice-storymap-collection-activity] to print or download.Introduction/Motivation
Have you ever noticed that the sky can be hazy around large cities? Do you know what is this called and what could cause this? (Wait for student answers.) This haze, a result of air pollution, is caused by factors like vehicle exhaust and burning fossil fuels. In the past, clean air seemed limitless, but today, the growing global population is rapidly polluting this essential resource.
Air pollution can harm both the environment and living organisms, leading to various health issues. Symptoms may include rashes, eye/nose irritation, headaches, sleepiness, coughing, sneezing, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of air pollution can result in severe illnesses like cancer, asthma, kidney failure, liver damage, and birth defects. The impact extends to plants, animals, and infrastructure in the environment.
Now, has anyone heard of environmental justice? (Wait for student answers.) Environmental justice emphasizes the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Unfortunately, marginalized communities often face disproportionate air pollution, impacting health significantly. This is where engineers come in—they address these challenges by developing cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs). EVs play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and benefiting communities. Engineers contribute to EV technology, charging infrastructure, and compliance with regulations, paving the way for a more just and sustainable environment.
Today, you're going to dive into the connection between transportation, air quality, climate, and engineering through interactive StoryMaps.
Procedure
Background
The Environmental Justice StoryMap Collection is created using the ArcGIS platform, which is a web-based storytelling tool that integrates concise text and academic vocabulary, images, infographics, video, and interactive geospatial maps that support the learning and application of STEM and engineering-related content from an environmental justice perspective.
The framework for each EJ StoryMap includes the following sections:
- Essential Question (title)
- Introduction – Think About It
- Content Knowledge Building
- Geospatial Data Explorations
- Engineering Connection
- Discussion – Talk About It
Teachers should review the EJ StoryMap before instruction to become familiar with its content and format. There are five different EJ StoryMap takes is structured to be completed in a 50-minute class period though pacing can be adapted as needed.
Based on teacher feedback, it is suggested that the first EJ StoryMap be teacher-led, ideally using a SmartBoard or similar computer screen projection, via a whole class learning experience to support students in learning how to use and engage in the StoryMap format (this may take two class periods in the first instance).
Once students are familiar with using the EJ StoryMap format, options to adapt the StoryMap activity include assigning the StoryMap as a homework assignment followed by an in-depth discussion or supplementary activity that further explores content presented in the StoryMap, etc.
Before the Activity
- Teacher should review the Environmental Justice StoryMap Collection to become familiar with its content and format.
- Teacher should set up the specific online EJ StoryMap and projector before class.
EJ StoryMap Collection:
- Read through the Introduction/Motivation section.
- Display the specific EJ StoryMap from the Environmental Justice StoryMap Collection.
EJ StoryMap #1: What is air quality and why does it matter?
Explore what particulate matter (PM) pollution is, the sources of PMs, and how PM air pollution is measured.
You will go through multi-media learning blocks to build your background knowledge about particulate matter (PM) air pollution, and then interact with the AirNow.gov Air Quality Aware and the EPA EJ Screen interactive geospatial maps to explore air quality and transportation concepts in the community where you live and go to school.
EJ StoryMap #2: How does poor air quality affect our health?
Dive into how air pollution affects public health, who is at risk, and actions to take on air quality advisory days.
You will go through multi-media learning blocks to build your background knowledge about air pollution and its health impacts, and then interact with the AirNow.gov Air Quality Aware and the EPA EJ Screen interactive geospatial maps to explore air quality and transportation concepts in the community where you live and go to school.
EJ StoryMap #3: Are air quality and transportation impacts equitable?
Learn about what environmental justice is and its origins, community-based environmental justice, and the relationship between our transportation system and environmental justice.
You will go through multi-media learning blocks to build your background knowledge about the history of environmental justice and its relation to our transportation system, and then interact with the AirNow.gov Air Quality Aware and the EPA EJ Screen interactive geospatial maps to explore air quality and transportation concepts in the community where you live and go to school.
EJ StoryMap #4: How does transportation affect the environment?
Explore cars and carbon emissions through the impacts of traditional gas-burning vehicles and newer technology of electric vehicles on the environment, the relationship between greenhouse gases and transportation, and analyzing transportation options and solutions.
You will go through multi-media learning blocks to build your background knowledge about on cars and carbon emissions, and then interact with the AirNow.gov Air Quality Aware and the EPA EJ Screen interactive geospatial maps to explore air quality and transportation concepts in the community where you live and go to school.
EJ StoryMap #5: How do electric vehicle batteries impact our world?
Introduce battery basics and then focuses on lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles (EV), sources and environmental impacts of lithium used to power the electronics we use, especially EVs, and solutions to advance a more sustainable battery-powered future.
You will go through multi-media learning blocks to build your background knowledge about lithium-ion battery structure, supply and demand for lithium, the challenges of meeting community needs, and sustainability related to clean energy transportation. Students then watch a series of case studies related to locations of lithium deposits and mining, as noted on a US geospatial map, to understand the challenges of sourcing lithium and balancing it with community and environmental needs.
Vocabulary/Definitions
air quality: A rating of how clean, or dirty, the air is that we breathe.
air quality index (AQI): A scale that describes how healthy or unhealthy the air currently is and what it's forecasted to be over the next few days.
environmental justice (EJ): The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
particulate matter (PM): A mixture of very small solid particles and liquid droplets that are emitted into the air and transported by air.
Assessment
Activity Embedded (Formative) Assessment
Students complete the Check for Understanding Worksheets for each of the five EJ StoryMaps.
Post-Activity (Summative) Assessment
Students participate in a class discussion on the Check for Understanding worksheet questions to reflect on the content explored and ideas on how engineering can help find solutions to the EJ issues investigated.
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© 2023 by Regents of the University of ColoradoContributors
Jennifer TaylorSupporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderAcknowledgements
This curriculum was developed under National Science Foundation grant numbers 1941524 and 1941701. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Last modified: March 19, 2024
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