Earth and Environmental Science · Week 9 · Water in the Desert
Dust and Breath
Analyzing air quality data near the exposed lakebed and evaluating fair solutions for communities with high asthma rates.
- Students will
- Students analyze air quality data to show a cause and effect link between exposed lakebed dust and breathing problems, and evaluate two dust control technologies against criteria to choose a fair solution for affected communities.
- SEL skill
- Back a fair solution with honest evidence and name what the data does not prove
- What it looks like
- Students practice influence with integrity by arguing for a fair solution using honest evidence.
- Content focus
- Dust and breath
- Format
- Collaborative analysis
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making is making thoughtful, caring choices after considering ethics, safety, and the consequences for others. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ESS3-4: High School Earth and Space Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP4 Analyzing and interpreting data
- Crosscutting concept: CCC2 Cause and effect
- CA Environmental Principles and Concepts: Principle II: People influence natural systems
- Literacy in science: RST.11-12.7 Translate between quantitative or technical information in words, tables, graphs, and equations.
- Traditional course: Earth and Environmental Science
Fits these textbook chapters
- Prentice Hall Earth Science, Chapter 7: Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind
- Prentice Hall Earth Science, Chapter 17: The Atmosphere: Structure and Temperature
- Prentice Hall Earth Science, Chapter 19: Air Pressure and Wind
Textbook names are used only to help you find activities that fit what you teach. RoseThread Connect is not affiliated with these publishers.
More responsible decision-making activities for Earth and Environmental Science
- Cycling Matter Through Earth Responsible decision-makingModeling the carbon cycle across all of Earth's spheres and deciding which personal actions most affect it.
- Who Gets the Water Responsible decision-makingArguing about water allocation among farms, cities, tribes, and the Salton Sea while managing strong feelings in debate.
- Climate Models Responsible decision-makingComparing climate model projections and weighing uncertainty without sliding into denial or despair.
- Resource Costs and Benefits Responsible decision-makingEvaluating the costs and benefits of mining and energy strategies and making decisions with both head and heart.
Previous: The Shrinking Salton Sea · Next: Groundwater Overdraft
RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.