Introduction

Have you ever walked in the rain? When it rains most people stay indoors because they want to stay dry, others go out, get wet and enjoy it. However, the precipitation that comes down contains many pollutants and no matter which category you fall into, you are part of the reason why it is polluted. Acid rain is not just rain, but also snow or fog that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere and damages the environment.

During this investigation, we will answer such questions as:

1. What causes the precipitation to become acidic?

2. How do humans contribute to acid rain?

3. What dangers does acid rain pose to our ecosystem?

4. What policies are in place to alleviate the situation?

5. How can we help change existing policies to ensure that acid rain does not pose a significant threat to our ecosystem?

Task

You will be doing the following:

1. Watch a 20 minute video on acid rain and write a brief summary.

2. Research acid rain on the web during 1 class period.

3. Visit the American Museum of Natural History for additional research and informational material.

4. Go over the PPA steps in order to address the specific problem and come up with policies that can help alleviate the situation.

5. Write a 4-5 page condensed report on your findings.

6. Create a survey online regarding acid rain.

The Process

1. You will watch the video on Acid Rain and then write a summary of the video.

2. You will be teamed up with 2 other people in the class. All 3 of you will work together to fulfill the following requirements:

a. Research at least 5 formidable websites that contain information (must include charts and other statistical material to incorporate into report) on acid rain.

b. Work together to attain adequate information on a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and complete data sheet which you will receive from me.

c. Go to www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal and visit the steps to Public Policy Analysis. Answer all steps, type and hand in as a Microsoft Word Document. ( Be specific in addressing the problem and the policies necessary to alleviate it)

3. Type up a 4-5 page condensed report and make sure to answer the following:

a. What is the definition of acid rain?

b. What are the specific pollutants that contribute to acid rain?

c. Explain acid rain as it relates to the pH scale.

d. What parts of the country/world have extreme cases of acid rain? Why?

e. What exactly do people do in their everyday lives that contribute to the existence of acid rain?

f. What are some organisms found in our ecosystem that are in danger due to acid rain? Be specific about the negative effects of acid rain on the organism.

g. Is the existence of acid rain purely negative?

h. How can people change their lifestyle so that acid rain is not a threat to their ecosystem?

i. What policies currently exist to alleviate this problem?

j. What new policies do you think would be more feasible to accomplish the task at hand?

4. Create a survey online at www.Opinionpower.com about acid rain.

This Webquest incorporates the following New York State Standards:

1. Math, Science and Technology Standard #6- learning the relationship between Math, Science and Technology and apply these relationships to other areas of learning.

2. Math, Science and Technology Standard #7- apply the knowledge and thinking skills of Math, Science and Technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

3. Global Studies Standard #3- Geography

4. English Standard #1- speak, listen and read for information understanding

5. English Standard #3- speak, listen and read for critical analysis

6. English Standard #4- social interaction

Evaluation

Your work will be graded as both group work and individual work. Group work will include the handout for the museum, the PPA steps, and the survey. The video summary and the report will be graded as individual work. The point value will be as follows:

a. Video summary 10 pts.

b. American Museum of Natural History data sheet 20 pts.

c. PPA sheet 20 pts

d. 4-5 page report 40 pts.

MLA style http://www.2wju.edu/edu/arc/handouts/mla.htm

e. Survey 10 pts.

Conclusion

Through our work and prior discussions in class regarding public policy, you have all learned how to act as public policy analysts. By way of this webquest, you have investigated a problem which is not considered a priority by many people. As public policy analysts, you have investigated the problem thoroughly and come up with policies for society to help diminish it. Continue addressing other such problems and learn how you can positively impact your neighborhood, community and perhaps even your country! J