Discussion Questions
3 w . Question #1. Describe how an electric current is generated and transported. Assess the current state of our national grid in the United States, as well as any challenges in updating this grid.
Question #2. Read the article titled “Lost in Migration: Earth’s Magnetic Field Overdue a Flip” located at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/03/us-science-earth-magneticfield-idUSBRE8920X620121003 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Be prepared to discuss. Read the article titled “Earth’s Inconstant Magnetic Field” located at http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/29dec_magneticfield.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Describe how the Earth’s magnetic field is generated, and how it has changed throughout Earth’s history. Analyze how a magnetic reversal might impact human activities on Earth.
4w. Question #1. Watch the video titled “Video Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum” (5 min 03 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: NASA. (2012, June 20). Video Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum [Video file]. Retrieved from .
From the e-Activity, compare and contrast gamma rays and radio waves in terms of energy, wavelength, frequency, applications, and safety to humans.
Question #2. Compare and contrast the processes of fusion and fission. Describe the challenges in harnessing fusion technology for domestic energy needs.
6w. Go to the Website http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Note: Along the right side of the Tox Town main page, there are six different types of locations to explore. Pick one location of most interest to you and click on the link to open the interactive reference. Choose a location and provide a review of the different type of environmental concerns and chemical contaminants. Note: Be sure to explain the source of chemical exposure, as well as any strategies to minimize or eliminate exposure.
Question #2. Go to the Website http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and click on your region of the country in the map; then, click on your state. Choose one of the Superfund sites on the list and provide a brief summary of the site. Discuss any noted community involvement in the discovery or cleanup of the site. Note: Be sure to include a discussion of remediation strategies, as well as the current stage of cleanup at the site
7w . Question #1. Watch the video titled “Meet the Volcanoes” (2 min 57 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: NOVA. (2013, January 3). Meet the Volcanoes [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/meet-volcanoes.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Compare and contrast the eruption styles of the Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii and Mount Pinatubo in Philippines. Note: Be sure to include a review of the plate tectonic setting, as well as the role of magma composition and viscosity at each location on the morphology of the volcano and eruption style.
Question #2. Describe how Wegener’s continental drift hypothesis has helped to shape modern plate tectonic theory, and why his hypothesis was not widely accepted by his peers when first proposed. Analyze the types of evidence used to support plate tectonic theory.
8w. Question #1. Review the interactive titled “Science and The Fracking Boom: Missing Answers” located at http://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answers (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of natural gas production. Note: Be sure to include a discussion of issues related to waste products, extraction of the resource, land use, projected reserves, impacts on the environment, and cost/benefit.
Question #2. Review the informtion located at https://www.climate.gov/enso (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Describe the interactions between the atmosphere and the surface ocean water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean under “normal” conditions. During an El Niño event, describe the changes that occur in both the Walker Circulation and the underlying ocean. Note: Be sure to include the changes of atmospheric convection, warm surface ocean water, and the thermocline in your description. List a specific region that is impacted negatively by an El Niño event.
