CECsci.189


TITLE:    TO DIAPER OR NOT TO

AUTHOR:   JERRY MOHAR, LYLE HIGH SCHOOL; LYLE, WASH.

GRADE LEVEL:   APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 7-12

OVERVIEW:
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DISPOSABLE DIAPERS IS A DEBATE
WHICH CAN BE DISCUSSED AT ANY GRADE LEVEL AS AN AWARENESS TO
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF TODAY.  USE OF DIAPERS AS TOOL
OF OBSERVATION AND DISCUSSION CAN BE ENLIGHTENING AND
REWARDING IN LEADING A DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

OBJECTIVE(s):  STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.  LIST THE MATERIALS USED IN DISPOSABLE DIAPERS.
2.  LIST THE FUNCTIONS OF DIAPERS.
3.  IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AROUND DIAPERS IN
    LANDFILLS.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.  OBTAIN ONE CLEAN UNUSED DISPOSABLE DIAPER.
2.  PAPER CUP OR GLASS WITH 1/2 CUP OF WATER.
3.  CONSTRUCT A CHART DIAPER FUNCTIONS, LIST OF DIAPER
    MATERIALS.
4.  DISSECT THE DISPOSABLE DIAPER.
5.  DISCUSSION OF THE MATERIAL FOUND IN DIAPERS AFTER
    MIXING IT WITH WATER.
    CAN A BETTER DIAPER BE DESIGNED?
6.  WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THESE DIAPERS ON
    LAND FILLS.

     AFTER MIXING IT WITH WATER.
     CAN A BETTER DIAPER BE DESIGNED?

7.  WHAT IS THE IMPERMEABLE?