Health Quests

A Healthy Environment

Do you ever wonder what life will be like five hundred years from now? How will the world be different? You might imagine people using new technology to communicate and travel or wearing unique fashions and living in unusual homes. However, do you ever imagine people trying to live without drinkable water, breathable air, and bearable temperatures? Probably not, but the problem of pollution poses a great threat to life in the future.

In order for life, as we know it, to continue, pollution must be reduced and resources must be preserved. This activity will show you how to use the Internet to find valuable information about the effects of pollution on the environment and ways to protect the environment.

After exploring these sites and completing the questions, you will be able to

• identify the causes of air, water, and land pollution.
• provide guidelines for reducing this pollution and keeping the environment healthy.
• use your knowledge to create informative and creative messages about pollution.

	Use information from the Web sites to design three original bumper stickers that present a clear message about the importance of reducing pollution in the air, in the water, and on the land. Your bumper stickers should use images as well as words to get your message across.
	Health Links
	Air Pollution Acid Rain At this Web site, you will learn about acid rain-a serious environmental problem that affects much of North America. What causes acid rain? What types of damage are caused by acid rain? Give three examples of actions that individuals can take to help reduce acid rain. http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidrain/ Global Warming Visit this Web site to learn about the causes and effects of global warming. What is the greenhouse effect? What are two possible changes that global warming could bring? Give four examples of actions you can take to make a difference. http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/index.html Water Pollution Oil Spills Visit this Web site to learn how oil spills can pollute the water. What was the largest oil spill in the United States? Why do oil spills occur? How is an oil spill cleaned up? http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/kids/spills.html Land Pollution Solid Waste At this Web site, you can read about the growing problem of too much trash and learn what you can do to help. What are the four basic principles of solid waste reduction? For each principle, describe two tips for reducing solid waste. http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/catbook/index.htm Helping the Environment Visit this Web site to learn about the many ways you can help the environment right in your own home and community. How can you change your kitchen habits to help the environment? Make a list of products that are environmentally friendly and a list of products that can be harmful to the environment. http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/

Once you have explored these links and answered the questions, you are ready to create your bumper stickers. Each of your bumper stickers should

• contain an original slogan and artwork.
• present a message about the dangers of pollution to air, water, and land.
• incorporate information from the Web sites into a creative message.
• provide a message that is appropriate for the general public.