Grade 08 Science - EC: S8.C.2.2.3

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Grade Levels

8th Grade

Course, Subject

Science

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

S8.C.2.2.3 S8.C.2.2.3

Describe the waste (i.e., kind and quantity) derived from the use of renewable and nonrenewable resources and their potential impact on the environment.

Activities

Water from nearby rivers or lakes is usually used to cool down the reactors in nuclear power plants. The release of this heated water back into the river or lake would most likely result in
1. A change in the biodiversity in the water
2. A decrease in the amount of sunlight necessary for photosynthesis in the water
3. A change in the number of mutations in plants growing near the water
4. An increase in the sewage content in the water

Renewable resources do not produce greenhouse gasses and are also
1. Nitrogen neutral
2. Oxygen neutral
3. Carbon neutral
4. All of the above
Complete the chart below. List at least two possible environmental impacts.
Explain how renewable energy plays an important role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Source reduction is creating a product with less materials and waste. Over the past several years, aluminum cans and plastic bottles have been made lighter using a technique called lightweighting. What is another form of source reduction? Explain the reductions impact on the environment.

Answer Key/Rubric

a
c
Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:

Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:
When burned fossil fuels, (such as coal, natural gas, and oil), release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases are causing global warming. When renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, and water power, are used the reliance on fossil fuels decreases which in turn reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released.

Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:
1. The reduction of packaging is an example of source reduction. Many products, like personal care items, were once sold in boxes but are now sold out of boxes. This reduces the amount of paper product (i.e. cardboard) and Styrofoam tossed into landfills.
2. The size of electronics is decreasing. Many cell phones and iPods are smaller in size which requires fewer materials to manufacture them. Using less materials slows down the depletion of resources.