4-H Natural Resources
Environmental Issues Investigation
What are environmental issues?
Environmental issues are things in our environment about which we should have some concerns. We do, however, need to look at all points of view before forming opinions. There are many different issues going on in our communities. Read the local newspaper and you should get some ideas about what is happening in your home town.
Determining the health of the creatures that live in the water is part of learning to care about your environment. Dr. Jim Colbert from Iowa State University examines what is found in a net during a State Conference workshop.
What projects or exhibits can I do with environmental issues?
- Talk to the local waste management resource in your area (garbage collectors). What happens to garbage after they pick it up from your house? Ask them questions about the process. Visit the disposal site (take an adult with you). Create a map that explains the process and traces the garbage as it leaves your door step.
- Visit a local stream or pond. What evidence of pollution do you see, hear, smell or feel as you observe the water and the surroundings? Is there a rainbow-like film on the top of the water that indicates oil? Is there a smell of sulphur or something rotten that may indicate pollution? Is there an overabundance of green algae growing on the surface that may indicate too much fertilizer has been getting into the water? Keep a journal of what you observe. Try to trace the source of the pollution. What other evidence might you find that indicates there is a problem? Make a poster that shows what you found indicating what types of pollution was found and some possible solutions.
- How have the numbers of wildlife changed in my home town? Investigate the number of pheasants, deer, quail, and coyotes, and any other animals of interest, that are found around your home. Make a graph showing how these numbers have changed for at least the last 50 years. Talking to a conservation officer will help with this project. They can point you in the right direction to find this information. Why do the numbers fluctuate or change over the years? Think of some natural reasons as well as some human reasons why these numbers change. Make a display that shows these fluctuations and some possible reasons why this occurs.
- How have housing and businesses changed in my community over the last 50 years? Investigate areas where homes and businesses are now being built. What was the area like 50 or 100 years ago? What changes have occurred? What have these changes caused? Talk with citizens that have lived in your community a long time as well as local business owners. Is there now more fresh water available because of a new water treatment plant? Or have birds had to move out of an area because trees were cut for new development? Draw a timeline showing these changes and possible effects that have occurred because of these changes. Write a letter to the local newspaper explaining what you found and discuss some possible solutions.
Resources about environmental issues
- Order publications or use the online ordering system
- Iowa habitat loss and Disappearing Wildlife IAN 101 (PDF)
- Iowa Air Pollution IAN 102 (PDF)
- Iowa Water Pollution IAN 103 (PDF)
- Agriculture Practices and the Environment IAN 104 (PDF)
- People, communities, and Their Iowa environment IAN 105 (PDF)
- Energy in Iowa IAN 106 (PDF)
- Iowa Waste Management IAN (PDF)
- Changing Land Use and Values IAN 501 (order)
- Important Iowa Conservationists IAN 502 (pdf)
- Iowa's Environmental Laws IAN 503 (pdf)
- Conservation Careers in Iowa IAN 504 (order)
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