ACID RAIN
Introduction
Population growth in New York has been staggering over the last few years. The population has grown so rapidly, that the existing power plants cannot meet the current demands for electricity. Blackouts and brownouts have been common occurrences in many New York communities recently. LIPA is considering a site 5 miles west of Yaphank as a possible location for a coal burning power plant. This plant will provide over 500 badly needed jobs to local residents. In addition, the plant will increase the local tax base significantly.
Along with all of the positive benefits a new industry would bring to the area, are some possible negative effects. Emissions from power plants can lead to an increase in air pollution, which in turn, can cause acid rain. In this activity, teams of students will become scientific experts and do research on the effects of acid rain on both living organisms and non-living objects. The team of experts will then approach the township commissioners with their findings and their decision as to whether or not the plant should be built.
Your task is to thoroughly research the topic of acid rain. You, along with the other experts on your team, are responsible for providing information to the township commissioners so that they can make an informed decision as to whether or not to build the electric utility plant. While conducting your research, keep in mind the positive benefits a large industry would bring to a community. (jobs and money)
Through your research, you will identify what acid rain is, and how and why it forms. You will also determine the effects of acid rain on a variety of living organisms, as well as man-made materials. In addition, you will identify methods that are effective in reducing acid rain, and costs involved in doing so.
Finally, you will organize your data and make a group decision as to whether or not to build the plant. This decision, along with your findings, will be presented to the township commissioners at their next meeting. Remember, you and your team of experts, alone, are responsible for providing clear, and concise information that will lead the township commissioners to the best decision for the community.
Each scientific expert will take part in the presentation and will be responsible for:
One poster board which will contain:
written report summarizing the findings
any applicable data tables, graphics, and/or graphs
overall impact on the community (positive or negative)
Your team will consist of four experts; an ecologist, an environmental engineer, a pollution control engineer, and an environmental lawyer. Each person on your team should choose one of these occupations. Once the roles have been established, begin research using the links provided in the resources section. Each expert is responsible for answering all questions listed for that particular area of study.
Expert
Questions to be Answered
Ecologist
Will determine the effects of acid rain on:
forests
agriculture
lakes and aquatic systems
humans
man-made materials
Environmental Engineer
What is acid rain?
What causes acid rain?
How does acid rain form?
What is the history of acid rain?
What are the major problem areas in the US?
Pollution Control
Engineer
What are natural and man-made sources of acid rain?
What steps can be taken to reduce acid rain?
What costs are involved in the reduction of acid rain?
What are some alternative energy sources?
Environmental Lawyer
What current legislation exists to reduce acid rain?
What new laws or amendments have been recently proposed?
What are some benefits that an electric utility company will bring to the community? (in addition to jobs and taxes)
What are the economic losses due to acid rain?
Resources
Internet can be used as well as the following:
Periodicals
"Polluted air and acid rain: a missing link." Newsweek 2 Sept. 1985:25.
"This popcorn can stop acid rain before it starts." Business Week 18 July
1994:76.
Cullen, Robert. "The true cost of coal." The Atlantic Monthly Dec. 1993:38-43.Munton, Don. Dispelling the myths of the acid rain story." Environment
July – August.1998:4-15.
Nikiforuk, Andrew. "Acid rain’s constant menace." Globe and Mail 24 May
1997:38-39.
Kaiser, Jocelyn. "Acid rain’s dirty business: stealing minerals from soil."
Science 12 April 1996:198.
Buso, D. C. "Long term effects of acid rain: response & recovery of a forest
ecosystem." Science 12 April 1996: 244-246.
Berlau, John. "does acid rain hurt your car?" Consumers Research Magazine
Jan. 1996:35.
Cantalano, Salvatore. "The human cost of acid rain." Audubon July 1988:16-23.
Friedrich, Otto. "Scrubbing the skies:after 13 years of frustration, the
senate finally strikes a deal to clean the air- but business lobbies and
environmentalists are still fighting. Time 16 April 1990:20-22.
"Compromise on clean air." Time 12 March 1990:25. Kerr, Richard. "Acid rain
control: Success on the cheap." Science 6 Nov. 1998:1024.
