In the contamination unit, you will learn about DDT, microplastics, or smog and their effects on the environment.
Contamination Gallery Walk
Click the link above for texts and literature circle sheets. You'll find texts on DDT, microplastics, and smog.
Essay Organization Sheet
General Contamination Sources:
National Geographic Pollution: This website is a good starting off point to learn about various kinds of pollution. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/pollution/
Wikipedia Pollution: This website is another good starting point to learn about the various kinds of pollution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
Websites:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA website has a dedicated page on DDT with information on its history, uses, and environmental impacts. It also has educational resources like a timeline and interactive maps. https://www.epa.gov/history/epa-history-ddt-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane
Rachel Carson Center for the Environment: This website offers resources on the environmental movement, including information on Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring," which played a key role in the banning of DDT. https://rachelcarsoncouncil.org/about-rcc/about-rachel-carson/rachel-resources/
National Geographic: National Geographic has a clear and concise article on DDT, its benefits and drawbacks, and its eventual ban. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/15616-breast-cancer-ddt-pesticide-environment
The American Chemical Society (ACS): The ACS website has a factual overview of DDT, including its chemical structure, properties, and applications. https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/d/dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane.html
Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a short video on DDT and its connection to Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring." https://pl.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/biological-sciences-practice/biological-sciences-practice-tut/e/disorders-of-the-skeletal-system-and-bone-remodeling-
Websites:
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/microplastics-in-virtually-every-crevice-on-earth - A comprehensive overview of microplastics, their sources, impacts, and solutions.
Ocean Conservancy: https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Microplastics-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-2.3.23.pdf - Information on the dangers of microplastics to marine life and what individuals can do to help.
Plastic Pollution Coalition: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/ - Educational resources on plastic pollution, including microplastics.
NOAA Marine Debris Program: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/ - Data and resources on marine debris, including microplastics.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/water-research/microplastics-research - Information on microplastics, including research and regulatory efforts.
Adventure Academy: https://www.adventurescientists.org/microplastics-faq.html - Interactive games and activities about microplastics for young learners.
Science Buddies: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/world-oceans-day-plastic-pollution - Science project ideas and resources related to microplastics.
Videos:
TED-Ed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm5o_A5pEV0 - Animated video explaining what microplastics are and how they get into our environment.
The Ocean Cleanup: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceanCleanup - Short video showcasing the extent of microplastic pollution in the ocean.
National Geographic: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHCgA-n5wRw - Short video about the journey of a single plastic bottle and its transformation into microplastics.
Articles:
Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microplastics-pollution-is-everywhere-is-it-harmful/ - Article explaining the science behind microplastics and their potential health risks.
The Atlantic: https://www.npr.org/2020/08/20/903506759/the-atlantic-is-awash-with-far-more-plastic-than-previously-thought-study-finds - Article investigating the sources of microplastics and their impact on the food chain.
BBC Future:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230103-how-plastic-is-getting-into-our-food - Article exploring the latest research on microplastics and potential solutions.
Other Resources:
Microplastics Awareness Month:
https://oceanconservancy.org/ - Learn about events and activities happening during November, the official Microplastics Awareness Month.
Websites:
NASA Climate Kids: A fun and interactive website with clear explanations and engaging activities on air pollution, including smog. Check out "The Mystery of the Murky Skies" and "Smog City Showdown." https://climatekids.nasa.gov/
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA's website offers comprehensive information on various environmental topics, including air pollution. Explore the "Learn About Air Pollution" section and the "AirNow" maps to track current air quality. https://www.airnow.gov/
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO provides insightful data and resources on air pollution's health impacts. Their "Ambient (outdoor) air pollution" page delves into smog's dangers and solutions. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-%28outdoor%29-air-quality-and-health
National Geographic: This website offers engaging articles and multimedia resources on environmental issues, including smog. Read "Smog: A Dirty History" and "The Great Smog of London." https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/air-pollution
Smog City: This interactive simulation game allows you to experiment with different factors affecting air quality in a virtual city. Learn about the complex relationships between emissions, weather, and smog formation. https://app.seesaw.me/activities/S5W2RC/smog-city2-interactive-air-pollution-simulator
This is part of the assignment as it existed in Spring '24.