Environmental Science Project

Task assignments to do prior to field work

 

Task groups

 

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Stacie Calton

Alvaro Azero

Paola Zannier

Antonio L.

Ricardo Urquidi

Pablo Cuadros

Sergio Ponce

Angelica O.

Diego Camacho

Bruno V.

Valeria Luzio

Alexia G.

Antonio G.

Jesús Mercado

Andrea B.

Franshely DLZ

Johnny La F.

Guido Vildozo

Pamela P.

Stephanie V.

Ibelisse

Luis Morales

Francisco L.

Emile B.

Pamela R.

Marcio Chavez

Michelle Boero

Kevin B.

Camila R.

Andrea R.

Raul B.

Enrique L.

Luis Soto

Rolando S.

Carla Cossio

Francisca P.

Maggie V.

Natalia Frias

Diego Chang

Diego R.

Melina Portillo

Miguel Shultz

Danilo Olguin

Carolina E.

 

 

Mario Lopez

Young Lee

 

Tasks

All tasks should be completed and handed in by individuals no later than Monday 23rd May.

 

Group 1: Issues in waste disposal

 

Members of this group will investigate issues in waste management and disposal.

Tasks

Research and answer the following questions:

·        What is waste management?

·        What are the possible ways to manage waste? 

·        What are the benefits and costs of each option? (think of energy, economic, social and environmental costs)  Which are the best options for waste management in Cochabamba?

Work with members of other groups to help them, especially with category lists for trach survey.

Some keywords to start your search: Biogas, composting, recycling, re-use and reduction, incineration and cogeneration.

Readings: Global Ecology Handbook, Ch. 14 and Environmental Science, pp. 496-505.

Websites

            http://www.iwm.co.uk/pm/316

http://www.swenvo.org.uk/environment/sec2_waste.asp (see also related website links on the left)

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/03/09/umbra-recyclingprofitability/index.html

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/03/09/umbra-recyclingbenefits/  (you can also use the Search on this website for more information)

            http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/611_ACF17F.htm

 

 

Group 2: Waste categories and survey

 

Members of this group will investigate  types of waste. They will need to develop useful categories of waste for us to use during the field trip.

Tasks

·        What are the main categories of waste? Research and come up with a list of types of waste.

·        Test the workability of your categories by doing a survey of the school’s litter - how much is there of each type? How can you measure the amount? Give in the results of your survey.

·        Get at least one member of Group 1 to check the usefulness of your categories.

·        Come up with a list of supplies we will need for field work.

Reading: Global Ecology Handbook, p. 269.

Websites:

http://www.iwm.co.uk/pm/316

http://www.swenvo.org.uk/environment/sec2_waste.asp

http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/Wasteguide/mn_wastetypes_index.html

 

 

 

 

Group 3: Hazardous waste effects, categories and survey

 

Members of this group will investigate the types of hazardous waste and their effects on the environment. 

Tasks

·        Research and create a list of categories of hazardous waste likely to be found during the field trip project.

·        For each one, state what effects it has on living things – why is it hazardous?

·        Test the usefulness of these categories by doing a survey of the hazardous substances found on campus (e.g. cleaning substances used by workers, substances in the office or cafeteria) or at home.

Reading: Global Ecology Handbook, Ch. 13.

Websites:

            http://www.swenvo.org.uk/environment/sec2_waste.asp

            http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/Wasteguide/mn_wastetypes_hazardous.html

            http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/Wasteguide/mn_wastetypes_index.html

 

Group 4: pH measurement and effects

 

Members of this group will look at how to test pH, and the effects of pH

Tasks

·        Find out how to test the acidity (pH) of water samples encountered during the field trip project

·        Suggest which method we should use

·        What is the healthy range of pH expected in unpolluted water systems?

·        What causes variations from this “natural” range?  

·        What are the environmental effects of extreme pH on living organisms?

·        Do a trial run of a reading using tap water from the school.

·        Arrange the supplies we will need to do the field work.

Readings: Environmental Science, pp. 161-172

Websites:

            http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/phsimplified.html

            http://www.metapure.com:16080/products/graphicarts/effects%20of%20pH.html

 

 

 

 

Environmental Science Field Trip Preparation

 

For Monday, May 23

 

By Monday you should have your letter of permission signed and returned with the fees, your tasks from above completed and the questions below answered and handed in

 

1. Define the following words

biodegradable

recyclable

sustainable

pollution

pH

bioaccumulation

hazardous waste

toxin

 

2. For each of the following materials, find out which can be effectively recycled and which cannot.  Use the links below to help you.

http://www.worldwise.com/recyclable.html

Paper

Plastic bags

Leather

Iron

Motor oil

Glass

Plastic bottles

Chewing gum

 

3. What proportion of general household waste is recyclable or reusable?

 

4. Which of the above substances are being recycled in Bolivia?

 

5. How long it will take each one of the following to biodegrade?  Use the link below to help you.

http://www.worldwise.com/biodegradable.html

Paper

Plastic bags

Leather

Iron

Motor oil

Glass

Plastic bottles

Chewing gum

Aluminuim can

 

Other useful websites

http://www.grist.org – useful search engine on environmental issues

http://www.environmentaldefense.org

www.wasteonline.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

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