The Health of the Bronx River

 

A Web Quest by Susan House

The Bronx Guild High School

 

The Bronx River

 

 

Introduction

 

You are on a team of biologist attempting to draw conclusion about the health of the Bronx River. Due to industry development over the years the river has become contaminated with pollutants. Many activist groups have been working to reverse the damage by revitalizing the river and it’s surround environment.  Through a public policy analysis study of the efforts these grassroots organizations have made to clean up the Bronx River you are gong to determine the current state, and what the future holds for this precious ecosystem.

 

Kayaking on the River

 

 

Task

 

You and your team of researchers are expected to create a Power Point Presentation that explains your findings about the health of the Bronx River. In addition you will be asked to present the findings to an audience of your peers.

 

Industry on the River

 

 

Process

 

1.   Divide into groups (4 students per group)

 

2.   Follow the PPA Procedure worksheet in order to conduct your investigation:

 

I. Define the Problem Worksheet # 1

II. Gather Evidence Worksheet #2

III. Identify the Cause Worksheet #3

IV. Evaluate Present Policy Worksheet #4

V. Develop Your Own Solutions Worksheet #5

   VI. Choose the Best Solution Worksheet #6

 

3.    Compile the evidence you have gathered for and create a power point presentation. Be sure to include:

1.   What the current state of the environment in and around the Bronx River is.

2.   What types of plants and animals inhabit the River?

3.   Who is working to protect the River and what efforts are being made to clean it up.

4.   What efforts need to be made in order to ensure the health of the river and the survival of the plant and animal species who inhabit the area.

5.   What can people in the community do in order to improve the health of the River?

6.   What can public policy makers do to improve the health of the River.

 

4.    Present your final product as a team.

 

Map of the Bronx River

 

 

Resources

 

These websites will help you gather evidence, complete the worksheets, draw conclusions, and develop your Power Point.

 

The Bronx River Alliance:  http://www.bronxriver.org/theRiver.cfm

 

Rocking the Boat: http://www.rockingtheboat.org/

 

The Bronx River Revitalization: http://www.nylcv.org/Programs/WPC/blueprint/boroughs/bronx/pages/6_bronx_river/

 

South Bronx Heath and Policy Study:  http://www.icisnyu.org/WaterQuality_009.html

 

Open Spaces Magazine:  http://www.open-spaces.com/article-v3n4-rivers.php

 

The Bronx Times: http://www.bxtimes.com/News/2000/1214/Feature_Story.html

 

NY Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/story/257323p-220394c.html

 

The Clean Water Network: http://www.cwn.org/cwn/

 

Urban Water Resources: http://depts.washington.edu/cuwrm/

 

A Trip on the River

 

 

Evaluation

 

You and Your team will be evaluated based on the following rubric:

 

 

Excellent

 

Very Good

     

Satisfactory

No Credit

 

PPA

Worksheets

All six steps of the PPA  are clearly addressed and all worksheets correctly completed

All six steps of the PPA  are clearly addressed and all worksheets correctly completed

At least half of the worksheets are completed. It appears that the student has used the information in their letter.

Incomplete worksheets. Student never attempted nor asked for help

 

Power Point

The Power Point addresses all of the issues raised in the Procedures section. It is well thought out and informative. It is aesthetically pleasing. 

The Power Point addresses all of the issues raised in the Procedures section. It is well thought out and informative. It is aesthetically pleasing. 

Power Point addresses some of the issues raised in the Procedure section. Students show some effort at gathering and displaying their findings.

 Lack of effort shown at creating power point.

 

Presentation

 

All members of the team contribute to the presentation. The presenters teach a lesson. The presenters speak clearly. The presenters The presentation is well organized and informative.

All members of the team contribute to the presentation. The presenters teach a lesson. The presenters speak clearly. The presenters The presentation is well organized and informative.

Some of the students present the power point. Students read from note cards. Presentation somewhat organized.

Lack of effort shown at presenting and teaching a lesson.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Congratulations team you have successfully completed your task! Now that you are an expert on the health of the Bronx River and it’s surrounding environment what do YOU plan to do to help ensure the well being of the river ecosystem?