[Catalist] Science Depth Studies: S-S Investigations: Artificial Grass versus Real Grass

[Michael McGarry]

Greetings Science Colleagues,


I consider that Earth and Environmental Science is an encompassing science subject that draws together and applies relevant science concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and geology especially if Earth and Environmental Science is taught within the preferred framework of Earth System Science (ESS) URL 1: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/earthsystem/nutshell/index.html <http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/earthsystem/nutshell/index.html>.


My Australian [Year Levels 7 to 10] Earth and Space Sciences interactive PDF curriculum modules, which can be free downloaded from ASTA’s professional Learning Portal, URL 2: http://moodle.asta.edu.au <http://moodle.asta.edu.au/>, use the unifying Earth System Science approach to illustrate the dynamic interactions between the five (5) major subsystems of System Earth, URL 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_system_science <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_system_science>.


I have reviewed the NSW ESA Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Course.


URL 4: https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/earth-and-environmental-science-stage6/ <https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/earth-and-environmental-science-stage6/>.


I am currently engaged in the design of a Secondary-Sourced (S-S) Investigation for the NSW ESA Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Course: URL 5: https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/earth-and-environmental-science-stage6/depth-studies/ <https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/earth-and-environmental-science-stage6/depth-studies/>.


My suggested EES Stage 6 Secondary-Sourced Investigation is a Scientific Analysis of the benefits and dis-benefits of Artificial Grass versus Real Grass.


I suggest that Stage 6 Secondary-Sourced Investigations require: Deep (Science) Conceptual Understandings, demonstration of Mathematical manipulations, and acquisition of procedural skills of Working Scientifically.


Relevant Science Concepts: [This list of concepts should be organised into a Concept Map into which major and supporting ancillary concepts are located.]


URL 6: https://msu.edu/~luckie/ctools/ <https://msu.edu/~luckie/ctools/>
For example: Urban Heat Island (UHI) Index, Carbon sink, Greenhouse gases, Global warming, Photosynthesis and Respiration, Insolation, Albedo, Radiated heat, Cooling effect of water evaporation, Embedded energy during manufacture, Destruction of wildlife habitats and ecosystems, Disposal of biodegradable versus non-biodegradable materials, Characteristics of polymers (plastics). [Please Note: Other relevant concepts will be identified during construction of the essential concept map.]


Primary Inquiry Investigations:


For example: Measurement of evaporative loss of water from a square metre of artificial and real grass, Measurement of ambient air temperature above surface of artificial grass and real grass, and Water runoff from artificial grass and real grass, and Flooding.


Online Resources:


URL 7: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/west-beaches/glenelg-to-ban-fake-turf-on-verges/news-story/8949faa1675bc73d230a3e5ea2e51c5d <http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/west-beaches/glenelg-to-ban-fake-turf-on-verges/news-story/8949faa1675bc73d230a3e5ea2e51c5d>
URL 8: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/default/SyntheticTurf_Nature_Strips_Policy.pdf <http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/default/SyntheticTurf_Nature_Strips_Policy.pdf>
URL 9: https://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/Toronto%20Public%20Health/Healthy%20Public%20Policy/Built%20Environment/Files/pdf/H/HIA_on_Artificial_Turf_Summary_Report_Final_2015-04-01.pdf <https://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/Toronto%20Public%20Health/Healthy%20Public%20Policy/Built%20Environment/Files/pdf/H/HIA_on_Artificial_Turf_Summary_Report_Final_2015-04-01.pdf>
URL 10: http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/2009JAMC2198.1 <http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/2009JAMC2198.1>
URL 11: http://ehia.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/CoolCommunities.pdf <http://ehia.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/CoolCommunities.pdf>
URL 12: http://www.aila.org.au/imis_prod/documents/AILA/Governance/Position%20Statement%20Cool%20Cities_for%20review_final.pdf <http://www.aila.org.au/imis_prod/documents/AILA/Governance/Position%20Statement%20Cool%20Cities_for%20review_final.pdf>
URL 13: http://www.belmont.wa.gov.au/CouncillorPortal/CouncillorMinuteAndMeeting/Minutes%20and%20Agendas%20Documents/Attachment%2010%20-%20Item%2012.9%20refers%20Urban%20Forest%20Strategy.pdf <http://www.belmont.wa.gov.au/CouncillorPortal/CouncillorMinuteAndMeeting/Minutes%20and%20Agendas%20Documents/Attachment%2010%20-%20Item%2012.9%20refers%20Urban%20Forest%20Strategy.pdf>
URL 14: https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/facility-management/developing-facilities/natural-grass-vs-synthetic-turf-study-report/sport-specific-requirements <https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/facility-management/developing-facilities/natural-grass-vs-synthetic-turf-study-report/sport-specific-requirements>
URL 15: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/04/growth-in-artificial-lawns-poses-threat-to-british-wildlife-conservationists-warn <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/04/growth-in-artificial-lawns-poses-threat-to-british-wildlife-conservationists-warn>
URL 16: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island>
Given the overall harmful scientific impact of artificial grass on habitats and ecosystems, all Local Government Councils in Australia should ban the installation of artificial grass on street verges.


Best Wishes,


Michael John McGarry

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