An informative lesson focuses on heavy metal contamination of environments. Classes read about, discuss, and answer questions pertaining to sources of heavy metals in the environment. To finish the 35th installment of 36, individuals also study the effects of lead, mercury, and cadmium on organisms, as well as preventative measures to prevent these from entering environments. 

Concepts

metals, mercury, zinc, lead poisoning

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have classes read about and discuss the contamination of water by heavy metals in Flint, Michigan
• Share the water quality reports of your area's drinking water

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson assumes individuals have a good understanding of basic chemistry 
• Depending upon added activities and length of class periods, duration may be longer than two hours

Pros

• Questions are embedded through the lesson to determine if individuals are mastering the concepts, and a key is provided
• The topic is engaging due to its frequency in the news, making it current and relevant

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.11-12.2