Students are introduced to acids and bases, and the environmental problem of acid rain. They explore ways to use indicators to distinguish between acids and bases. Students also conduct a simple experiment to model and discuss the harmful effects of acid rain on our living and non-living environment, as well as how engineers address acid rain. In an associated literacy activity, students learn how persuasive techniques are used to develop an argument, and create an environmental case study.

The goal of this activity is for students to develop visual literacy. They learn how images are manipulated for a powerful effect and how a photograph can make the invisible (pollutants that form acid rain) visible (through the damage they cause). The specific objective is to write captions for photographs.

An introduction, aimed at upper elementary- and middle-school learners, to acid rain. [Click back to home to access the site in Spanish.]

Visit the U.S. Geological Survey's website for a wide variety of information on water. Content includes data on water quality, water use, acid rain, among others; publications; information on water resource programs; maps; information on ground water and surface water; water information by state; and much more.