Human Impact on the Environment Genius Challenge

Coal is the largest source of electricity worldwide. What can be an environmental impact of the surface mining of coal?

• loss of habitats and biodiversity

• greenhouse gas emissions

• radioactive contamination

• contamination of groundwater

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A dam was constructed across a river to meet the power needs of an area. What is the most likely environmental impact of the construction?

• disturbances to plant and animal habitats

• decreased water levels behind the dam

• contamination of groundwater resources

• increased temperature due to exhaust gases

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A student lists some of his conclusions based on a study on the significance of conservation. Which statements represent valid consequences of conservation?

• 1, 2 and 3

• 1, 2, 3 and 4

• 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6

• 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How does the United States benefit from the conservation of nonrenewable energy supplies?

• It minimizes air and water pollution.

• It raises the risk of oil spills.

• It decreases the availability of fossil fuels.

• It increases dependency on foreign energy sources.

Scientists found that the topsoil of a riverbank had greatly eroded. After doing some research, they learned that the riverbank is flooded almost every year.

What would be the bestway to preserve the topsoil?

• Put fences along the riverbank.

• Pave the riverbank with cement.

• Plant trees along the riverbank.

• Cover the riverbank with coal tar.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which action helps conserve water?

• Pre-rinse dishes before washing.

• Use sprinklers to water the lawn.

• Let the faucet run while washing vegetables.

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean leaves from the driveway.

What activity should a local water supply agency undertake to ensure the health of the people of a town?

• Post health tips in local newspapers.

• Conduct water conservation campaigns.

• Monitor water quality regularly.

• Increase the availability of packaged water.

Which human activity is most responsible for the other three human activities in the choices below?

• increasing demand for food

• increasing deforestation

• increasing human population

• increasing air pollution

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which action represents an example of poor stewardship?

• A fishing boat throws young fish that get caught in its nets back into the water.

• A person hunts an elephant for the ivory in its tusks.

• A class picks up trash that washes up on the shores of a river.

• A student separates recyclable bottles from a pile of trash.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Energy can be produced in many different ways. Which method adds more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and increases global warming?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5