Research acid rain

Students will use the Internet to research the causes and effects of acid rain and research pH levels of rainwater for their state, collect data from the community, and investigate solutions for acid rain.

Objectives

Students investigate the causes of, and solutions for, a serious environmental problem.
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Learning outcomes

Students learn the definition of acid rain.
Students use the Internet to research pH levels of rainwater for their state and collect data from their community.
Students enter data in an Excel spreadsheet, create a line chart, and analyze the data.

Lesson procedure

Introduction

We’re all aware that the air we breathe is polluted. Does anyone know what happens to the pollutants in the air? Do they just stay there?

When the pollutants in our atmosphere (nitric and sulfuric acids) mix with rainwater, the result is acid rain, sleet, and snow. You can tell how much acid is in rainwater by testing the pH level of collected rainwater. The lower the pH level, the more acidic the water. Acid rain has a corrosive effect on vegetation and buildings.

Acid rain is a serious environmental problem. It affects many regions and communities all over the world, from the Black Forest of Germany to cities in southern China to communities in the United States.

Note: You may want to have students work in teams to complete the research and work individually to answer the questions in step 2.

Student activity

Download the student handout, Microsoft Word document, 19 KB, for details on the main activities for this lesson plan. The handout includes:

Step 1, "Research acid rain in your state"
Step 2, "Analyze your data"

Lesson extension activities

Students can collect data from other parts of the country to compare rates of acid rain in different regions. The United States Geological Survey site provides a map of pH levels across the country.
Students can create posters or brochures explaining acid rain and what can be done to prevent it.
Students can write letters to the major pollution producers in their state and express their concern about acid rain.
Students can create a report on laws related to acid rain passed recently in the state legislature or current bills under consideration.