Tamar Singh
Web Quest Assignment
Acid Rain
Introduction
Imagine you are in the forest of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. You are sitting by Big Moose Lake whose water is so clear that you see the bottom. But after a few minutes you realize that something is wrong. Why is there no animal in or near the lake?
People who return year after year to vacation in the Adirondack Park have noticed changes in the environment. Fish have been disappearing from Big Moose Lake. Other animals that once depended on them as a source of food have migrated to other places where the fish are more plentiful.
How come there are no fish in the lake? Why are the trees dying? Why is the water so clear? It used to be murky. Where are the tiny plants and animals that use to live there? Why have they disappeared? The answer to these questions is simple; acid rain is responsible for many of the serious environmental problems facing us today. The answer may be simple but solving the acid rain problem is not.
Your group is assigned to investigate acid rain. Persons within your group will examine the issue from different perspectives. Members will take on the role of either a Chemist, an Ecologist, a Health Scientist or an Economist. While you are responsible for completing your section of the report, your group will create a web site detailing the problems caused by acid rain and recommending ways that these problems can be alleviated.
Ø What chemicals make rain acidic, and how does it happen?
Ø Where do these chemical come from?
Ø How do we measure the acidity of rain?
Ø What is the pH of normal rain, and at what level does the pH become dangerous?
Ø What effect does acid rain have on trees and soil?
Ø How does the effect of acid rain on trees and soil affect us?
Ø What happens when lakes and aquatic systems become acidic?
Ø Are the aquatic systems in our area being affected by acid rain? If yes, to what extent?
Ø What are some of the direct effects of acid rain on humans? Are there any health problems associated with acid rain?
Ø What are some of the indirect effects of acid rain on humans> Does acid rain affect our sources of food, water, and air?
Ø Does acid rain affect building materials?
Ø What does acid rain do to our roads, highways, and bridges?
Ø What is the effect of acid rain on things made form metals such as automobiles, trains, buses, and other means of transportation?
Ø What are the economic consequences of acid rain on fisheries, forestry, and agriculture?
1) Decide who will assume the responsibilities of each the four roles.
2) Discuss how to organized your web report and devise an outline of all the information your site will contain.
3) Research your project using the Web Resources. Find some pictures to help illustrate the causes and problems of acid rain.
4) Your first draft report must introduce your section of the report from your perspective, example your role as a Chemist or as an Ecologist.
5) Your group will meet and each member will present his/her findings. Revising and changing should be done at this point.
6) Write your final draft with the recommendations and conclusions your report will present.
7) Members of the group will put all the pieces of the report together.
What is your group’s position on acid rain? Being aware of the problem is not enough. How can you do more in helping to solve this environmental problem? Writing your congressman/congresswoman is a beginning. How about starting an organization that is willing to research and publish an Acid Rain Newsletter to educate the public?
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Beginning1
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Developing2
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Accomplished3
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Exemplary4
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Research & Gather Information
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Does not collect any information that relates to the topic. |
Collects very little information--some relates to the topic. |
Collects some basic information--most relates to the topic. |
Collects a great deal of information--all relates to the topic. |
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Cooperate with Teammates
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Never cooperates with teammates. |
Rarely cooperates. |
Sometimes cooperates. |
Usually cooperates with teammates. |
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Introduction |
No information given as to what to expect in report. |
Some information given as to what to expect in report. |
Adequate information given so that reader is aware of what report is
about. |
A very concise introduction which shows that the writer is very aware
of the reader. |
|
Role |
Does not answers
any of the questions assigned to the role in the WebQuest. |
Answers some of the
questions assigned to the role in the WebQuest. |
Answers most of the
questions assigned to the role in the WebQuest. |
Answers all of the
questions and includes many interesting facts. |
|
Task |
Does not detail
problems caused by acid rain but offers no recommendations. |
Details some
problems caused by acid rain but offer no recommendations. |
Details many of the
problems caused by acid rain and offers some recommendations. |
Details many of the
problems caused by acid rain and offers many recommendations. |
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Conclusion |
Presents no
explanation of research. |
Presents an
explanation of research but tends to be confusing or unclear. |
Presents a logical
explanation of research and some possible solutions. |
Presents a superior
explanation of research and offers many possible solutions. |
|
Conventions of
Print |
Very frequent
grammar and spelling errors which makes the writing impossible to understand. |
Frequent grammar
and spelling errors which make the writing difficult to understand. |
Grammar and
spelling errors do not detract from understanding the writing. |
Grammar and
spelling errors are infrequent, and writing is clear. |
Life Sciences Concepts
Demonstrates an understanding of interdependence of organisms.
Demonstrates an understanding of matter, energy, and organization in living systems.
Demonstrates an understanding of evolution, diversity, and adaptation of organisms.
Scientific Connections and Applications
Demonstrates an understanding of health.
Demonstrates an understanding of the impact of technology.
Demonstrates an understanding of the impact of science.
Scientific Thinking
Identifies problems; processes and implements solutions; and evaluates the accuracy, design, and outcomes of investigations.
Works individually and in teams to collect and share information and ideas.
Scientific Tools and Technologies
Acquires information from multiple sources.
Scientific Communication
Represents data and results in multiple ways.
Explains a scientific concept or procedure to other students.
Communicates in a form suited to the purpose and the audience.
Scientific Investigation
Demonstrates scientific competence by completing secondary research.