Environmental
Faroque
Iqbal
Truman High School
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
· 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.
· 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.
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?
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