Authors: Ebru Z. Mugaloglu and Zerrin Doganca

Abstract: The focus of this paper is to demonstrate environmental experiments that were designed by pre-service teachers. Supportive lesson materials and PowerPoint presentations prepared by pre-service teachers are demonstrated along with three environmental experiments in an environmental education program. This program had been applied to 96 pre-service science teachers in a public university in Turkey. The data indicated that pre-service teachers had pro-environmental attitude and their environmental knowledge level subsequently improved.

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Authors: Emine Erktin and Sema Soygeniş

Abstract: Quality of the built environment poses a vital problem for developing countries. While this issue has multi-facets and involves many parties, we want to concentrate on the education and the educational environments. This paper discusses a research study carried out in the investigation of the relationship between the perception of the quality of the built environment, spatial perception, geometric thought and math performance of Turkish children. The study was part of a project aimed at developing children’s awareness for the physical environment. As the responses of children from different physical environments were examined, information on children’s perceptions and attitudes towards the built environment was obtained. The hypothesized relationship between affective and cognitive characteristics related with the built environment was observed.

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Authors: Mert Guney and Turgut T. Onay

Abstract: Management of construction and demolition wastes (CDW) from disasters was discussed within the perspective of integrated solid waste management principles by evaluating different management options and technologies. CDW, which consist of an important part of the solid waste stream in many communities, is suitable to environmentally favorable waste management practices i.e. reuse and recycling. Although most of the CDW is generated from daily construction, renovation and demolition activities, natural and man-made disasters may generate one-time very high amounts of waste with specific properties depending on the type of the disaster. Efficient management of CDW based on integrated waste management principles is critical in order to deal with it without damaging the environment and achieving high reuse and recycling rates. Management of CDW from disasters can be further successful when a detailed management plan is prepared before the happening of disaster.

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Authors: Klaus Klein, Robert J. McDermott, Dale O. Ritzel, Sandra Vamos

Abstract: The second winter meeting of the International Consortium for Interdisciplinary Education about Health and the Environment was held under the auspices of the International Office of the University of Cologne, the Institute of Biology and its Didactics, the Abwasserforum e.V. Köln, and the Gesellschaft für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Kommunikation, December 18-20, 2008 at the University of Cologne, Germany. Several presentations and follow-up discussions ensued. This paper reiterates the purpose and philosophy of the Consortium and the need for interdisciplinary thinking about the linkages between the environment and health.

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Authors: Mary P. Martinasek, Christian Watamaleo, Claudia X. Aguado Loi,  Cynthia Pace, Selina Radlein

Abstract: Environmental ethics have many different facets. The proceeding discussions focus on international water-related ethics citing two specific case examples, the Gulf of Mexico and the Baltic Sea. This paper also defines ethics, cites specific water-related examples, discusses stakeholder actions, and offers recommendations to bridge an understanding of an environmental ethic among lay individuals, ecologists, and industrialists.

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Authors: Patricia Stubenberg Parisian, Natalia Vargas, Melissa C. Mercado-Crespo, Ursula D. Hahn

Abstract: International experiences in education have led historically to achievements in discovery, research, and cross-cultural collaborations among higher education institutions and their students. The benefits and barriers to study abroad programs, along with the desire to learn from other cultures by embracing academic and human connections, provides valuable lessons for the professional preparation of higher education students. This paper reviews lessons learned from a summer health education study abroad experience. Recommendations in training graduate students with a global perspective – highly valued in today’s job market – are provided as means to further enrich their human potential.

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Author: Claus Reinhardt

Abstract: UV protection of children is an ever-increasing concern because skin cancer incidence continues to rise. Whereas many programs have been developed, most studies show that only minor behavior changes occur. For this study we targeted not the children themselves but one of their most important role models, the nursery school teachers. Eighteen nursery school teacher trainees were invited to take part in this study of their knowledge and attitudes concerning UV protection. Subsequently, they took part in a project that included a teaching a unit that integrated various subject areas (e.g., Biology, Educational Sciences, Mathematics, German, Religion, Sports, and English [as a foreign language]). After they completed the teaching unit their knowledge and attitudes were assessed again. Results demonstrated that the trainees themselves pursued sun-seeking practices. Before teaching the unit, their knowledge concerning UV protection was incomplete and employing specific measures to protect children were unclear. After teaching the unit they showed more interest in protecting children from the sun and demonstrated better knowledge and more favorable attitudes about protection. Their own intentions to pursue sun-seeking behavior remained unchanged.

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Authors: Dale O. Ritzel and Dhitinut Ratnapradipa

Abstract: The floods on the Mississippi River in 1993 and 2008 had great consequences for the environment and health of individuals living near the river. This paper reviews the effects of the flooding and provides an overview of the associated environmental issues. In addition, the occupational safety and health concerns, disease prevention issues, injury prevention activities, and appropriate house cleanup actions after a flood are discussed.

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Authors: Tara Trudnak, Donna Burton, Jaime Myers, Caitlin Stowe, Jamie Drake

Abstract: Science and ideology have been in conflict throughout history. This paper highlights some contemporary public and environmental health debates that have been influenced by a science vs. ideology perspective. We examine the role of public health professionals in bridging the gap between science and ideology using several examples where this conflict exists such as in the issues of global warming, cigarette smoking and the use of immunizations.

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Author: Sandra Vamos

Abstract: Since ancient times, students have received teachings of how to live a “good life.” Throughout the dialogues of Plato, Socrates took the view that if we know what the good life is than we will lead it. The modernization of Greek philosophers’ search for well- being has led into progress over the years clarifying how we think about our ‘quality of life’ and how we use it in our lives. Despite the development of international definitions, indexes, and indicators for today’s quality of life, there is a need to integrate quality of life indicators along with its key determinants within a school health perspective. Exploration of the phenomenon of quality of life to maximize educational objectives while achieving the goals of public health requires a holistic approach. Health Promoting Schools is a collaborative process, which draws upon underpinnings of the Ottawa Charter, and reflects socio-ecological levels of influence. Carrying on the philosophy of Socrates, this article concentrates on the dialectical examination of basic ethical issues in today’s Canadian context: What is quality of life? Why should quality of life be addressed in schools? Specifically, why should the social environmental indicators within the quality of life be addressed in schools? Integration of the social environment indicators, identified by Canadians as priority themes influencing quality of life, by educators into curricula will only empower students in this aspect of well-being. This article provides a conceptual and visual model illustrating the links between quality of life indicators and educational objectives to facilitate practical pedagogical strategies.

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Authors: Sandra Vamos, Julia Hayos, Laura MacNiven

Abstract: Today’s youth face significant health and environmental risks that can be offset by health and ecological literacy levels. The school setting has been deemed an instrumental institution for the development of empowered decision-makers across the lifespan. This paper recommends a curricular framework that is based on the concepts of health literacy, ecological literacy and empowerment theory and is informed by American National Health Education Standards (NHES) in order to foster the reciprocal relationship of health and the environment through skills-based pedagogy. Using the social environmental indicator within the quality of life index as an exemplar, this paper outlines a framework in the context of Vancouver, Canada related to leisure and recreational use of water. To instill and maintain high quality of life, individuals must be empowered to access, comprehend, evaluate and communicate information for health and the environment across the life-course.

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