| Students find carbon footprint (5/09) | | Print | |
| Written by Aaron Pramana | |
| Friday, 22 May 2009 | |
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Biology teacher Mark Wenning said he hopes the project will increase students’ understanding of the day-to-day impact they have on the environment while using technology to make the assignment more interactive. The students are using cell phones equipped with Global Positioning System tracking technology to measure a number of factors that affect the environment, including the distances they travel, methods of transportation and even exposure to fast food restaurants, according to Wenning. “The system tracks speed and analyzes bus routes to determine students’ method of transportation. It uses this information to gauge their carbon dioxide emissions.” The San Francisco-based Go Green Foundation is organizing the project in public and private high schools in the city. Participants have been loaned a Nokia N95 cell phone with wireless service courtesy of AT&T Inc. The students’ information will generate a Personal Environmental Impact Report (www.peir.cens.ucla.edu), using a tool designed by the University of California - Los Angeles researchers. Students can also use the PEIR Facebook application (www.facebook.com) to track their progress. Students appreciated the extra credit opportunity for interactive learning. “I volunteered to do this project so that I can learn about the effects I have on the environment and know what I can do to reduce my carbon footprint,” freshman biology student Will Simons said. “It’s also a great chance to try out new technology.” Wenning inquired about the program after hearing that students at the Urban School of San Francisco were participating in the project. “If students are able to see how much carbon they produce, they’ll become more aware of the impact they have on the environment,” he said. The students began tracking their carbon footprints in early May and are finishing the project today. Wenning hopes to extend the project to more students in the school. “Next year, we plan to expand the project to track students’ methods of transportation using an honor system instead of cell phones,” Wenning said. “I’m hoping at least half the school will be able to participate if we use such a system.” Share this article:           |
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