Unit 1 Assessment – Environmental Literacy Plan – Phase I

Instructions

Evaluation Title: Environmental Literacy Plan – Phase I

In this first phase of the Environmental Literacy Plan Project, you will be collecting information about your community. The term “community-based environmental protection” clearly implies that it is just that – community-based. It must draw upon the community’s experience and reflect its member’s values and interests. So if you are to develop strategies that address specific environmental concerns, you need to know what those concerns are, why they are important and who considers them important. Use this phase to identify what information will help you understand your community and its interests.

Research the following about your community (A community would be a township, city, town, or village where you live.):

• Take five (5) pictures of the environment in your community, including parks, ponds, nature reserves, etc. Label these images with a title and location.
• What is the current population of the community? Locate census data for the population of the community over the last 5 years. Plot it on a graph to show how the population has changed over the last 5 years. Based on this information, can you predict what the population will be 5 years from now? Include the prediction on the graph as well.
• What is the population per square mile?
• Other demographic information to locate includes: Does the community attract a seasonal population (e.g. university students, wintering retirees, or summering vacationers)? Why would this be a danger to the environment of the community? What are the basic population statistics (e.g. size, density, spatial distribution, age distribution, ethnicity, typical family size, and structure) in the community?
• How does the demographics of a community affect the environment? Provide three (3) examples.
• How would you describe the economic health and vitality of the community (e.g. what is the average per capita income)?
• Using Google Earth, locate your community. Take a screenshot of your community from an aerial view. Mark the habitats on the map. Make note of habitat degradation, fragmentation, and destruction.
• Does your community have an environment center or group? Make sure to note their information and what they do for the community.
• Are there community events in your area (or surrounding area)? Trash pickups in community areas, leaf pickup, mandatory recycling, etc.
• Do a local media search to see what types of environmental issues have been covered. Include a summary of three (3) articles that you find and describe the nature of those issues.
• What is the impact of the choices of the community on the habitats and environment around you?

Format this information using the template provided or create your own template. You may also modify the template layout as long as it meets all of the assignment requirements. 

Validate your statements and opinions with supporting evidence (citations and references) in APA form.

Submit:

• Environmental Literacy Plan – Phase I for your community (PDF or Word document)

Estimated time to complete: 5 hours