The Process
You will first break up into groups of three or four.  You will divide the research so that each person can address two of the types of pollution.  You will need to gain knowledge about the sources of the different types of contamination, the effects on plant and animal life and habitats, and ways in which scientists clean up or stop the contamination.  Listed below are the specific types of contamination, which can be found in many of the area's rivers.  Included are links to websites that will help you get started on your research.

*Nitrates
*Chlorides
*High or Low pH
*Water Hardness (levels of Ca and Mg)
*Low Oxygen Content
*Heavy Metals or Radioactive Materials
*Pathogenic Organisms
*Other Pollutants
You will then come together as a group and share your research with your teammates.  As a team, you will choose a river in North Carolina that has one or more of these problems.  If the river has only one of these problems, the problem must be significant or a severe threat to the environment.  The teacher must approve all river choices so that no two groups research the same river.  Find out what types of pollution problems your river has, what effects it has had on the surrounding areas, a list of possible sources including things such as towns, farms, and factories, and what (if anything) is being done to clean up the water.  Your group will now create a map of the river and surrounding areas.  Include the name of your river, major tributaries, nearby towns and cities, and plot points of possible pollution sources.  Last, your team will present your findings to the town council (your classmates) and use arguments backed by data to persuade the town to clean up the water source.

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