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By involving student in citizens science projects which can increase their communication skills, sense of belong in their local and global communities, these students can improve the living conditions and environments of some of our most neglected and underserved residents in both rural and urban areas. Karen McDonald, an author on the SciStarter Blog, says “By making observations from experiencing things first hand, it engages critical thinking and applies the Scientific Method in real like projects.”
One such story involves an eight-grade science class and their teacher, Debbie Clinebell, in Waterloo, IL. The students began writing letters to families and friends in the community requesting them to take part in their science project and test their homes for radon. In order to purchase test kits to deliver to the participants the students designed a black 7-shirt to sell which read “Reduce Radon.”
With the help of the math teacher, Carrie Stewart, the students compiled and analyzed the radon data with the discover that 34% of the homes that were tested indicated radon levels above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air which was at that time the EPA action level. With the help of civics teacher, Eric Major, the students participated in Project Citizen, which provides students the opportunity to learn how to monitor and influence public policy.
A presentation to the mayor was made requesting radon tests be conducted in all homes before sale. With the Waterloo Health Committee’s recommendation, the mayor passed a resolution which affirmed the town understands the risk of radon exposure, recommends short-term testing and building permits include health risks of radon and radon reduction techniques.
Here's the rest of the story. . . As I was driving through town, two young girls were walking on the sidewalk wearing the black “Reduce Radon” t-shirt. Instantly I knew the shirt must have originated from Debbie’s class. The radon industry adopted the t-shirt as a mascot for radon awareness, and it traveled throughout our nation and several other countries.
For other information and success stories go to https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/
“We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.”—John Naisbett
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.”—Margaret Fuller
Knowledge without action is lacking in effectiveness. It is so important that as we learn about the danger of radioactive radon exposure, we share with our local and global communities of health, environment, government, education, business, religion, and special interest. We can do this by networking with others through social media, educational institutions, personal relationships, conference, symposiums, and organizational charities. There is an adage: “When the learner is ready, a teacher appears.” A seeker of knowledge must be a teacher. Knowledge unlike many things never dies, it is just lost in time. Gaining knowledge is a lifetime performance.
Gloria Linnertz, Founder
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
February 27, 2024
their science project and test their homes for radon. In order to purchase test kits to deliver to the participants the students designed a black 7-shirt to sell which read “Reduce Radon.”
With the help of the math teacher, Carrie Stewart, the students compiled and analyzed the radon data with the discover that 34% of the homes that were tested indicated radon levels above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air which was at that time the EPA action level. With the help of civics teacher, Eric Major, the students participated in Project Citizen, which provides students the opportunity to learn how to monitor and influence public policy.
A presentation to the mayor was made requesting radon tests be conducted in all homes before sale.
Continued on page 19 ...
With the Waterloo
C
Health Committee’s recommendation, the mayor passed a resolution which affirmed the town understands the risk of radon exposure, recommends short-term testing and building permits include health risks of radon and radon reduction techniques.
Here's the rest of the story. . . As I was driving through town, two young girls were walking on the sidewalk wearing the black “Reduce Radon” t-shirt. Instantly I knew the shirt must have originated from Debbie’s class. The radon industry adopted the t-shirt as a mascot for radon awareness, and it traveled throughout our nation and several other countries.
For other information and success stories go to https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/
“We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.”—John Naisbett
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.”—Margaret Fuller
Knowledge without action is lacking in effectiveness. It is so important that as we learn about the danger of radioactive radon exposure, we share with our local and global communities of health, environment, government, education, business, religion, and special interest. We can do this by networking with others through social media, educational institutions, personal relationships, conference, symposiums, and organizational charities. There is an adage: “When the learner is ready, a teacher appears.” A seeker of knowledge must be a teacher. Knowledge unlike many things never dies, it is just lost in time. Gaining knowledge is a lifetime performance.
Gloria Linnertz, Founder
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
February 27, 2024
CITIZEN SCIENCE SUCCESS STORIES
Gloria Linnertz, Founder, Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
FROM THE FOUNDER