WInSTEP Environmental Health Science Program: FAQs

There are several animal care protocols and documents available:

For all modules, we recommend teachers select just a few activities that they are comfortable to start with and then add other activities or complexity in subsequent years as they become more familiar with the modules. The following are additional suggestions for the zebrafish and earthworm modules specifically:

• Zebrafish Module: Have students observe and record normal embryo development; complete various pre-investigation activities in Section 4: Instructional Guide of the module; start with a basic variable such as temperature, salt, or pH on embryo development.
• Earthworm Module: There are numerous pre-investigation activities that teachers can pick and choose from to introduce the earthworm module. They are outlined in the beginning of Section 2: Instructional Guide for Teachers of the module. For example, students could observe normal earthworm movements to understand basic structure and function; compare earthworm and human nervous systems; or explore the startle response in earthworms. Students could just complete one of the experiments, such as Simple Sensorimotor Reactions or the Effect of Soil Type on Behavior Responses. 
  • Year 1: Neuromuscular Responses to Environmental Stimuli
  • Year 2: Chemicals in the Soil: Effects on Burrowing Behavior; Physics of Soil: Role in Toxicity
  • Year 3: Life in 2 Variables: Role of ART in Toxicity
• Fathead Minnow Module: 
  • Year 1: Pb as an Endocrine Disruptor: Behavior as a Window to Physiology; (Bio)Chemistry of Pb
  • Year 2: Histopathology of Adult Pb Exposure; Changing the Parameters, Adding Variables
  • Year 3: Using Science to Affect Public Policy
• Learning and Memory Module: 
  • Year 1: Developmental Pb, MeHg Exposures and Adult Learning; Using Data Mining Techniques; Student Choice of Chemical Exposure
  • Year 2: Double Reversal; Role of Environmental & Social Enrichment; Comparisons (Sex, Species)
  • Year 3: Transgenerational Effects; Modifications of T-maze

We have created several instructional videos to help teachers and students better understand how to create effective scientific posters. The first video explains the basics of poster design and the important elements that should be included. The remaining videos provide critiques of 3 student posters, including strengths and weaknesses of the various poster sections.  Pdf versions of the posters are also included, which can be viewed or printed to follow along with the instructional videos.

Yes, there are many programs available that students can participate in that provide excellent opportunities to take the research experience to the next level, even while still in high school. Attached is a list of numerous programs available throughout the U.S., with links to the program’s websites.

Below are parent/guardian letters for each module describing the ethical use of animals in the program.