The Effects of Environmental
Lead Poisoning on Human Health
James M. Buckley Jr.
Edwards-Knox Central School

Who are the main sufferers
from lead exposure?

Much of the lead problem is in
some older homes
Text in Arial black
28 point size – if possible
Nothing smaller than 24 point

• It is a real-life problem
• It has many ties to the curricula
Important reasons to teach
students about lead

This lead unit includes the
following components
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country PBL activity
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test

Begin the lead unit by taking 5-10 minutes
to give the students the pre-test.

Lead Unit Sequence
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country PBL activity
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test

Trouble in the Country
We will now experience working
through this PBL activity.

PBL Roles
1. Facilitator/Timekeeper
2. Recorder
3. Reader/Researcher
4. Spokesperson

Trouble in the Country
Part I: The Home and Amanda
• 5 minutes for reading and group research
• 5 minutes for reporting

Trouble in the Country
Part I: The Home and Amanda
• Complete Part I of
Trouble in the Country.

Trouble in the Country PBL
Part II: Dad and the Toddler
• Reading and Research
(10 min)
• Spokesperson reports
research results of the
group to the class (5 min)

Trouble in the Country
Part II: Dad and the Toddler
• Complete part two of
the Trouble in the
Country

Trouble in the Country
Part III: The Blood Test
• Reading and Research (10 min)
• Spokesperson reports research results of
the group to the class (5 min)

Trouble in the Country
Part III: The Blood Test
The family doctor arranged to have the
blood lead levels of each member of the
family tested.
The results of the blood test, with blood lead
levels listed in micrograms per deciliter are
listed in the table below.

Blood Lead Level Data
Family
Member
Age Blood Lead
Level μg/dL
Dad 32 10.2
Mom 28 6.0
Amanda 7 29.3
Meredith 2 41.8

Trouble in the Country
Part III: The Blood Test
The "normal" blood lead level range for children
below age 14 is 0.0 - 9.9 micrograms per
deciliter.
For individuals 15 and older, it is 0.0 - 24.9
micrograms per deciliter.
Questions to Consider:
1. Why could Dad have a higher concentration
of blood lead than Mom?

Trouble in the Country
Part III: The Blood Test
2. State some reasons Meredith would have a
higher concentration of blood lead than Amanda.

Trouble in the Country
Part IV: Call in the Consultant
• Reading passage (3 min)
• Discussion of culminating
experiences
(1 min brainstorm/3 min
discussion)

Some Possible Culminating
Experiences
1. Complete a poster listing lead sources and
remediation.
2. Write a consultant letter to the Yobgib family.
3. Write a sequel to this story.
4. Design a video to act out this story

Lead Unit Sequence
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country PBL activity
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test

PowerPoint Activities
The PowerPoint shows specific sources of
lead in and around the home.

Lead Problems may be both inside
and outside the home

Apparently Healthy Homes may
also have lead problems

Some Lead Sources

What’s Wrong with this
Picture?

What’s Wrong with this
Picture?

What’s Wrong with this
Picture?

What’s Wrong with this
Picture?

Lead Unit Sequence
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test

Home Lead Hazards Assessment
This assessment can be used with the
scenario and pictures provided with the
lesson. It does not have to be used in an
actual home.

Lead Unit Sequence
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country PBL
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test

Lead WebQuest
• The Lead WebQuest will take
approximately two 40-minute class periods.
• It consists of 17 questions.

Lead Unit Sequence
• Pre-test
• Trouble in the Country PBL activity
• Lead Hazards PowerPoint
• Home Lead Hazards Assessment
• Lead WebQuest
• Practice Questions
• Post-test