Is That Legal? A Case of Acid Rain
Forrest affected by acid rain. Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic.Copyright Wikimedia Commons
Students learn how techniques of persuasion (including background, supporting evidence, storytelling and the call to action) are used to develop an argument for or against a topic. Students develop an environmental case study for presentation and understand how a case study is used as an analysis tool.
Engineers who know the science and technology behind environmental issues often educate the public and government institutions about the health of our environment and the consequences of our industrial, technological and manufacturing processes. As subject matter experts, engineers use persuasive techniques to develop arguments, provide background and supporting evidence, create case studies, and tell a story as they advocate for industrial guidelines and laws that prevent or limit factories and plants from releasing pollutants into the air, soil and water.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Develop an environmental case study for presentation and understand how a case study is used as an analysis tool
- Apply skills in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and explanation to their writing and speaking.
- Write and speak in the content areas using the technical vocabulary of the subject accurately.
- Use reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing skills to solve problems and answer questions.