Waste Management
Pennsylvania is one of the largest importers of trash.  Trash from other states fills our landfills. Yet, research has shown that landfills are not safe for long-term waste disposal.  Landfills leak toxic chemicals into our air and water.

Students will research the chemical processes at work in landfills (3.4.12 A-B, 3.6.12 A), everything from the decomposition of various forms of waste, the release of gases from the landfill, and the contamination of ground water caused by the landfill.  The landfill will be a focal point from which to engage students in the course content, i.e. chemistry.