Rivers: Take a Closer Look - Homework Assignment - October 26/27

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Today in class we took a closer look at the issues that face rivers, and the particular reasons why they can become endangered.  Specifically, we looked at the Yamuna, the Colorado, and the Ganges. 

Your homework for the next couple of days is the following - to spend more time researching Hydroelectric Dams, or to take a closer look at an endangered river.  Here in British Columbia, one of the things that we notice, is that many people believe that hydroelectric power is purely positive.  It provides clean energy and helps to offshoot the effect of climate change, so people believe building new dams, is always a positive experience.   However, this isn't always the case. 

If you want to know more about the impacts of Mega-Dam projects, then you should consider Option 1 - Mega Dams, as your homework option. 

If you were interested by the Ganges River documentary, and want to know more about the risks facing river systems, then choose Option 2 - Rivers At Risk.  Choose one of the rivers I've provided for you, or your own choice.  

Do the research questions and hand in on Teams.  This should be complete by Wednesday at 12:30pm, when we will be meeting to examine the risks facing Ocean ecosystems. 

OPTION 1 - Mega-Dams - Are they a good idea? 

THREE GORGES DAM, CHINA

Watch the two following videos, and the Study Guide section, and record notes

The Largest Dam in the World 
Is the Three Gorges Dam a Ticking Time Bomb? Journeyman Pictures - watch first 8-10 min
+ Read pgs 188-190 in Study Guide

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 

1. Describe the Three Gorges Dam - give a context (what, where, when, why, etc.)
2. Describe reasons why the Three Gorges Dam is considered to be a technological achievement and a sign of progress for China.
3. Describe the negative impacts that the construction of large-scale dams can have on land, people/culture, animal species and ecosystems.  Refer to Study Guide pages + info from videos
4. Overall, do you think that large-scale hydroelectric projects are positive for the global community?  Explain your thinking with supporting details.

OPTION 2 - RIVERS AT RISK

Choose ONE of the following rivers to investigate in more detail.  Watch the video and/or read the article and then discuss the situation in this place. 

Citarum River - Indonesia
Ganges River - India (Choose this option if you were interested in class discussion today and want to know more...)
Zambezi River, Zambia/Mozambique
Rio Grande - U.S. Mexico Border River
Amazon River, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru


RESOURCES - Articles and Videos to Help - Use the ones that are relevant to your topic.  Feel free to do outside research as well. 


ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 

1. Describe the river and its surrounding environment.  Refer to human, animals species, vegetation, etc.  Describe why the river is important. 
2. Explain the main reasons why the river has become so polluted. 
3. If relevant, explain the role that climate change is having on the river and the surrounding environment. 
4. Discuss some possibilities for solving the polluted river.  Discuss some of the challenges in solving this problem.  Assess whether or not its likely that this river will be cleaned up in the future.   

HAND IN ON TEAMS - DIGITAL COPY OF ASSIGNMENT IS THERE

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