In this project, you will create a news report that explains a water problem and how to solve it. You are required to submit this project to your teacher for marks. Very carefully, read the
whole project and how to do it. Be sure to read the requirements and rubric,
they explain the expectations for this project and how it will be
marked. Click here if you need tips on how to create a good project!
Situation
Water problems disturb the natural functioning of fresh and saltwater systems. Water problems can threaten water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human safety. Many water problems are caused by human activity, such as climate
change and contamination.
An environmental protection group wants to create news reports to inform the public about different water problems. They want people to understand why it is important to take action to fix water problems.
Project Task
Create a news report that clearly explains one water problem, how the water problem affects ecosystems and people, and what people and governments can do to help solve the water problem.
Before you begin your news report, ask yourself these questions:
What water problem do I want to research?
How am I going to find more information about my chosen water problem?
Method
Choose a specific water problem. You learned about several water problems in Unit E, including the ones listed below. Choose
one of the listed water problems, or choose a different water problem. Check with your teacher once you have chosen a water problem.
Possible water problem choices:
Algal blooms
Glaciers melting
Rising sea levels
Tailings ponds
Thermal pollution
Various kinds of water contamination
Research your chosen water problem. Sources of information include the following:
Unit E lessons
Reference books
News articles in newspapers and magazines or other publications
Websites
YouTube videos
Interviews with adults who work in industries related to the water problem
Construct a table to collect information. The table must contain information summarized in your own words. Beside each piece of supporting information, list the source of the information. For example, insert the URL of any websites, book titles
and authors, newspaper names and dates of publication or names of people interviewed as your sources.
You must submit the research table with your news report.
Information about Water Problem
Source of Information
Choose the way you would like to communicate your news report. Here are some ideas from which you can choose:
Write a newspaper or magazine article
Write a news press release
Record a radio newscast
Build a news website
Video a news broadcast
Write a series of social media updates
Use some other creative idea, but check with your teacher first!
Requirements
1) You must hand in your research tables with the sources clearly cited. 2) You must communicate clearly the following information in your news report.
Describe the water problem.
What type of water source does the problem affect?
Where is the water problem located on Earth?
What negative changes are happening to the water source?
What causes the water problem?
How do humans make the water problem worse?
Describe how the water problem affects ecosystems.
What other organisms are affected by the change to the water system?
How are populations of different species affected by the water problem?
Explain how the water problem affects humans and human water use.
Explain what can humans do to fix the water problem.
How is the water problem monitored?
What can people personally do to solve the water problem?
What can governments do to solve the water problem?
Remember that you must write this report in your own words. You cannot just copy and paste from various websites.
Note that when you submit anything to your teacher, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN THE DOCUMENT TITLE. For example, you might title it something like this:
