MR E. QUEST

HERBERT LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL

Summer days can be long, hot, and dreary. Getting stuck at home without an air conditioner can be a dangerous, if not deadly act. As a result people would head to a park with a pool and/or water fountains trying to stay cool. For those who really want to have fun, however, they would spend their day at the beach. The beach provides a venue for many varying activities. For those who seek relaxation, they can sunbathe on the shore, build sand castles, float on a raft, picnic, or go horseback riding. For those seeking more thrills they can swim, dive, surf, party, fish, play beach volleyball, and even try to dodge flying organic wastes (feces) from seagulls.

Imagine going to the beach on one of those very hot days only to find hypodermic needles washed up on the shore; sewage floating in the water; large numbers of dead fish and seagull rotting away; a mini landfill in the making which is producing an extremely repulsive odor. At that moment you think to yourself, “What can I do about this unsightly problem?”

Imagine you are a scientist working for the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. Your job is to analyze the situation and devise strategies for solving this dilemma which will not only benefit yourself, but also your community, your state, and even your country.

Your task is to find a solution for eliminating the pollution of our beaches. The Environmental Protection Agency hired you because you are among the best scientists in the United States of America. You are expected to make a report/presentation that will convince politicians and the public to implement laws eliminating the dumping of wastes in our oceans.

You will have to become a Public Policy Analyst, who will evaluate and propose new solutions for the Ecological Problem. You will have to follow the steps presented in the Process section, use the worksheets and resources to develop your project.

In your report/presentation, you are to:

1. Highlight the origins of the ocean dumping problem and their effects on the environment

2. Evaluate present public policies concerning ocean dumping

3. Develop proposals that will help people solve this environmental problem.

4. Devise guidelines that should be followed in order to close a particular beach to swimmers.

5. Your group will make a short 5-min report, and use pictures, maps, and table to present your proposals.

You will be divided into groups of four. As an environmental scientist, you will follow the steps below in order to come up with a solution to this awful problem. Each link will direct you to a Syracuse University web site where you will find explanation to the various worksheets. The worksheets will be distributed by your instructor; however, you may print your own copies from your home or library.

1. Define the problem…………………….…{ WORKSHEET 1}
2. Gather evidence………………………….…{ WORKSHEET 2}
3. Identify causes……………………………..{ WORKSHEET 3}
4. Evaluate a policy…………………………….{ WORKSHEET 4}
5. Develop solutions……………………..….…{ WORKSHEET 5}
6. Select the best solution…………….…{ WORKSHEET 6}

RESOURCES

The following resources will aid you in your QUEST for successful completion of this project

http://www.icinyu.org/waterquality_009.html

www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2001/mar/mar15b_01.html

www.scorecard.org/env_releases/water/

http://www.watpa.org//wv/water.html#bronx

www.gothamgazette.com/community/17/majorissues

EVALUATION

Evaluation of Your Paper Project

Required components of the project	Evaluation of Your Paper Project will be:
	65	66-75	76-85	86-95	95-100
Define the problem	The problem is defined in a short sentence. Definitions are somewhat clear.	The problem is defined in 2 extended sentences. Definitions are somewhat clear.	The problem is defined in 3 extended sentences. Definitions are clear to the group.	The problem is defined in 1 paragraph. Definitions are clear to the class.	The problem is defined in 1 well-developed paragraph. Definitions are clear to the class.
Gather evidence	Evidence is coming from 1 minor source. No tables are used.	Evidence is coming from 1 major and 1 minor source. 1 small table is presented	Evidence is coming from 2 major sources. 2 small tables are presented	Evidence is coming from 3 major sources. 2 extended tables and 1 graph are presented.	Evidence is coming from 4 or more major sources. 2 extended tables and 2 graphs are presented.
Identify causes	At least 1 cause is briefly mentioned.	At least 2 causes are mentioned but not expanded.	At least 2 causes are clearly presented.	At least 3 causes are clearly presented and somewhat inter-connected.	More than 3 causes are clearly presented and strongly inter-connected.
Evaluate a policy	Present public policy is mentioned but not evaluated	Present public policy is mentioned and shortly evaluated	Present public policy is presented and evaluated	Present public policy is clearly presented and evaluated	Present public policy is clearly presented and critically evaluated
Develop solutions	Only 1 solution is presented.	2 solutions are presented.	3 solutions are presented.	4 solutions are presented.	More than 4 solutions are presented.
Select best solution	Solution is put under question by the group members	Choice for the best solution is clear but not explained.	Choice for the best solution is explained clear and briefly.	Choice for the best solution is explained clear and fairly.	Choice for the best solution is clear, well explained, and convincing

Standards

Standard 1 - Analysis, Inquiry, and Design

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

Standard 4 - Science

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 5 - Technology

Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

Standard 7 - Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions

Conclusion

After your study you should now have a better understanding of the problems associated with the water pollution problem in the Bronx. Solutions are hard, but you have developed a strategy for dealing with this public problem that you believe can be successful. Good luck!

Our next study will continue to look at how environmental issues affect people in the Bronx and seek further solutions.