Water and Air Pollution Activity a problem based educational activity

1. Read: "Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways" New York Times October 12, 2009.

Listen to these podcasts from the USGS

#78 - Man-Made Chemicals Found in Drinking Water at Low Levels

#90 - Contaminants in 20 Percent of U.S. Private Wells

2. What are the sources (methods of generation) of the electricity used in your home?

3. What are the sources (methods of generation) of the electricity used in your community?

4. Evaluate - How clean is your community's air?

EPA: Air tests near schools a priority USA Today

How does your community’s tap water rate?

Use the Tap water database to obtain an answer.

5. Based on the data you have found, is this clean air versus clean water an issue for your community? Explain.

6. What actions can an individual take to mitigate this problem? Explain.

"I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy....
If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago. ~ Sir George Porter

This activity is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking; Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology,