CHEM 1217: Environmental Chemistry II

Where to look...

To introduce your environmental topic, look in an encyclopedia or book ⇒

Possible questions to ask...

Scientific research is all about asking questions, and that's a good way to think about doing the research for your presentation. Before you explore your environmental topic, think of questions you want to answer. 

For natural phenomena..

• What is this phenomenon? Define it.
• What conditions create the phenomenon?
• What are the negative outcomes on the environment?
• Where does it occur?
• What are some recent examples?
• How do we manage the after effects?

For human activities...

• What does the activity entail?
• Why do we do it? How does it help us?
• What are the environmental impacts of this activity?
• Where does this activity occur?
• What are some recent examples?
• How do we manage or mitigate environmental impacts?

For substances...

• What is this substance made of?
• What do we use it for?
• How does it get into the environment?
• How does it affect the environment or human health?
• What are recent examples of this substance causing environmental harm?
• How do we manage or mitigate environmental impacts of this substance?

For human caused phenomena...

• What is this phenomenon? Define it.
• What conditions, activities, or substances create it?
• What are the negative outcomes?
• Where does it occur? Geographic area, ecosystem, or species...
• What are some recent examples of this phenomenon?
• How do we manage or mitigate the impacts?