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Planetary Notions 2002, Ten Years Old and Ready For A Change
Dear
Friends,
Welcome
to the first electronic edition of Planetary Notions! Planetary
Notions is an environmental publication that functions as a compilation
of discussions and projects that have been happening all year on topics
of environmental importance to students all around the world. Topics range
from local environmental problems such as disposal of sewage water into
the Saida seashore, to global issues like population growth and global
warming. As a project of iEARN (the International Education and
Research Network), Planetary Notions online further achieves iEARN's
goal of engaging young people in collaborative education projects by using
new technologies, such as the internet.
The idea to go electronic was very simple:
Planetary Notions works through the internet all year, why shouldn't
the final product be available on the computer as well? Not only does
it save a great amount of paper (PN is, of course, an environmentally
conscious publication), but it can be viewed by an infinite number of
people! It will never be lost or soiled, either. Of course, if you are
unable to access the site or use the CD, hard copies are availabe. Contact
me or Hans and we'll mail them to you.
Being the editor of Planetary Notions
has been quite a learning experience for me. Stuyvesant High School
is in its second year as facilitator of PN, and this is my first
year being involved in an iEARN project. Not only have I learned
a thing or two about computers (this is the first website I've had anything
to do with), but I've learned about environmental problems facing people
thousands of miles away. Planetary Notions does a wonderful job
of creating a community of students with diverse backrounds and opinions,
joined in concern for the environment, and a desire to learn all they
can in order to make positive changes on the world around them. This publication
also allows students to express themselves through mediums other than
writing: poetry, artwork and photographs are all used by students to illustrate
their thoughts and opinions.
Planetary Notions is ten years old
this year, and is now taking new steps in its development. I've
had the privilege of working with a former PN facilitator, Jim
Van Tassell, who has given me valuable insight as well as technical help
in putting this together. Jay Holmes of YouthCaN NYC has also
provided advice and support. Finally, I'd like to thank Hans
Villamil also of YouthCaN NYC, who has taught me everything I know about
computers, and has been so dedicated and energetic in the construction
of this site.
I hope that you enjoy reading the students'
articles and poems and look through the beautiful photographs and drawings. If
you are not already active in Planetary Notions, I invite you to
participate in the discussions taking place at iearn.environ, and
help to make next year's Planetary Notions the best ever!
Sincerely,
Ariela Zamcheck
Stuyvesant HS, NYC USA
Arilime202@aol.com
Hello
reader of Planetary Notions,
I am Hans Villamil, co-editor of this project. I am from New York city
and attend grade 11 in Forest Hills High School. I was first introduced
to PN through another iEARN project called YouthCaN. YouthCaN is a non-profit
organization run by youth for youth that connects, inspires, and educate
youth about environmental issues. Many YouthCaNers have written articles
for this project in the past, this year I was given the opportunity to
be a important part of PN.
Sincerely,
Hans Villamil
Forest Hills HS, NYC USA
hvillamil@yahoo.com
The whole Planetary Notions
staff would like to thank everyone who contributed to the discussions
on the forum, the articles on this site, pictures, poems, thoughts, advice,
anything! Even though not everything submitted is actually on this site,
remember that this is just a sample of what is on the forum! All your
work is greatly appreciated. Without you, there would be nothing at all!