How to use the module
The module content was compiled from existing literature and from the numerous resources available on Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Along with the content, quizzes, games, and exercises have been included to engage users in the module. But the content and the activities presented are by no means comprehensive or complete, and are meant only to provide a basic overview of EMS concepts.
The instructional objectives of this module are for users (after completing the module fully and successfully) to:
- define environmental management systems and its major steps,
- explain the systems approach and apply it to analyze sample problems,
- analyze activities, aspects, and impacts related to sample environmental problems,
- apply EMS principles to develop solutions to simple problems, and
- use simple analytical tools to apply EMS.
The EMS module and its activities can be integrated into the core areas of school curricula to emphasize relevant concepts as indicated below:
- Mathematics – measures of solids, liquids, and gases; costs of materials and activities; comparison of numerical targets, etc.
- Fine arts – development of concept maps, organizational charts, team building exercises, role playing of scenarios, etc.
- English language arts – interview questions development, document preparation, reading and comprehension of basic environmental labels on products, communication of information to team members, etc.
- Social science – discussions on social interactions between human consumption and the environment, individual and corporate responsibilities, decision-making, etc.
- Science – environmental science concepts, pollutants, etc.,
- Physical development and health – health concepts and issues, health promotion, impact of pollution on humans and animals, etc.
- Foreign languages – global impact of pollution, importance of communicating across cultures, language issues in documentation, labeling, etc.
The module can be assigned as a self-paced learning activity to students along with a team project for EMS implementation in the school or the nearby community.
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