By Karen S. Shenk

Population growth in Pennsylvania has been staggering over the last few years. The population has grown so rapidly, that the existing power plants cannot meet the current demands for electricity. Blackouts and brownouts have been common occurrences in many Pennsylvania communities recently. The Mega Watt Power Company is considering a site 5 miles west of Landisville as a possible location for a coal burning power plant. This plant will provide over 250 badly needed jobs to local residents. In addition, the plant will increase the local tax base significantly.

Along with all of the positive benefits a new industry would bring to the area, are some possible negative effects. Emissions from power plants can lead to an increase in air pollution, which in turn, can cause acid rain. In this activity, teams of students will become scientific experts and do research on the effects of acid rain on both living organisms and non-living objects. The team of experts will then approach the township commissioners with their findings and their decision as to whether or not the plant should be built.

Your task is to thoroughly research the topic of acid rain. You, along with the other experts on your team, are responsible for providing information to the township commissioners so that they can make an informed decision as to whether or not to build the electric utility plant. While conducting your research, keep in mind the positive benefits a large industry would bring to a community. (jobs and money)

Through your research, you will identify what acid rain is, and how and why it forms. You will also determine the effects of acid rain on a variety of living organisms, as well as man-made materials. In addition, you will identify methods that are effective in reducing acid rain, and costs involved in doing so.

Finally, you will organize your data and make a group decision as to whether or not to build the plant. This decision, along with your findings, will be presented to the township commissioners at their next meeting. Remember, you and your team of experts, alone, are responsible for providing clear, and concise information that will lead the township commissioners to the best decision for the community.

Each scientific expert will take part in the presentation and will be responsible for:

One poster board which will contain:

• written report summarizing the findings
• any applicable data tables, graphics, and/or graphs
• overall impact on the community (positive or negative)

"Polluted air and acid rain: a missing link." Newsweek 2 Sept. 1985:25.

"This popcorn can stop acid rain before it starts." Business Week 18 July

1994:76.

Cullen, Robert. "The true cost of coal." The Atlantic Monthly Dec. 1993:38-43.

July – August.1998:4-15.

Nikiforuk, Andrew. "Acid rain’s constant menace." Globe and Mail 24 May

1997:38-39.

Kaiser, Jocelyn. "Acid rain’s dirty business: stealing minerals from soil."

Science 12 April 1996:198.

Buso, D. C. "Long term effects of acid rain: response & recovery of a forest

ecosystem." Science 12 April 1996: 244-246.

Berlau, John. "does acid rain hurt your car?" Consumers Research Magazine

Jan. 1996:35.

Cantalano, Salvatore. "The human cost of acid rain." Audubon July 1988:16-23.

Friedrich, Otto. "Scrubbing the skies:after 13 years of frustration, the

senate finally strikes a deal to clean the air- but business lobbies and

control: Success on the cheap." Science 6 Nov. 1998:1024.

Likens, Gene. "Atmospheric dust and acid rain." Scientific American Dec.

1996:88-92.

Kowalok, Michael E. "Common Threads: research lessons from acid rain, ozone

depletion, and global warming." Environment July – August 1993:12-24.

Begley, Sharon. "Acid rain’s fingerprints; tracing the culprits." Newsweek

1. Aug. 1986:53.

Lowenthal, Douglas H. "The acid rain whodunit." Natural History July

1986:62-66.

Each student expert will prepare a poster for the presentation and will receive a grade based on:

• Preparation and Content
• Team Presentation
• Grammar and Spelling
• Graphics
• Teamwork and Cooperative Effort