Getting Rid of stuff
The Medicine Chest: A collection of safe disposal curriculum activities and service-learning resources
The Medicine Chest (pdf) is a compilation of multidisciplinary, standards-based classroom lessons, sample stewardship activities, and background information for teachers and high school students on how the improper disposal of unwanted medicines can be harmful to people, pets, and the environment. Through use of this classroom instructional resource, students will serve as “agents of change” providing useful information to family members and various community sectors.
This selection linked here is just a sampling of activities that will be published in late 2009. The Medicine Chest can be used as both a classroom resource and in nonformal educational settings, such as after-school clubs or after-school programs. Youth will reap many benefits as participants in the authentic, problem-based learning scenarios. They will gain skills in decision-making, cooperative learning and teamwork, communication, and leadership. Their involvement in this curriculum will be instrumental in helping to protect and improve the quality of our waters.
To receive a free copy of The Medicine Chest once published, please provide your contact information and be sure to send a description of how you anticipate using it in your curriculum or educational programming to Terri Hallesy, Education Specialist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, University of Illinois at thallesy@illinois.edu.
This project is funded through a grant from U.S. EPA-Great Lakes National Program Office.
Partners/Collaborators
Teachers, grades 9-12 who are interested in incorporating service learning in their instruction
Education professors at universities and community colleges
Scout Leaders
US EPA-GLNPO
Illinois EPA
Pontiac High School Teachers, Paul Ritter and Eric Bohm, who initiated the P2D2 program
State 4-H Curriculum Specialists—Madonna Weese, Illinois and Natalie Carroll, Indiana
4-H Youth Educators in Illinois and Indiana
Environmental Organizations
Student Environmental Action Organizations (e.g., EarthForce)
Hazardous Waste Management Professionals
Soil and Water Conservation District Professionals
Community Libraries
