Instructions:

For every article, there are some questions for you to think about when doing your article review. Attempt to answer the questions and include them in the "Further Reading" section in your article review.

Group 1:

The Chemistry of Life: The Human Body By Michael Schirber, Special to LiveScience posted: 16 April 2009 09:37 am ET

http://www.livescience.com/health/090416-cl-human-body.html

Some questions to think about:

Pick any two elements and research on the uses of the two elements in our human body.

If scientists were able to invent a magical pill that contains all the essential nutrients our body needs but is expensive, would it be beneficial or harmful to humans?

What are some of the impacts on the following groups of people:

1. farmers of crops?

2. companies that produce the drug?

3. rich people?

4. poor people?

Group 2:

The Chemistry of Life: Where Oil Comes From By Michael Schirber, Special to LiveScience posted: 16 March 2009 09:22 pm ET

http://www.livescience.com/environment/090316-oil-origin.html

Some questions to think about:

With oil being depleted at such a rapid rate, what are some alternative sources of energy that we can use to supplement our oil consumption?

Describe briefly at least 3 alternative sources of energy, their benefits and disadvantages.

Do you think its better to reduce consumption of energy or to look for other sources of energy but maintain our energy consumption? Explain your answer.

Group 3:

Mars Sprinkled with Salty Mysteries By Andrea Thompson, Senior Writer posted: 14 April 2009 09:47 am ET

http://www.livescience.com/space/090414-st-perchlorate-sludge.html

Some questions to think about:

Water is essential for life. Why is water so important for life to occur?

What are some chemicals that are able to absorb water like the percholate salt found in Mars? What are these chemicals used for?

Group 4:

Oldest Known Bomb-Grade Plutonium Discovered By LiveScience Staff posted: 27 February 2009 10:44 am E

http://www.livescience.com/history/090227-nuclear-plutonium.html

Some questions to think about:

Nuclear power has been a potential to provide relatively clean energy but also cause large scale destruction in the event of an accident.

Research on any ONE nuclear accident and state the short term and long term impacts on the environment and people living near the accident site.

State with reasons if you would support or are against the use of nuclear power to generate energy.

Group 5:

Behind the Scenes: Cheaper Plastic Solar Cells In the Works By Diane Hinkens, South Dakota State University posted: 12 December 2008 09:29 am ET

http://www.livescience.com/technology/081212-bts-organic-photovoltaics.html

Some questions to think about:

What are the top 3 ways to obtaining electrical power in Singapore?

What do you think are some impacts the cheaper plastic solar cells might have on obtaining electrical power in sunny Singapore?

Do you think that Singapore should adopt the use of solar power? Give reasons to support your answer.

Group 6:

Future Climate Change Likely To Cause More Respiratory Problems In Young Children By ScienceDaily (May 4, 2009)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504205108.htm

Some questions to think about:

List at least 3 other common air pollutants.

State their source and explain the effects they have on human health.

Group 7:

Biofuel Production And Water Scarcity: A Drink-Or-Drive Issue? By ScienceDaily (May 11, 2009)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501204627.htm

Some questions to think about:

Why do you think its important to look for alternative fuel sources?

What are the products of burning ethanol? List some potential impact these products have on the environment.

Would the use of ethanol as fuel really help the environment? Give reasons to support your answer. 

Group 8:

Carbon Dioxide Snatched From The Air By ScienceDaily (Apr. 21, 2009)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420121342.htm

Some questions to think about:

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air today is approximately 0.03%. However, the concentration of carbon dioxide in air has not always been 0.03%. Find out how scientists are able to find out about the amount of carbon dioxide in the air hundred thousand years ago. Clue: ICE.

Group 9:

How Mercury Emissions Reach Tuna And Other Seafood, And Why Mercury Contamination Is Likely To Worsen By ScienceDaily (May 3, 2009)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501195628.htm

Some questions to think about:

Research on a mercury poisoning accident that happened in the past. When did it occur? How did the accident happened? What are some of the short term and long term effects of the mercury poisoning?

Group 10:

Coral Reefs May Start Dissolving When Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Doubles By ScienceDaily (Mar. 10, 2009)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309162125.htm

Some questions to think about:

Carbon dioxide is known to be a greenhouse gas and with the increased in amounts of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the global temperature is on the rise. How can coral reefs help to reduce carbon dioxide concentration in our air?

Research and find out more information about what is being done to protect coral reefs all around the world. How can you as student play a role in conserving our coral reefs?