Natural Science Project 1
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
SCI-100
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by mattcastleman24
Part 1: Natural Science Topic Exploration
1.
The main idea of the news story
This article is about the possible harmful effects of paper straws. Paper straws have been
promoted as the better and healthier option but now they are finding PFAS in the straws.
2.
Prior and desired knowledge
The only knowledge I was given was that paper straws were better for the
environment compared to their counter plastic straw and a lot of companies
switched over. I never questioned it and just believed it was better for the
environment. I would like to know the science behind why paper straws are not
better and what prompted this research. I would also like to know how PFAS
affects our health and the environment.
3.
The scientific approach scientists used while researching
The approach they used for this research was testing 39 different brands of straws
made from different materials. The scientists tested the different straws for toxic
chemicals. They collected the data and compared the straws and found that paper
and bamboo straws had PFAS.
Part 2: Fundamental Questions about the Natural Science World
1.
Finalized Research Question
How can the PFAS from paper straws affect our water quality?
2.
Proposed Hypothesis Based on Research Question
My research question asks how the PFAS in paper straws affects water quality. If
PFAS are directly exposed to water, then it will affect the water quality negatively.
3.
How my assumptions, beliefs, and values may influence my Hypothesis
I believe in protecting the environment and making sure we are not using harmful
chemicals that could hurt our planet and our health. Paper straws were used
because they can dissolve in water which was perceived as more environmentally
friendly than plastic because it would cause less pollution. My hypothesis is
stating what the effect PFAS has on our water quality because research shows a
link between paper straws and PFAS. This could affect our environment and our
health, which are two things I feel strongly about protecting. My strong feelings
about the environment may have reflected my hypothesis to focus on the negative
effects instead of the positive.
Part 3: Major Development in the Natural Science
1.
Major Development that impacted my Topic
A major development that is related to my topic is PFAS are being found in high
amounts among the people of Greenland. Researchers say that this is caused
because of the food that they eat. PFAS, when released in the environment is
biomagnified. Bio-magnified is the process in which a chemical or substance used
for farming makes its way into animals from pollution such as water
contamination. The article states that 92% of residents in the town of
Ittoqqortoormiit have more than the recommended amount of PFAS according to
the Europe Food Safety Authority. These studies of the harmful effects on the
environment and our health are causing people to jump into action. The European
Chemicals Agency published a proposal limiting the production of PFAS. The
researchers also concluded the levels of PFAS in blood are higher in people who
live in European and North American countries versus Asian and African
countries.
2.
Describe the contributions of scientists from the major development
Scientists are always looking at public safety and how we can improve to help
make society safer and protect the environment. The scientists from this major
development were motivated to do both. They are concerned about our health and
the effects PFAS exposure will have on us but also concerned about the
environment. PFAS are negatively impacting the health of our animals and planet.
We use PFAS in a lot of products but since researching more into the chemical
and seeing the harm it can cause scientists are urging companies to change what
they use and find a different solution.
3.
Discuss how an ethical issue may impact research
The ethical issue may impact the research because from this research we gain a
new perspective of paper straws. Paper straws were promoted to be more eco-
friendly, and we have research done showing that they are versus plastic. We are
now researching the negative side and seeing that we might need to question more
and do more testing on how else paper straws could affect the environment.
Part 4: The value of studying the Natural Science
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1.
Explain how viewing the world through a scientific lens may influence your life
Viewing the world through a scientific lens will help me become a more critical
thinker. Being able to use critical thinking skills will help me with problem
solving in my personal life and help me find solutions to everyday problems. It
can also help me be a more informed person in my community and help me
recognize problems. This will help me contribute to solving those problems
through science or help me form complete and adjusted opinions.
2.
Articulate how being a more informed citizen may affect your relationship with
your community
Being a scientifically informed citizen can benefit our communities tremendously.
Being knowledgeable in the sciences we can find solutions to local issues and
make informed decisions for our communities that will change our societies for
the better.
3.
Discuss how being more scientifically informed citizen may help with global
contemporary issues
As humans who inhabit this planet it is our duty to be scientifically literate to
understand global issues and help find solutions. The more citizens who
understand the issues the more problems we can solve. Being knowledgeable
citizens, we will be able to change and improve our societies global contemporary
issues.
References
Group, T. & F. (2023, August 25).
Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better
for the environment than plastic versions
. ScienceDaily.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230825122044.htm
University, A. (2023, July 12).
Alarmingly high pfas levels in the populations of Greenland, the
Faroe Islands, Denmark and the UK
. ScienceDaily.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230712124648.htm