Acid rain

Start with causes

A useful starting point is the mind map titled Acid Rain that outlines how fossil fuels are burned in cars and factories and how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released into the air. Follow its branches to see how the resource connects these emissions with acid rain.

Another mind map with the same title focuses on waste gases from power stations and vehicles. It also describes sulfur dioxide dissolving in water in the air. Comparing the maps can help you organize the steps they present.

Explore effects and responses

The listed mind maps cover effects on trees and vegetation, buildings and stone, and lakes. One map also describes effects on fish eggs and the release of aluminum from soil and particles in lakes. Use these branches to connect a cause with the environmental effects described in the resource.

The mind map titled Acid rain groups its material under causes, effects and solutions. It mentions vehicle emissions, power plants and an acid rain program. Another map describes reducing sulfur dioxide released from coal-burning power plants, including using coal with less sulfur.

Use a quiz alongside the maps

The Acid Rain quiz asks about causes, where sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide come from, and environmental effects. Study a map first, then take the quiz and return to the relevant branches when you want to review a question. Teachers can use the same sequence to organize a discussion around causes and effects.

This topic is part of the Air Pollution unit in Environmental science and ecology. The listed Environmental Problems mind maps offer another way to connect acid rain with the unit: they describe fuel burning in power stations and cars and the release of gases. Choose a map and use it to guide your work through the quiz.