Don’t worry, going back to high school isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. In 2024, The Teaching Press created a classroom set of our favorite “foldie-outtie” book, Lower Fox River PCB Clean-Up Timeline, for students at East Appleton High School. In this exclusive interview, we had the chance to speak with environmental science teacher Ryan Marx about his plans to use this book as a teaching tool.
Mr. Marx’s Students
What made you want to use the Lower Fox River PCB Clean-up Timeline book for your classes?
I have been interested in PCBs ever since learning about the biomagnification of PCBs from Professor Bart Destasio at Lawrence University. When I heard about the book at the Fox River Symposium, I was eager to get it and share it with my students.
The classroom set in action
What are your thoughts on using physical books over digital books in the classroom?
I love the physical timeline books. It is apparent a great deal of thought went into planning them. They are user-friendly and easy to read. I especially appreciate that students can do research and learn about the problems associated with PCBs in the nearby Fox River based on the book’s timeline.
What drew you to teaching about the environment, or conservation—and specifically the waterways of Wisconsin?
I have always believed in the importance of teaching about the environment. The Fox River Watershed Program, however, helped take my passion for what is going on right here in our communities to a new level. As students learn about the watersheds, it is exciting for me to see them start to be aware of how they as individuals can have a positive impact on what goes into our waterways and encourage others to do the same.
What were students’ reactions to the book?
Students really like the timeline format of the books. They seem impressed and fascinated with the research that went into it and how it was all put together in such an effective way.
The “foldie-outtie” pages have completely captivated these students!
How long have you been a high school teacher, and what drew you to teaching high school students?
25 years. High school students are at an age where they have matured enough to show an interest in and appreciation for the environment. I love sharing my love of the outdoors with them and seeing them begin to care about the world around them.
As a teacher and reader, do you have any words or feedback for the determined college students at The Teaching Press at UW-Green Bay who made these books for your class?
I love the books and am so grateful for the thought, time, energy, and genuine concern for the watersheds that went into them. Most of all, I am encouraged about how the books have the ability to teach students the unintended consequences of producing carbonless paper and how it has impacted the health of the Fox and Lower Green Bay.
This interview was conducted by Press intern Alex Guerro and edited for clarity by Publicity Director Allie Wendricks.
Interested in adopting one of The Teaching Press’s titles for your class? Please contact the Press Director at teachingpress@uwgb.edu to learn more!
Learn more about The Lower Fox River PCB Clean-Up Book here.
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