Brainpop: Rachel Carson

Carson began “Silent Spring” with a fable about a blighted town in order to:

• Convey the dangers of environmental neglect

• Help readers identify with the topic

• Position the protection of our planet as a moral issue

• All of the above

Which term best describes DDT's effect on bird species?

• Lucky break

• Silver lining

• Unintended consequence

• Happy accident

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In a rainforest that has been sprayed with DDT, which species is likely to accumulate the highest levels of the substance?

• Jaguars

• Palm trees

• Fruit bats

• Ground squirrels

Which job is a zoologist most likely to do?

• Write a sci-fi novel about apes

• Clean the monkey cages at a zoo

• Study the diets of gorillas in the wild

• Teach chimpanzees sign language

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Which of the following is a direct result of Carson’s work?

• Scientists developed a vaccine for malaria

• DDT was banned for general use in 1972

• Organic food has grown in popularity

• More girls are pursuing careers in science

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Which statement would Carson most likely agree with?

• Pesticides and herbicides are too dangerous to use safely

• Mosquito bites don't cause that much harm

• Protecting bald eagle populations is more important than eradicating malaria

• Chemicals should be thoroughly studied for negative impacts

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Place the following events in sequence: A) Carson writes “Silent Spring;” B) The EPA is created; C) Carson testifies before Congress; D) Michigan State sprays DDT on campus.

• C, D, A, B

• D, A, C, B

• D, C, B, A

• A, C, B, D

Chemical companies hoped their publicity campaign against Carson would:

• Increase their popularity with the public

• Destroy her reputation

• Lower sales of "Silent Spring"

• Promote their brands

Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring conveyed the message:

• Dangers of humans living too close to the oceans

• Dangers of industrial chemicals

• Dangers of noise pollution on nearby habitats

• Animals should have the same rights as humans

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What caused the springtime to become "silent" after being sprayed with DDT?

• A decrease in noise pollution form nearby factories

• Song birds were killed by spraying for bugs

• An usually cold winter prevented bird eggs from hatching

• People stopped protesting the use of DDT after it was found to be safe

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