A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

WebQuest for TIPS

By: C. Taylor

Cynty6@aol

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

   Smell that fresh summer breeze from the East River. The potpourri scent brings about a calming effect to the senses. The air around here is so good that it can be bottled and sold to prevent any illnesses. Yet, Bronx air quality has the reputation of being the worst in New York State.

 

   Air is mostly a mixture of particulates and a number of gases. Oxygen producing products, which released more oxides, has changed its composition. Human activities within a community have also added to the change in composition.

 

   Air pollution control is controversial and expensive. People tend to agree that we should have clean air but there is disagreement as to the methods in achieving this goal. Cost and benefits influence people in setting the criteria in evaluating cleanliness.

 


 

 


Task

This is your mission, to act as public advocate gathering information to inform your community of one of the important ecological problem by using the 6-step public policy analysis worksheet in order to complete your research.

You will be doing the following:

 

1.      Define and describe the problem of air pollution.

2.      Gather evidence for this problem.

3.      Identify the causes.

4.      Describe and evaluate existing policies on the problem.

5.      Formulate solutions/policies for the problems of air pollution.

6.      Select the best policy for this problem.

 

 

 

Process

Complete the above task. In pairs, you will use the 6-step public policy analysis worksheets found at www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/welcome.html in order to guide your research.

▪ Investigate your social problem question using the websites provided below.

▪ Collect text and images from research.

▪ Plan and do a survey of your class and community regarding air pollution.

▪ After you complete the six components of a WebQuest begin creating a leaflet on the problem.

▪ Make an oral presentation of your findings to the class.

 

▪ Answer the following Research questions to complete leaflet:

1.      What are some natural sources of air pollution?

2.      What are particulates?

3.      Identify five particulates?

4.      Why are particulates dangerous to people?

5.      Identify five gaseous pollutants.

6.      What are the factors that contribute to the air-pollution problem in the Bronx?

7.      What are the effects of air pollution on human health?

8.      Why might is it difficult to establish a direct link between air pollution and health problems?

9.      Name two natural pollution controls and describe how they can remove pollutants from the air.

10.  What are some limitations of natural controls to air pollution?

 

 

Resources

 

Text: Addison Wesley – Air Pollution – pg. 223-246

 

Websites

 

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

 

http://www.nypirg.org

 

http://www.pirg.org

 

http://www.epa.gov

 

 

 

 

Evaluation

Leaflet Rubric

 

 

 

4

3

2

1

UNDERSTANDING THE TASK

COMPLETES THE ENTIRE TASK.

COMPLETES MOST OF THE TASK

COMPLETES PART OF THE TASK

COMPLETES LITTLE OF THE TASK.

DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATION

VERY WELL DEVELOPED AND ORGANIZED

MOSTLY DEVELOPED AND ORGANIZED

PARTLY DEVELOPED AND ORGANIZED

HARDLY DEVELOPED

AND ORGANIZED

VOCABULARY

EXCELLENT VOCABULARY USE (APPROPRIATE ANDS CORRECT)

GOOD VOCABULARY USE.

WEAK VOCABULARY USE.

POOR VOCABULARY USE.

GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATIOIN

EXCELLENT GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION WITH FEW ERRORS

GOOD GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION WITH SOME ERRORS

WEAK GRAMMAR ANDS PUNCTUATION WITH MANY ERRORS

POOR GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION WITH MULTIPLE ERRORS.

 

You will be judged on both parts of the project: the leaflet and the presentation.

 


 

 

 

 


Conclusion

Due to the research and analysis of the data on air pollution, students will discover the current government policies that exist. Students will also use the scientific method process to come up with new policies.

 


 

 


Standards Focused On

 

⌂ Math, Science, and Technology Standards #6 

Learning the relationship between math, science and technology and apply these relationships to other areas of learning.

⌂ Math, Science and Technology Standards # 7 

Apply the knowledge and thinking skills of math, science and technology to address real life problems and make informed decisions.

⌂ English Standard # 1 

Speak, listen and read information for understanding.

⌂ English Standard # 3 

Speak, listen and read for critical analysis.

⌂ English Standard # 4 

Social interaction

€ Science Standard #4

Demonstrates an understanding of the impact of science.

€ Science Standards #7

Explains a scientific concept or procedure to other students.