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Framing Acid Rain

Frame "before and after" art that shows the effects of acid rain and frame policy recommendations.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Foam Trays
  • Heavy Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Discuss acid rain with students - its causes (mainly automobiles and other sources of burning fossil fuels). Ask students to research its effect on the environment and buildings made of vulnerable materials, such as granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, and bricks. Have them frame a recommendation for what can be done to reduce acid rain.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a picture frame that will include two visuals, one showing a "before" and the other showing an "after" to emphasize the effects of acid rain. They will take two foam plates or produce trays, cut out the center, and glue the sides together, leaving a slit to slide in the art. They can decorate the sides. Next have them cut a piece of heavy paper into a size that will slide through the opening of the foam frame. Ask them to decorate the paper with two scenes, one depicting a "before" picture of a building, statute or monument that is made out of vulnerable materials. The second one should showing the effects of acid rain on the scene. Students may decide to showcase the impact of acid rain on waterways, mountains, or fields.

  • Step 3

    Students will then frame an argument for change and a policy recommendation. How could acid rain be reduced?

  • Step 4

    Ask the students to present their art and policy recommendations to the class and talk about some of the facts they learned about the cause and effect of acid rain.

Standards

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models.

SCI: Ask and answer questions in order to seek others' perspective, gather information, and clarify something that is not understood.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Discuss the pH levels of acids and bases. Most water has a neutral pH of 6.5-8.5, but acid rain exists in the 4-5 range. Have students look up the pH levels of various liquids and create a chart comparing these substances to acid rain. If possible, measure the pH of a local body of water.

Talk about the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement signed by the two countries in 1991 as a way to reduce the emissions that can cause acid rain. Discuss the IEA's (International Energy Agency) Net Zero by 2050 policy. Have a discussion about what it means to be a global citizen and how doing something in one country can help people all over the world.