Your Earth Science class has been addressing serious environmental problems affecting the Earth. Water- you drink it, you use it, and every living organism needs it to stay alive. We need water to carry on our everyday life activities, at home, for irrigation, power, transportation and recreation. The world’s first civilizations were originated around river valleys; in other words, water is extremately necessary to our planet, without it there would be no life. Our planet is facing many environmental issues, and water pollution is a major one. Solving the problem of water pollution is not an easy task, but as a concern citizen, you should find out as much information as possible to later on address the problem and take action. Controlling all kinds of pollution depends on efforts from governments, business, environmental organizations and individuals like you and me. This is the time for you to start getting conscious and active about environmental problems affecting our planet.

Your Earth Science class is conducting a research to see what happens to our water. As part of the study you have to create a research paper, based on your findings. You will present to the class the product of your research; your final grade will be based on both, the research paper and your oral presentation. As a guide, to help you conduct this research and oral presentation, you may use Public Policy Analyst.

Your research paper must include.

· Definition of water pollution

· Causes and effects

· How can we reduce water pollution?

· How your community does treat the water?

· Examine the current policy on water pollution

· Do you agree or disagree with the existing social policy on controlling water pollution?

· Be prepared to present

· Conduct research on different Websites and gather information on water pollution and the social problems related to it

· List the points that support your position on the problem

· Persuade the reader to understand and – why not? agree with your point

· Find examples of successful strategies being used by the government and different corporations to eliminate/reduce water pollution

· Use your findings to produce a well organized (7-8 page) research paper. Your paper should include an introduction, body and conclusion. Be sure to include a cover page and reference table

· Your research must be accompanied by a short class presentation

The following are some useful Websites:

· http://encarta.msn.com/g.asp?gl=0ENNAR/sea_msn&ds=http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761572857

· http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/full_text_search/AllCRCDocs/paulpoll.htm

· http://www.ers.usda.gov/Amberwaves/Feb03/Features/ManagingManure.htm

· http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/nps/

· http://www.epa.gov/ow

· http://www.worldbank.org/nipr

Your grade will be based on both, your research paper and your short, class presentation. The following rubric will determine the evaluation of your final product.

Research Paper

A- Excellent understanding of the research topic.

Correct use of grammar and correct spelling.

Excellent organization.

B- Understands research topic.

Fair use of grammar and correct spelling, most of the time.

Well organized.

C- Satisfactory understanding of the research topic.

Words are misspelled, poor usage of grammar.

Not well organized.

D- Little or no understanding of the researched topic.

Poor usage of grammar, words are misspelled.

No organization.

Oral Presentation

A- Speaks loud and clear, good tone of voice.

Excellent use of English language.

Material is presented in a persuasive, well organized format.

B- Good point of view.

Good use of English language.

Material is well organized.

C- Speaks using a low tone of voice.

Poor use of English language.

Material is not well organized.

D- Weak point of view.

Poor use of English language.

Lacks organization.

After you have completed this assignment, you will have a better understanding on the topic of water pollution. You will be able to define water pollution, understand the causes and effects of this serious environmental problem. And finally, with the help of Public Policy Analyst, you will be able to further your research on the topic of water pollution, and develop new public policies to help reduce/eliminate this environmental problem.