Rivers feel heat as U.S. energy demand rises

April 11, 2001
Web posted at: 6:50 PM EDT (2250 GMT)

Curriculum connections: Environment

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Identify the effects of America's energy crisis on its rivers.
• Research causes of problems on the top 13 threatened rivers.
• Write a letter in support or against the proposed decrease in the Department of the Interior's budget.

Standards

Benchmarks On-Line The designed world, Agriculture, grades nine -12 Agricultural technology requires trade-offs between increased production and environmental harm and between efficient production and social values. In the past century, agricultural technology led to a huge shift of population from farms to cities and a great change in how people live and work.

Materials

CNNfyi.com article, "Rivers under fire as U.S. energy crisis grows" Internet access Chart paper, colored pens and pencils

Suggested time

One class period

Procedure

1. Review the recent energy problems occurring around the United States, including rising utility prices. Ask students for suggestions on ways to get additional energy. Then ask them how they believe the increased need may harm the Earth.

2. Have students read the CNNfyi.com article,"Rivers under fire as U.S. energy crisis grows," and ask the following:

• How are America's rivers being affected by the nation's energy crisis? How do you think rivers are impacted by damming, drilling and burning? What is "America's Most Endangered Rivers?" What are some other issues threatening rivers?
• Why are some environmentalists critical of President George W. Bush? How would the Department of the Interior be affected by Bush's proposed 2002 budget? What is the Bush administration considering building to assist in the energy crisis? Why do you think nuclear contamination was not listed as a threat to America's rivers? Do you agree or disagree with the construction of nuclear power plants? Explain your answer.

3. Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group one of the following rivers on the top 13 list: Missouri River, Canning River, Eel River, Hudson River, Powder River, Mississippi River, Big Sandy River, Snoqualmie River, Animas River, East Fork Lewis, Paine Run, Hackensack River and Catawba River. Each group should research the location of the river, its benefits to people and animals, the current condition of the river and the potential effects on the river's ecosystem and the local community if the river were to become contaminated. Students should determine what can be done to protect or repair this river. Students can use charts and graphs to illustrate their information. Have each group present their their findings to the class.

Assessment

Have each student write a letter to President Bush stating reasons for supporting or disagreeing with his proposal to cut the Department of the Interior's budget with reference to America's rivers.

Accommodations

Logical/visual Ask students to think of ways in which all consumers can reduce their daily use of energy. Have them create public service announcements (print, Web, audio or video) encouraging people to begin these practices.

Challenge

Students can research alternative power sources and determine alternative methods to keep the rivers from being threatened.

Lesson plan: Power crisis in California
January 24, 2001
Lesson plan: Impact of California's power crisis
January 4, 2001

State of the Land -- Water Quality
American Rivers - Rivers and energy development
American Heritage Rivers Qualifying and Selection Criteria
New York Energy $mart Web Site
How can I reduce and reuse waste?

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.