Environmental Science & Technology

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Environmental Science & Technology

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photo:

Quabbin Resevoir

Contact information:

R.J.Anderson

Environmental Technology

Worcester Technical High School

One Skyline Drive

Worcester, MA 01605

andersonr@techhigh.us

508 751-7645

Environmental Technology Curriculum Overview

Environmental Technology is a career field that applies the principles of mathematics, science, engineering, communications, and economics to ensure human health and safety, and to manage and protect natural resources.    Advanced Technology Environmental Education Center

There are hundreds of career pathways for students in the field of environmental technology www.ateec.org. The curriculum must be flexible enough to consider all of these diverse career options as well students’ diverse backgrounds, interests and strengths. This is a new program and it does not have time tested models like other more traditional vocational courses. Adjustments are a necessary part of curriculum development as the program grows and until it reaches its intended enrollment and staffing levels.

The curriculum for Environmental Technology at Worcester Technical High school is aligned to the strands and standards outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Environmental Science and Technology. (see link) Projects, activities and lessons are each designed to incorporate certain of these learning standards. Students will be assessed based on their mastery of the competencies using VTCTS and COPs guidelines.

·        Year 1 Exploratory (fall) Earth & Natural Science (spring)

·        Years 2 & 3 Environmental Science I & II

·        Year 4 Natural Resource Management, Career training, Internships, and/or College Prep

Students at Worcester Technical High School alternate weeks in Environmental Technology shop with academic classes. Additionally, during academic week, students have one period per day of related theory for their major. Students in EnvTec at WTHS will spend approximately 2,000 hours over the course of 4 years studying environmental topics and participating in projects related to the environment. The program is intended to be hands-on/experiential learning. To be most relevant, whenever possible, projects are real world activities in which students’ work will benefit the community. This is constantly changing as opportunities present themselves. Some examples are:

·        Greenhill farm- Field Station for environmental research

·        Vernal pools monitoring

·        Blackstone River Watershed protection

**Urban Ecology

Uniform Policy:

This is primarily an outdoor class. The purpose of the uniform is to insure that all students are dressed properly for work outdoors. This is similar to the types of clothes they will be expected to wear when they go on internships, co-op or get a job in the environmental industry. We work at various sites around the city and at Greenhill Park. Proper dress will offer them the protection needed for working outdoors and prevent soiling their better clothes. A uniform also helps to convey a professional image when we are off campus. All students are required to wear a uniform in Environmental Technology shop week. Students need to wear work shoes or hiking boots, blue jeans or work pants and a tan work shirt and/or green tee-shirt. They should also dress in layers for work outside including a jacket, rain coat or poncho and have a backpack and water bottle. Green Shirts with the Environmental Technology logo are available for purchase from the school store for $12.00 (optional).

Exploratory

During the fall semester, freshmen will explore six different career areas. Students who choose to explore Environmental Technology will spend a week sampling activities and exploring the environment around Worcester Technical High School. A uniform is not required but students should be prepared to go outside at all times of the year and should dress accordingly. They will hike trails in the park, visit Greenhill Park Farm/Zoo, and learn about invasive species. Each student will make a "Henry David Thoreau Walking Stick".

Green Machine

The Environmental Technology program has a 12 passenger van and a 6 passenger truck/mobile environmental lab aka "Green Machine". Students in the Environmental Technology program will travel in these vehicles to sites within Greenhill Park and around the city as part of their environmental studies.

Greenhill Park

Green Hill Park is Worcester's largest municipal park. It is over 480 acres and houses a number of activities and facilities. It contains two ponds, a zoo, picnic grove, playground, little league field, golf course, and handball courts. It is also host to the Worcester Parks, Recreation and Cemetery administrative office.

Advanced Technology Environmental AND ENERGY Center

Advanced Technology Environmental AND ENERGY Center The Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC) is a national center that promotes and supports environmental technology education to address the needs of the national and global workforce

The Man Who Planted Trees

Biofuels

Arbor Day Tree Planting

Boston College Urban Ecology Institute

For ten years, the Urban Ecology Institute and its community and educational partners have been improving the health of urban ecosystems through environmental education, action, and advocacy programs. Our mission is to help urban communities build healthy, vibrant cities by educating residents about their environment, connecting them to each other, and engaging them in the transformation of their neighborhoods into places where people love to live

Environmental Science & Technology Frameworks

The Massachusetts Department of Education Career Vocational Technical Education Framework outlines competencies and learning standards for Environmental Scienc & Technology

Mass DOE VCTE

Mass DOE CVTE web page for Career Vocational Technical Education

Vernal Pools

Physical description of a vernal pool A vernal pool is a contained basin depression lacking a permanent above ground outlet. In the Northeast, it fills with water with the rising water table of fall and winter or with the meltwater and runoff of winter and spring snow and rain. Many vernal pools in the Northeast are covered with ice in the winter months. They contain water for a few months in the spring and early summer. By late summer, a vernal pool is generally (but not always) dry. Below are views of the same pool at three different times of the year.

Blackstone River Coalition

The Blackstone River Coalition (BRC) is a partnership of numerous organizations, businesses, agencies, municipalities and individuals working to restore the Blackstone River and to improve the health of the Blackstone River watershed. Worcester Technical High School students in the Environmental Technology program are currently working with the Blackstone River Coalition on a Healthy Communities Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.