Biology: The Dynamics of Life, California Edition

WHAT EFFECT DOES AIR POLLUTION HAVE ON ASTHMA?

Introduction

In this WebQuest, students find out the answers to questions about asthma and also do some research into the debate about what may be causing increased incidents of asthma. Research is followed by the development of a persuasive presentation, based on a specific perspective and audience.

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Task

Students will first develop an educated opinion as to whether or not air pollution causes higher rates of asthma.

Once the research is completed, students will create projects that reflect their opinions. They will be developed and presented from the perspective of a specific member of society, such as doctor, parent, researcher, member of industry, etc. The project may be an informational brochure or multimedia presentation.

The goal is to convince the audience and to encourage them to take appropriate action.

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1. Students learn about asthma.

   http://www.people.virginia.edu/~smb4v/
   tutorials/asthma/asthma1.html

   http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/asthma/
   speakit/intro.htm

   http://www.lungusa.org/asthma/
   astasthma.html#whatis

Background on Asthma:

http://www.asthmainamerica.com/
bkgrd.htm

Allergy Facts Quiz:

http://www.aaaai.org/misc/
topicofthemonth/0500/quiz.html

FreeBreather:

http://www.asthmalearninglab.com/

2. Student research: Find and record the answers to these questions:

• What is the difference between an asthma cause and a trigger?
  

  http://pharminfo.com/disease/immun
  /asthma/allerdis.html#7
  

  http://fbhc.org/modules/asthma.cfm
  
  http://www.people.virginia.edu/~smb4v/
  tutorials/asthma/whydoes.htm

  http://www.lungusa.org/asthma/
  astastrig.html

• What factors are involved in the development of asthma?
  
  
• How do smoking and genetic predisposition affect a person’s likelihood of developing asthma?

  
  http://www.coloradohealthnet.org/
  asthma/asthmaQn/asthma_hered.html

• How does air pollution affect the development of asthma and the health of those who already have this  disease?

What is air pollution and how does it affect breathing?

Indoor Air Pollution:

Outdoor Air and Health:

• What is the Clean Air Act and How Does it Affect Business?

http://www.eren.doe.gov/cities_counties/
cleanai.html

• What can individuals, communities, and businesses do?

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/triggers
/index.html

http://www.zone10.com/wsdocs/
tech/NASA/fyh.htm

Time

1-2 Weeks

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Process

1. Guide students in deciding what they think about this issue. Ask if they think that increased levels of air pollution cause higher rates of asthma.
   
   
2. Students must choose a perspective from which to develop their presentations. This perspective may be that of a doctor, parent, student, member of industry, researcher, or another that they decide upon. Remember that there is a specific audience for each of these perspectives, and the student’s job is to inform this audience. For example, a parent may be concerned either that their child may develop asthma from air pollution in the school and surrounding areas, or that there is unnecessary money being spent on reducing indoor air pollutants that are not a health hazard. The parent’s audience might be parents of their student’s classmates or members of the local school board. An industry representative’s audience may be members of the community or local government officials. Help students to see that any of these members of society may answer the question (does it cause asthma?) either "yes" or "no".
   
   
3. Students develop presentations. http://desktoppub.miningco.com/compute
   /desktoppub/msubk12.htm

   http://www.physics.uiuc.edu/People/Staff/
   Celia/Writing/tsld015.htm

4. Showcase presentations. Encourage students who have created brochures to share copies with classmates, school staff, and other members of the community. Allow time during class for multimedia presentations. If possible, incorporate these presentations into a school open house or other event for display. Invite members of the community in the chosen target audiences to attend, and ask them for their opinions.

Evaluation
Click Here
for Rubric

A rubric or other means to evaluate the final task. May include rubrics or tests to measure competencies or accomplishment of interim skills.

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Conclusion

In the process of completing this WebQuest, you’ve not only become informed about asthma, you have developed important critical thinking skills. You have learned that there are often many factors involved in an issue and how to examine these different aspects. You have read information to answer key questions about a topic, and you have formed your own educated opinion. You’ve also learned about writing persuasively in order to convince your audience, and put that to work by creating your own presentation. These skills will serve you well as you form opinions on other issues in the future. Congratulations on a highly productive endeavor!

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