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TEACHING TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND THINKING SKILLS BY USING THE BASIC STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD GUIDE
Rafael Betancourt, Middle College for Technology Careers

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This curriculum unit combines the topics of chemistry, environmental chemistry and technology by following the fundamental steps of the scientific process. Chemical concepts will be taught with emphasis on environmental effects. In this unit I will focus on the process of producing electronic components and how that process produces toxic waste that is then processed and dumped into water reservoirs. The practical activities of this curriculum unit are based on the “SEPUP module of Waste Disposal: Computers and the Environment.” I selected this module because of the scientific approach used for carrying out the practical activities by the students. Also the module is very easy for teachers to follow. Chemistry teachers look for safe and motivated activities for the students as well as for themselves. The pedagogical method to teach this unit is based on a process and content approach which develops an ability to investigate practical approaches to solving real life problems for both student and teacher, simultaneously. At the end of every investigation, the students are going to have time for the discussion and presentation of the results found in each activity. This practice induces in the students a sense of ownership of the investigation they are conducting. It also stresses the importance of ethics in the reporting data they are publishing.