Web+Quest+Investigation


 * Net Quest [[image:farm3.jpg]]**
 * The Chemistry of Farming**

Each group will consist of 5 students. Each student will pick (or be assigned) one of the roles explained below. If you have a strong opinion about either side of this issue, you may want to consider assuming the role of the analytical scientist who is unbiased. If you are really adventurous, you may also consider taking one of the roles that are against your opinion. You just might find out that the issues aren't always as black and white as they may seem. Research of the chemicals used on each farm (specified in the introduction) will be performed by the group as a whole. Team members are to share all information with the group so everyone is aware of and working with the same information. The teacher will be available for technical help and questions regarding any of the related information. Try to solve problems/disputes between group members. Use your teacher as an additional resource when necessary. This research will be summarized in five short informational sessions that will be presented by each of the members at the meeting next week! The group will do research with the given resources and any other found by the group. (See Resources link below.) Remember, your presentation, and ultimately your grade, can only be as good as the effort you put into the research and design of your final presentation. As your team researches the resources try to answer/consider the following questions: 1. What risks are associated with ingestion of residue of the particular chemicals used on both farms? 2. How likely are those risks to occur? (Consider things like the level of residual chemicals on the produce, how easily the chemicals break down in sunlight, and how easy they are to wash off with plain water.) 3. Besides health issues, what other risks/benefits are involved with the use of agricultural chemicals? 4. How can an analytical laboratory aid in the determination of pesticide residue on produce? 5. What analytical methods are available today for the chemicals used by the farmers? 6. How should the produce be sampled and treated to obtain the most accurate results? 7. What documented evidence supports the organic farmer and/or the conventional farmer? (Resources need to be provided.) 8. Why do you suppose some of the research you've done has provided conflicting evidence for either side? 9. How can science be used to help make responsible and rational decisions?
 * Investigation**
 * Organic Farmer** - obviously feels that organic farming is the way to go. Feels that the synthetic chemicals used by conventional farmers are not worth the risks they impose on the consumer. He has difficulty making enough profit due to the additional manual labor used on his farm; therefore, the prices at his farmer's market are typically substantially higher than those at his neighbor's market.
 * Conventional Farmer** - feels that the media overemphasizes the risks posed by farm chemicals. He applies chemicals as instructed by the manufacturer to eliminate health risks to his employees and his customers. He never uses more chemicals than absolutely necessary, primarily because they are expensive.
 * Analytical Scientist** - completely unbiased in the debate between the two types of farmers. He loves finding the truth through science. He has access to the latest laboratory instruments used to test pesticide residues and is willing to do testing to help answer the residents questions.
 * Resident #1** - sides primarily with the organic farmer. He is health conscious, but not fanatical. He doesn't mind paying more for his produce as long as it truly is better for his family's health.
 * Resident #2** - sides primarily with the conventional farmer. He would rather pay less for his produce, as long as he knows there are no serious health effects to his family.
 * Process**

After considering all of the questions above, each member of the group, acting as their assigned role, will develop a presentation (power point is acceptable, but not necessary) to show at the meeting of the residents of the housing development, the farmers, and the scientist. Feel free to make the presentation portion of this web quest as **unique as possible**. Role playing (that means costumes and acting) is encouraged. The informational presentations will cover the following information.
 * Organic Farmer** -
 * Benefits of organic farming


 * Chemicals used on his farm


 * Risks, if any, of these chemicals


 * Allowable residual limits of these chemicals (toxicology reports if available)
 * Conventional Farmer** -
 * Benefits of conventional farming


 * Chemicals used on his farm


 * Risks, if any, of these chemicals


 * Allowable residual limits of these chemicals (toxicology reports if available)
 * Analytical Scientist** - (remember, he is an unbiased member of the team)
 * Any additional risks of any chemical discussed above


 * Analytical methods used to test produce for residue (just an overview)


 * Accuracy/dependability of these methods
 * Resident #1** -
 * Final decision for his family based on the presentations shown above


 * Reasons for this decision
 * Resident #2** -
 * Final decision for his family based on the presentations shown above

Each character's presentation should be approximately 5 minutes in length. (That means about 25 minutes for the group.) Resources should be cited for important facts in the presentation. (You can just note them on the notes view within Power Point or hand them in on a separate piece of paper.) Click on the Resources link below to get started on your research. Approximately 2 class periods will be given to do the research. One class period will be given to develop and plan the presentation for the meeting. The order of the group presentations will be chosen at random. Feel free to consult the Evaluation link below to see how your presentation is going to be graded. This project is a lot of work so be sure to stay on task. Most importantly, however, is to learn something interesting and to have fun doing it!
 * Reasons for this decision

Introduction Resources Evaluation Conclusion