Teacher Spotlight: Michael Aitkenhead

Michael Aitkenhead, a teacher at Staples High School in Newport, Conn., considers his AP Environmental Science class to be one of the most interdisciplinary courses in the school. By bringing other academic disciplines and real-life topics such as social, political and economic issues under the umbrella of environmental science, Aitkenhead is helping his students see that environmental issues are woven throughout our society and culture.

"In taking this approach students are better able to relate and identify with the content, allowing them to connect with the issues taught and to care deeply about what they are learning," Aitkenhead said.

Aitkenhead said he believes environmental science allows students to develop their problem-solving skills. By presenting his students with environmental case studies, Aitkenhead challenges them to understand that problems in the real world are rarely black and white. Students learn to gather information before reaching a conclusion and that there is often more than one solution to a problem, each with its own set of costs or drawbacks.

"These tools are certainly critical when it comes to environmental issues, but the skills they learn in this context are applicable throughout their lives," Aitkenhead said.

Aitkenhead encourages his students to get involved in projects and activities in the local community so that they can see first hand how their actions make a difference. Aitkenhead believes that when students feel their actions can affect environmental issues they can better relate with the topics discussed in class.

"I find that many students become intimidated by some of the other sciences or feel that the knowledge learned in those classes isn't applicable in their own lives," Aitkenhead said. "Environmental science can be used as a hook to draw students into the sciences and to foster good scientific inquiry."

Aitkenhead has worked with the school administration, parents and community groups to start green initiatives at Staples High School, including the installation of an edible garden. The PTA and building principal awarded Aitkenhead a grant to develop a new "ecotech" class in which students design and build various environmental technologies.

Aitkenhead said that perhaps the greatest reward has been the number of students that have gone on to pursue environmental majors in college. Many students attribute their decisions to study the environment to their participation in Aitkenhead's class

Submitted by Michael Aitkenhead, Staples High School

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