Teaching Interdisciplinary Problem Solving (TIPS)

Through Educational Technology

 

           

 

Lead Poisoning

Web-Quest

 

 

Key Idea 7

 

 

Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment.

 

 

Students should be able to describe the interrelationships of humans with the living and nonliving environment.

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

We will be researching the issue of human activities and its impact on the environment.

We often forget that we are part of the Earth’s ecosystems. Many technological advances and population growth are responsible for inadvertently changing the ecosystems, causing pollution and affecting every living thing including us.

 

This research will deal with heavy metal (element) poisoning specifically lead. It is well known that lead can cause many health disorders such as learning deficit and mental retardation in children.

 

In the news last year we heard many parents complaining about exposure to lead in schools and protesting to stop the construction of a new school in an area where they believed a gas station existed many years ago. Laws that prevent this type of contamination exist. Then, why do we still have this problem today?  Do you believe that parents should worry and stop the construction of a new school?

 

 

 

 

Task

 

Your task will be to work individually or in a group and review this issue. To be successful in this task you will have to write a well-written position paper analyzing the government public policy on lead, predicting better ways to prevent this type of intoxication and state your opinion on the veracity on the parents concern.

 

 

Learning Advice 1

 

Questions to consider about the role of the government on lead poisoning and for the development of your research:

 

  1. How is the Bronx population affected by unsuitable policy on lead poisoning?
  2. Is the government interested in investing money to prevent lead poisoning in children?
  3. Has the government properly employed resources on efficient campaigns and projects aim to educate the public on lead poisoning prevention?
  4. What is the government public policy on lead poisoning?
  5. Describe activities that you can do that will contribute to the prevention of lead poisoning.
  6. What can we do to prevent further exposure to this silent but deadly element?
  7. Should parents worry about their children being exposed to lead in school?
  8. Should private companies be held accountable for a free lead environment?
  9. What is the acceptable amount of lead in the environment?
  10. What is the acceptable amount of lead in human blood?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet Resources

 

 

The following sites will help you to conduct your research:

 

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/ppa.html

 

For additional educational resources go to:

 

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/related.html

 

For tutorials for getting help using computer technology:

 

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/tutorials.html

 

For information on toxic substances and their effects go to:

 

http://www.epa.gov/lead/

 

http://www.parenting.com/parenting/aol/lead/

 

http://www.library.thinkquest.org

 

http://www.Maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/resres.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process

 

 

  1. You will form groups of 4 or 5 individuals.
  2. Your group should be divided as follows:

a. Facilitator- responsible for setting up the team’s space

            b. Secretary- responsible for maintaining all team paper work including                 

                attendance.

            c. Team leader- coordinates the day’s work with the teacher and team members.

            d. Alternate team leader- substitutes for any of the above in case of absence.

  1. Using “TIPS” Internet Resource Site your group will conduct a preliminary                  

search to find the answers to the public policy questions.

  1. Your team will research other sites suggested for information on your topic.

      5.   Individual team members should bookmark as favorite any web sites that are

            important to the group.

      6.   All team members will take an active role in this Quest and each student will    

      receive a team grade as well as an individual grade.

 

 

 

Evaluation

 

Each student is responsible for writing a 400 to 500 words essay taking a position regarding the government role in the prevention of lead poisoning in children. The due date for this part of the evaluation is May 30th.

 

Each team will present their team position to the entire class. The class will have the opportunity to ask questions to the team presenting.

 

      Your grade will be based on the following:

 

1.  Team participation                              - 20%

2.  Essay                                                   - 40%

3.  Team presentation                               - 30%

4.  Attendance                                          - 10%