What issue have you chosen to research in the natural sciences? In 1–2 paragraphs,
describe why this issue is significant.
Below is a list of potential issues in the natural sciences that you could choose to research for your Planning Document and Presentation. These issues will all include a potential question and an unacademic source that you can use to see if you are interested in the topic and question. If none of these fields interest you, you can choose your own topic with the approval of your instructor.
Remember, you’ll be expected to form a hypothesis about your issue and to describe an experiment that could test your hypothesis in Module Five. Make sure to select an issue related to the natural sciences that can be investigated scientifically.
Genetically Modified Organisms
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a controversial topic. Public education on GMOs is generally lacking, and there are outstanding questions about the potential hazards of extensive GMO use.
Example Questions
Are genetically modified foods safe for human consumption?
Further reading https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/
Electric Cars
As concerns about the use of fossil fuels increase due to climate change, there has been a concerted movement to limit the use of these fuels in transportation. The push for electric vehicles has gained strength as battery and energy transportation technologies have advanced, but many hurdles still remain.
Example Questions
What effect would widespread adoption of zero-emission electric cars have on climate change?
Further reading
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/electric-cars-are-not-necessarily-clean/
Ocean Acidification
Since the Industrial Revolution, the Earth has had to deal with ever-increasing levels of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Of the many effects of increased carbon dioxide levels, one that often gets forgotten is on the world’s oceans. The oceans act as one of the world’s main carbon dioxide sinks—places or objects that help deal with carbon dioxide. This increase leads to a chemical reaction that results in ocean waters becoming more and more acidic.
Example Questions
What are the effects of ocean acidification on specific marine ecosystems as well as terrestrial coastal communities?
Further reading
https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/ocean-topics/how-the-ocean-works/ocean-chemistry/ocean-acidification/
Biodiversity Conservation
Human-caused climate change combined with our need for additional land for habitation has led to changing and shrinking environments for numerous species. The increased stress on these organisms has resulted in certain species’ populations shrinking dramatically, some to the point of extinction. The loss of these species—and of biodiversity in general—has led to more emphasis on conservation of specific areas as habitats for great biodiversity.
example Questions What would be the consequences of losing the Earth’s most biodiverse habitats?
Further reading https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/conservation-of-biodiversity-13235087/