Climate+Change+in+the+Hudson+Valley+Review+(Gannon+Castner)

An organization called Scenic Hudson developed this curriculum module, entitled Change in the Hudson Valley, An Introduction to Global Warming for Students in Grades 6-8 Scenic Hudson’s mission statement is that they work “to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitor” ([]) They are a large environmental group that focuses on the Hudson Valley Scenic Hudson seeks to educate the general public three principles: first, that economic development depends upon a clean, healthy environment; that all citizens have a right to outstanding quality of life including access to the Hudson River, open space, and to participate in community decision-making, and that the natural environment must be preserved forever ([]). They are an organization that is truly focused on long term preservation as opposed to flashy, quick fixes. This curriculum module aims to teach kids grades 6-8 about global warming. They site scientists as resources and walk the kids through key concepts/definitions, list ways kids their age could contribute to climate change, and delves into the specific impacts global warming has on the Hudson Valley, their home area. Yes, I think this curriculum is very appropriately designed. It clearly lays out each term and definition, keeps the information relative and fun to the particular age group, and goes into long term suggestions to reduce their carbon footprint. It also cites over a dozen sources and websites for kids to explore further. Yes, I think this curriculum teaches the kind of literacies that the EcoEd Research Group advocates. It discusses not only climate change but also carbon footprints, local environmental issues, and long-term sustainability efforts. They could delve more deeply into way to reduce carbon emissions. While they mention ways that kids send greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, they don’t offer up any suggestions as to how to change these ways into something equally productive but with less of a carbon footprint attached.
 * What organization developed the curriculum module you are evaluating?
 * What is the mission of the organization?
 * What is the educational mission and philosophy of the organization?
 * What does the curriculum module aim to teach? In other words: what are the learning outcomes supposed to be?
 * Do you think the curriculum is appropriately designed to produce the intended learning outcomes?
 * Does this curriculum teach the kind of literacies the EcoEd Research Group advocates?
 * What could be layered into this curriculum so that it address more of the learning outcomes that the EcoEd Group advocates?