Case Study: Altering Natural Systems

Abilities for a Technological World: Impacts of Products and Systems

Natural systems, while powerful can also be extremely delicate. The slightest change to an ecosystem, environment or species can have huge impacts that effect the entire system. Listed below are readings about altering natural systems. Choose two of the articles provided and read them. You will use the information when you create a research paper about altering natural systems.

The Environmental Impacts of Large Dams
http://www.irn.org/basics/ard/index.php?id=/basics/impacts.html
The Northern Snakehead: An Invasive Fish Species
http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/snakehead/overview.php
CFCs and Ozone Depletion
http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu/TG/OZ/cfcozn.html

You have now seen a few examples of how a small alteration to a natural system can have a huge impact. Now, on your own, you will research, develop and write a research paper on altering natural systems. In a page or less describe an alteration to a natural system. Explain the impacts of this alteration, both large and small. While you conduct your research, think to yourself:

-What is changing? OR, What has changed?
-What is being effected by this change?
-Is the effect being produced desirable or undesirable? Why?
-What can be done to stop, prevent or fix the outcome of this alteration or the alteration itself.

Assignment: Research and choose some alteration to a natural system that has had, is having or may have a severe impact. In a page or less explain the alteration, its impacts and whether or not the impacts are desirable. Your paper should suggest an idea for stopping, preventing or encouraging (if the outcome is desirable) this alteration. If the alteration you choose has undesirable impacts you should suggest a plan to repair the damage done by the alteration. You will be graded on the following:

-Describe the alteration or change (5 points)
-Describe the impact of the alteration or change (5 points)
-Explain why the impact is desirable or undesirable (5 points)
-Suggest a way to stop, prevent or encourage this alteration and its outcomes (5 points)
-At least one reliable resource (required)

When you have completed your paper, submit it to the Altering Natural Systems Drop box.

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