Fish & Mercury – Poison On Our Plates

Students were introduced to mercury contamination in fish with a 7-question pre-test of their Mercury IQ. Using the internet they researched questions: How does mercury get into fish? Who is affected? What can I do to help? They studied the Mercury Cycle and made posters of it, including a huge fish replica that they made. Students listened to ­­­­­­Jon Desmond, representing a fish market, and gained information on the importance of keeping fish fresh and cold. They learned about the safety regulations pertaining to buying fish. Federal regulations require that stores post warning signs of possible contamination. We went to a store in Charlestown and saw no posting. The students also went in their home neighborhoods. No student reported seeing a warning sign. The post test on the Mercury Cycle yielded almost 100% accuracy from my special education students.Annie Podkaminer, from the Urban Ecology Institute (UEI), provided the students with an informational chart on mercury contamination levels (low, moderate and high) in certain species of fish. She listened as various students explained the Mercury Cycle to her. Our goal was to increase awareness among students about the danger of mercury pollution to fish, a vital portion of our food chain. The benefits of eating fish now outweigh the risks, but it is important for people to learn about potential dangers. Contamination can be reduced. In the meantime, proper warnings should be displayed at food markets.