"New additive scrubs away nox-ious gases." Science News 27 Jan. 1990: 63.
Likens, Gene. "Atmospheric dust and acid rain." Scientific American Dec.
1996:88-92.
Kowalok, Michael E. "Common Threads: research lessons from acid rain, ozone
depletion, and global warming." Environment July – August 1993:12-24.
"Pouring forth in acid rain." Environment March 1990:23-25.
Begley, Sharon. "Acid rain’s fingerprints; tracing the culprits." Newsweek
Aug. 1986:53.
Lowenthal, Douglas H. "The acid rain whodunit." Natural History July
1986:62-66.
Books
Tyson, Peter. Acid Rain. New York: Chelsea House, 1992.
Patten, J. M. Acid Rain. Vero Beach FL:Rourke Book co., 1995.
Neal, Phillip. The Acid Rain Effect. London:BT Batsford, 1992.
Acid Rain: Its Causes and Effects on Inland Waters. New York: Oxford University Press,
1992.
Stewart, Gail. Acid Rain. San Diego CA:Lucent Books, 1994.
Turck, Mary. Acid Rain. New York: Collier Macmillian, 1990.
Evaluation
Each student expert will prepare a poster for the presentation and will receive a grade based on:
Preparation and Content
Team Presentation
Grammar and Spelling
Graphics
Teamwork and Cooperative Effort
Conclusion
At the completion of this project, you will have a much better understanding of the acid rain problem. You will understand the basic causes of acid rain, and why some areas of the country have a high incidence of acid rain, and other areas have little or no problem. Your team will have already worked through the project and you will be aware of the controversial issues surrounding the acid rain problem. You will understand the effects of acid rain on living and non-living things and why, even though we benefit tremendously from the electricity generated by power companies, there is a downside to this luxury that is called acid rain, and it cannot be ignored. Lastly, at the completion of this project, you will be able to list steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of acid rain, and identify some alternative energy sources.
Grading Rubric
Task
4
3
2
0 or 1
Preparation
And
Content
Purposeful Evidence of preplanning. Content areas are specific and well documented
Evidence of preplanning. Content areas are complete, but not in depth.
Some aspects of project show evidence of preplanning. Few content areas are well documented
Very limited evidence of preplanning. Most content areas are not documented
Combined
Team
Presentation
Project has distinct focus. Each content area is a vital part of a logical sequence. All information is neatly and clearly displayed
Project is focused and most content areas are logically sequenced. Most information is neatly and clearly displayed
Project has little focus, but some evidence of logical sequencing is present. Neatness and clarity are not present in all content areas.
The project has very little focus, and little evidence of sequencing. Information is presented in a sloppy and unclear manner.
Grammar
And
Spelling
No grammatical or spelling errors present. Sentence structure is varied.
Few grammatical and/or spelling errors. Some variety of sentence structure.
Many grammatical and spelling errors are present. Little variation in sentence structure.
Grammar and spelling are not appropriately used. No evidence of sentence structure.
Graphics
Graphics are precise, varied and detailed. They relate to the subject and effectively enhance the presentation.
Graphics show some precision and variance, and are related to the specific content area.
Graphics are used but not effectively, and are not always relevant to the subject.
Very limited use of graphics, and no relevance to the specific content area.
Teamwork
And
Cooperative
Effort
High level of cooperation from all group members. Respect for other team members consistently shown.
Respectful of other team members. Cooperation among group members is evident most of the time.
Inconsistent effort in respecting others, listening, and contributing toward the presentation.
Disrespectful of others. Very limited use of cooperative skills.
Total Points __________
Introduction
Population growth in New York has been staggering over the last few years. The population has grown so rapidly, that the existing power plants cannot meet the current demands for electricity. Blackouts and brownouts have been common occurrences in many New York communities recently. LIPA is considering a site 5 miles west of Yaphank as a possible location for a coal burning power plant. This plant will provide over 500 badly needed jobs to local residents. In addition, the plant will increase the local tax base significantly.
