Environmental

Faroque Iqbal

Truman High School

Faroque75@aol.com

 


 


Introduction

 

            One of only two elements that are liquid under normal conditions, mercury has many special properties that are in demand for commercial applications.  Besides being used in thermometers, barometers and manometers, mercury is used in electrical switches and dental amalgams, in the production of lye, and a catalyst.  Its toxic compounds are used in pesticides.

          Mercury is a silvery metal that is extremely poisonous.  Very small amounts can damage the kidneys, liver and brain.  Mercury exposure usually results from eating contaminated fish and other foods that contain small amounts of mercury compounds.  

          Since the body cannot get rid of mercury, it gradually builds up inside the tissues.  If it is not treated, mercury vapor and methyl-mercury [(CH3)2Hg], which builds up in the aquatic food chain, cause severe neurological disorders, pain, numbness, weak muscles, loss of vision, paralysis and even death. 

 

 


 


Task

 

          Your task is to prepare a research document based on the recent environmental problems and how these issues affect the life of the populations located in our country and how the problems can be solved.  You will need to include the following:

 

·        What are the environmental problems that are present due to mercury?

·        What are the major dangers of these problems?  Include dangers to the environment and to personal health.

·        What is being done to protect citizens of the problems?

·        Do you think stricter regulation of mercury is needed?  Why or why not?

·        What are some better solutions to the problems?

 

 


Process

 


          You will work in groups of four.  Partners will research the project together and discuss in your group what you believe are the polices to solve both the environmental and health problems.

 

·        You will use the internet to do the research.

·        The report should be typed written and presented in front of your class.

·        Each student must participate in the group.

 

 

Resources

         

          These are some useful web sites:

 

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/gather.html

http://www.vpirg.org/news/press_releases/pr_19990914_amicus.html

http://www.nettime.org/nettime.w3archive/200104/msg00146.html

http://www0.mercurycenter.com/front

http://www.great-lakes.net/lists/enviro-mich/2001-07/msg00000.html

http://www.mercola.com/2001/apr/7/vaccine_mercury.htm

 

 

Evaluation

 

Excellent Grade A

 

·  more than 10 pages

·  more than 5 graphics (sketches, graphs and pictures included)

·  more than 3 interesting facts

·  written document which answers all five questions

 ·  presentation—very interesting—the whole class is motivated, all members of the group is involved in answering questions.

 

Advance Grade B

         

          ·  9 – 10 pages

          ·  4 graphics

          ·  1 or 2 interesting facts on mercury poisoning and its causes

          ·  written document which answers four questions

          ·  Presentation—interesting—approximately half of the class is motivated, three members of the group is mostly involved in answering questions.

 

Acceptable Grade C

 

          ·  7 – 8 pages

          ·  3 graphics

          ·  basic information

          ·  written document which answers three questions

          ·  Presentation—not interesting—less than quarter of the class is motivated,

          two members of the group is mostly involved in answering questions.

 

Novice Grade D

 

          ·  less than 6 pages

          ·  2 graphics

          ·  basic description of problem

          ·  written document which answers less than three questions 

          ·  Presentation—boring—very few in the class is motivated, no questions.

 

Conclusion

 

          You have learned that mercury poisoning is caused by many factors.  The most important is the coal burning power plants.  In addition, you should have found out the main cause of pollution in our country.  Have you found out what is being done to clean up the environment in your neighborhood?

 

 

Standards

 

The following standards in High School science will be met by completing this assignment:

 

v    S1a  Demonstrates understanding of properties and changes of properties in matter

v    S4  Scientific connections and applications

v    S5 a,c,d,e  Scientific thinking

v    S6b  Records and stored data using a variety of formats

v    S7 a,b,d  Scientific communications

v    S8b  Demonstrates scientific competence by completing field work