According to research published in the January issue of BioSciene, “Most college students in the United States do not grasp the scientific basis of the carbon cycle – an essential skill in understanding the causes and consequences of climate change.”
More than 500 students at 13 U.S. colleges were assessed to test their fundamental science knowledge. Many students fail to apply scientific principles to their daily activities. Without the knowledge about the conservation of matter, students are not aware of the impact they make on the world.
Students typically explain their weight loss as the fat “melting away” or was “burned off”. According to Energy Weekly News, “In reality, the atoms in fat molecules leave the body (mostly through breathing) and enter the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and water.
Researchers also said the textbooks read by high-school and college students need to do a better job teaching the scientific fundamentals. Charles Anderson, MSU professor of teacher education and co-investigator on the project, said “Instructors should help students understand that the use of such “everyday, informal reasoning” runs counter to true scientific literacy.”
The most important environmental problem is global climate change. Anderson is interested in students’ understanding of environmental problems.
This article is another source that shows students are not aware of global climate change and how the issue is continuously rising. During our campaign, my group will inform students on the impact they make and how they can make an effective change one by one.
Citation:
Oxides; College students lack scientific literacy, study finds. (2011, January). Energy Weekly News,407. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry. (Document ID: 2242986601).
I believe students really don't realize that a little can go a long way in relation to sustainable habits. I think that informing the students about their personal impact can go a long way. The masses won't be moved to action until they realize the harm that is being done. During our campaign, all the groups should make an effort to inform students about the impacts they make. Successfully educating the public is the first step toward awareness. Awareness may then lead to concern. After becoming concerned, people will take action. In this case, they'll vote for the implementation of the student green energy fund.
ReplyDeleteThis was so interesting to read because as a student, I know that I don't factor sciecne into my daily activities. This is both scary but also an eye opening observation and it really tapes into the issue at hand. How do we make Famu's student body realize that they're daily activities can be a henderence to our ever changing climate. So as a tactic the "Green Coalition" could come up with a campaign that strikes shock among the student body. The "Shock" factor has longevity if done correctly. But not only does this apply to students but the surrounding community also. Although climate change has been pushed to forefront in recent year it still continues to take a back seat to other issues.
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