Along with all of the positive benefits a new industry would bring to the area, are some possible negative effects. Emissions from power plants can lead to an increase in air pollution, which in turn, can cause acid rain. In this activity, teams of students will become scientific experts and do research on the effects of acid rain on both living organisms and non-living objects. The team of experts will then approach the township commissioners with their findings and their decision as to whether or not the plant should be built.
Your task is to thoroughly research the topic of acid rain. You, along with the other experts on your team, are responsible for providing information to the township commissioners so that they can make an informed decision as to whether or not to build the electric utility plant. While conducting your research, keep in mind the positive benefits a large industry would bring to a community. (jobs and money)
Through your research, you will identify what acid rain is, and how and why it forms. You will also determine the effects of acid rain on a variety of living organisms, as well as man-made materials. In addition, you will identify methods that are effective in reducing acid rain, and costs involved in doing so.
Finally, you will organize your data and make a group decision as to whether or not to build the plant. This decision, along with your findings, will be presented to the township commissioners at their next meeting. Remember, you and your team of experts, alone, are responsible for providing clear, and concise information that will lead the township commissioners to the best decision for the community.
Each scientific expert will take part in the presentation and will be responsible for:
One poster board which will contain:
written report summarizing the findings
any applicable data tables, graphics, and/or graphs
overall impact on the community (positive or negative)
Your team will consist of four experts; an ecologist, an environmental engineer, a pollution control engineer, and an environmental lawyer. Each person on your team should choose one of these occupations. Once the roles have been established, begin research using the links provided in the resources section. Each expert is responsible for answering all questions listed for that particular area of study.
Expert
Questions to be Answered
Ecologist
Will determine the effects of acid rain on:
forests
agriculture
lakes and aquatic systems
humans
man-made materials
Environmental Engineer
What is acid rain?
What causes acid rain?
How does acid rain form?
What is the history of acid rain?
What are the major problem areas in the US?
Pollution Control
Engineer
What are natural and man-made sources of acid rain?
What steps can be taken to reduce acid rain?
What costs are involved in the reduction of acid rain?
What are some alternative energy sources?
Environmental Lawyer
What current legislation exists to reduce acid rain?
What new laws or amendments have been recently proposed?
What are some benefits that an electric utility company will bring to the community? (in addition to jobs and taxes)
What are the economic losses due to acid rain?
Resources
Internet can be used as well as the following:
Periodicals
"Polluted air and acid rain: a missing link." Newsweek 2 Sept. 1985:25.
"This popcorn can stop acid rain before it starts." Business Week 18 July
1994:76.
Cullen, Robert. "The true cost of coal." The Atlantic Monthly Dec. 1993:38-43.Munton, Don. Dispelling the myths of the acid rain story." Environment
July – August.1998:4-15.
Nikiforuk, Andrew. "Acid rain’s constant menace." Globe and Mail 24 May
1997:38-39.
Kaiser, Jocelyn. "Acid rain’s dirty business: stealing minerals from soil."
Science 12 April 1996:198.
Buso, D. C. "Long term effects of acid rain: response & recovery of a forest
ecosystem." Science 12 April 1996: 244-246.
Berlau, John. "does acid rain hurt your car?" Consumers Research Magazine
Jan. 1996:35.
Cantalano, Salvatore. "The human cost of acid rain." Audubon July 1988:16-23.
Friedrich, Otto. "Scrubbing the skies:after 13 years of frustration, the
senate finally strikes a deal to clean the air- but business lobbies and
environmentalists are still fighting. Time 16 April 1990:20-22.
"Compromise on clean air." Time 12 March 1990:25. Kerr, Richard. "Acid rain
control: Success on the cheap." Science 6 Nov. 1998:1024.
"New additive scrubs away nox-ious gases." Science News 27 Jan. 1990: 63.
Likens, Gene. "Atmospheric dust and acid rain." Scientific American Dec.
1996:88-92.
Kowalok, Michael E. "Common Threads: research lessons from acid rain, ozone
depletion, and global warming." Environment July – August 1993:12-24.
"Pouring forth in acid rain." Environment March 1990:23-25.
