Connecting Science to Issues of Sustainability and Environmental Justice

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:30am-11:30am Student Union: Acoma A and B
Workshop

Convener

Joshua Villalobos, El Paso Community College
As natural resources become more scarce, an increasing percentage of the world's underprivileged population is facing issues of inequality and abuse in the distribution, and use, of these commodities. This workshop will explore the integration of Environmental Justice (EJ), which is the fair treatment and involvement of all individuals with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations policies, in introductory geoscience courses. The goal of this workshop will be discuss best practices and use of the InTeGraTe module Environmental Justice and Freshwater Resources in introductory geoscience classes.

Overview

This workshop will focus on ways to introduce the concept of Environmental Justice (EJ) into introductory Earth Science classes. Participants will walk through activities presented in the Environmental Justice and Freshwater Resources InTeGraTe module as well as other activities utilized at El Paso Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso. The InTeGraTe module activities enable students to identify the freshwater components of the hydrologic cycle and connect them to the basic need of all human beings for equal access to clean freshwater. This is accomplished by framing the water science within theories of environmental justice defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as "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."

Target Audience

Introductory Earth Science Instructors at all educational levels

Goals

During the workshop and associated Rendezvous opportunities, each participant will:

  • Understand the concept of EJ and how it can be woven into introductory Earth Science courses
  • Develop an activity that frames EJ and an Earth Science topic that utilizes their community
  • Be able to navigate the various aspects and components of an InTeGraTe teaching module

Format

The workshop will consist of short presentations, open discussion, and group hands on activities. Personal laptops are highly recommended for this workshop.

Daily Program

See the Program Page for a detailed schedule of daily events.


      Next Page »