Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
Provided by: Goldman Environmental Foundation |Published on: August 21, 2025
Articles/Websites
6789101112
Synopsis
This resource introduces students to the story of Goldman Environmental Prize Winner Laurene Allen, who worked with scientists, government officials, and community members to stop the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant from polluting Merrimack, New Hampshire's water and air.
Students will understand that PFAS chemicals released from the plant were harming residents of Merrimack and surrounding towns, and that Laurene helped form Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water.
This inspirational story highlights the importance of citizen science and seeking the truth.
Students will love hearing how Laurene became a self-taught expert and fought against major corporations.
Prerequisites
It may benefit students to have a basic understanding of water contamination and governmental organizations in place to protect the safety of water and air.
Differentiation & Implementation
This guide from the Goldman Environmental Foundation is a companion resource with note-taking guides, activities, and questions that can be implemented with any of the videos for the prize winners.
Either before or after exploring Laurene Allen's story, students can research the harmful impacts of PFAS and how they are released into the environment. This resource, though it focuses on Wisconsin, can help students get a better understanding of the health risks associated with PFAS.
Teachers can connect this story to climate change by discussing the increasing issues of water scarcity due to climate change and the importance of clean water access.
Teachers can use this story as an example of the interconnectedness between the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly highlighting the connections between Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation.
To make connections to students' climate emotions, teachers can highlight how Laurene channeled her outrage, an emotion many young people may feel in response to inaction by people in power, into action.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