Begley, Sharon. "Acid rain’s fingerprints; tracing the culprits." Newsweek
Aug. 1986:53.
Lowenthal, Douglas H. "The acid rain whodunit." Natural History July
1986:62-66.
Books
Tyson, Peter. Acid Rain. New York: Chelsea House, 1992.
Patten, J. M. Acid Rain. Vero Beach FL:Rourke Book co., 1995.
Neal, Phillip. The Acid Rain Effect. London:BT Batsford, 1992.
Acid Rain: Its Causes and Effects on Inland Waters. New York: Oxford University Press,
1992.
Stewart, Gail. Acid Rain. San Diego CA:Lucent Books, 1994.
Turck, Mary. Acid Rain. New York: Collier Macmillian, 1990.
Evaluation
Each student expert will prepare a poster for the presentation and will receive a grade based on:
Preparation and Content
Team Presentation
Grammar and Spelling
Graphics
Teamwork and Cooperative Effort
Conclusion
At the completion of this project, you will have a much better understanding of the acid rain problem. You will understand the basic causes of acid rain, and why some areas of the country have a high incidence of acid rain, and other areas have little or no problem. Your team will have already worked through the project and you will be aware of the controversial issues surrounding the acid rain problem. You will understand the effects of acid rain on living and non-living things and why, even though we benefit tremendously from the electricity generated by power companies, there is a downside to this luxury that is called acid rain, and it cannot be ignored. Lastly, at the completion of this project, you will be able to list steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of acid rain, and identify some alternative energy sources.
Grading Rubric
Task
4
3
2
0 or 1
Preparation
And
Content
Purposeful Evidence of preplanning. Content areas are specific and well documented
Evidence of preplanning. Content areas are complete, but not in depth.
Some aspects of project show evidence of preplanning. Few content areas are well documented
Very limited evidence of preplanning. Most content areas are not documented
Combined
Team
Presentation
Project has distinct focus. Each content area is a vital part of a logical sequence. All information is neatly and clearly displayed
Project is focused and most content areas are logically sequenced. Most information is neatly and clearly displayed
Project has little focus, but some evidence of logical sequencing is present. Neatness and clarity are not present in all content areas.
The project has very little focus, and little evidence of sequencing. Information is presented in a sloppy and unclear manner.
Grammar
And
Spelling
No grammatical or spelling errors present. Sentence structure is varied.
Few grammatical and/or spelling errors. Some variety of sentence structure.
Many grammatical and spelling errors are present. Little variation in sentence structure.
Grammar and spelling are not appropriately used. No evidence of sentence structure.
Graphics
Graphics are precise, varied and detailed. They relate to the subject and effectively enhance the presentation.
Graphics show some precision and variance, and are related to the specific content area.
Graphics are used but not effectively, and are not always relevant to the subject.
Very limited use of graphics, and no relevance to the specific content area.
Teamwork
And
Cooperative
Effort
High level of cooperation from all group members. Respect for other team members consistently shown.
Respectful of other team members. Cooperation among group members is evident most of the time.
Inconsistent effort in respecting others, listening, and contributing toward the presentation.
Disrespectful of others. Very limited use of cooperative skills.
Total Points __________
Library Resources
Online Databases
eLibrary (periodicals, newspapers, broadcast transcripts)
Masterfile Select (periodicals, academic journals)
Proquest Multiple Databases (periodicals, newspapers including Newsday and the New York Times)
Student Resource Center (reference sources, periodicals, academic journals)
(search for books in our collection)
Academic Integrity
(cite your sources)
Print Resources
Gail Steward, Acid Rain
Robert Ostmann, Jr., Acid Rain: A Plague Upon the Waters
Harvard Ayers (ed.), An Appalachian Tragedy: Air Pollution and Tree Death in the Eastern Forests of North America
Betrayal of Science and Reason: How Anti-Environmental Rhetoric Threatens Our Future
Frederick D. Krupp, Design for a Livable Planet: How You Can Help Clean Up the Environment
Russell Wild (ed.), The Earth Care Annual
a book cart is availble for student use
