Warning: Harsh words on the way today. This jargon-laden kids‘ “game” found on the EPA’s website, perfectly illustrates the attitude and behavior I started this blog (and company) to address — a self-indulgent fascination with our own shop talk that turns off people who would otherwise support what we are doing.
Up for critique today is a kids word-finder puzzle — and the words the kids look for include such jargon as “nonpoint source,” “BMP,” and “Xeriscape.”
Most of us have the sense to know that any children young enough to enjoy a word-finder puzzle is probably still learning to count and are not ready to tackle the concept of a BMP. But somebody at EPA apparently does not — and it’s simply bad for the agency’s reputation to send a signal that it is so wildly out of touch with families and children.
Somebody at the EPA Office of Water needs to show some leadership here: Take this embarrassing thing down, or have it reworked by somebody who actually has some children. Otherwise the next time you put out some regulation with the rationale that it will protect children, there will be some parents out there who think to themselves, “Yeah, but what does EPA know about kids?”
Thanks to Alicia for pointing this one out.
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Oh, I don’t know…my fourth-grader would probably love this. Heck, I still like word-finds. *grin* But the words need to have definitions, I think. Well, some of them, anyway, like ‘xeriscape.’ Or maybe they do have them on the page, it just doesn’t show up with this clip.
I agree with Kelly–this might be a fun and educational game for kids IF coupled with pictures (which they could color!) illustrating the meanings of the vocabularly words. It would be a good game to go along with a “What is a Watershed” type lesson.
Kids are one of the few audiences who might actually be entertained by learning vocabulary words. My nine year old god son delights in this sort of thing and always surprises me with what he picks up, like the other day when we were digging in my flower bed and he held up a crawly critter and yelled “Look, a nematode!”
I agree with Kelly and Katie. To the right age level, this could be a terrific learning experience coupled with other information. We need to train the next generation to learn these words and carry on our important work.
For what it’s worth, the webpage that this puzzle comes from does have a narrative at the top explaining many of the words. (http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/word.html) And, while it’s called a “Kids Page” it appears to be directed towards the middle school level.
Normally, I agree with you, Eric, but I think you missed on this one. And, no, this is not the “Alicia” who pointed this out.
Have to agree with the previous two posts—on its own, this word find would be punishing. But as a tool for reinforcing school curriculum or other enviro-educational outreach, it makes learning these concepts a bit more fun. Sure, these terms should be used sparingly in our outreach, but they need to work their way gradually into our public lexicon. When supported by additional resources, a non-threatening learning tool like a word find is a good way to start.
I agree with Eric. This is the kind of distraction produced by many polluting corporations and donated to schools.
Tap this same energy in kids with other games that actually teach them what an intact watershed looks like… what crigtters live there and why. Take a lesson from Ranger Rick.
Jargon is essential for scientific precision, but it can be learned later. Focus on concepts first.
The idea of teaching kids vocabulary words is great, and I agree with Katie that kids are the most likely audience to pick these words up. But are we trying to teach them vocabulary words, or are we trying to instill in them an awareness about the environment and encouragement that they can make a difference? I’d argue that a word search such as this one (http://www.abcteach.com/wordpuzzles/WordSearches/environment.htm) with active, positive words like “reuse,” “try” and “help” is a more practical lesson for helping kids understand the cause we’re all working towards.
I don’t think the definitions EPA supplies are really helpful, either…”A more technical approach can be used which includes the implementation of best management practices ( BMP)…Examples of BMPs include, erosion control techniques like silt fencing, establishment of riparian (vegetated) zones next to waterbodies to filter out pollutants, and xeriscapei landscaping which incorporates native species, proper irrigation, mulches, and appropriate maintenance schedules.” I’m not a teacher or a parent, but if I were I don’t imagine I’d give my kids something that discussed silt fencing and appropriate maintenance schedules–never mind the typos and grammatical errors. Furthermore, with the black Times New Roman font on a white background, the page looks like someone slapped it up on the Web in 1997 and hasn’t touched it since.
If you don’t think the word search is so bad, check out “What’s wrong with this picture?” (http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/whatwrng.htm), which is what originally motivated me to pass this link on to Eric.
As a long time environmnetal educator, I have spent literally years trying to “enlighten” the unwashed masses to understand the ecological concepts that are so important to my work. I have also undergone the same changes Eric has and I find much of this jargon pointless in trying to actually impact behavior!
It’s time to leave the shop talk in the shop where it belongs and speak to the public in terms that mean something to them. When I look back at the methods I used to use I see that it was often a function of my own arrogance and not really an attempt to communicate with people in a meaningful way. Speaking simply and clearly is not “dumbing down” it’s just smart communication!
Gary
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