Student Name:___________     Class:______

[This page was modified from the CT DOE file: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2618&q=320892 Changes made to adapt it to EESci are in brackets]

[Natural vs] Synthetic Polymers

[Paper, Plastic or ....]

Science, Technology & Society

Student Materials

Grades 9-10 

[1. The question "Paper or plastic?" asked by a supermarket checkout person is a good example of  the way we make decisions all the time about management of our natural resources. There may be a lot of information needed to make a good decision. Brainstorm with two partners what questions need to be answered as part of your "inventory" step in the management cycle. Write down 5 questions from your brainstorming here:

 

 

 

 

2. Write down the 5 questions that your teacher chooses when the class compiles the results of your brainstorming here:

 

 

 

3.  When we need answers to questions, often the first place people look is on the internet. Keep in mind however, that anyone can put anything on a website, even completely false information]

One of the most important factors in researching an issue online is evaluating the credibility of the source of information.  Anyone may publish their work online but not everyone who publishes information is interested in providing data-driven, unbiased and balanced information to the reader.  Some sources online are interested in promoting a product or an industry.  Other sources try to sway opinions without any credible facts to backup their views. 

You are trying to evaluate the risks versus benefits of using plastic and paer products.   During your research you find the sites and articles listed below.  Your task is to evaluate the credibility of the sources of information by filling out the template on the following page.  Use the background information and skills provided to you by your teacher to evaluate the sources.   Remember to document your evidence as to the kind of site, authority of the author, the point of view of the author/site, date of publication and any other information that is important in the evaluation of the reliability of the site.

http://www.packagingtoday.com/introenvironment.htm

http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/wasteman/wm0002.htm

http://www.americanplasticscouncil.org/s_apc/sec.asp?CID=298&DID=897

http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/kamaral/plasticsarticle.html

[Long Island Sound Study Floatable Debris at: http://www.longislandsoundstudy.net/ccmp/floats.htm

http://www.projo.com/news/content/plastic_bags_03-31-08_DB9DO4L_v33.38f57bd.html

http://www.wcbs880.com/pages/1762853.php?contentType=4&contentId=1664199

http://www.grrn.org/resources/paper_plastic.html

http://www.reusablebags.com/facts.php?id=7
Plastic bags consumed this year:^*

Lists others here:

 

 

Notes about the questions: ]

            Assessing the Credibility of Information

 

 Write a brief assessment about the credibility of the sources you investigated: