Assignment
In this assignment, you will examine a news report on scientific studies of the Colorado River water crisis. We will follow the same approach and the same questions that you learned to use in the Science Tool Kit activities in previous modules. In this assignment, you will take these questions and create an essay in which you can show your ability to more deeply examine the problem and the reporting, as well as the science behind the news story.
Completing this activity will assist you in mastering Module Level Outcome 3 and 4.
First, read:
• "Colorado River shortage could hit Arizona hard" by Tony Davis from the Arizona Daily Star Sep 12, 2015
• Katel, P. (2011, December 9). Water crisis in the west. CQ Researcher, 21, 1025-1048.
• Zielinski, S. (2010) The Colorado River Runs Dry. Smithsonian Magazine
View:
• Smithsonian Institute Climate Change and the Colorado River [Video, 03:08 mins]
• Liquid assets: The big business of water [Video, 42:49 mins]. (2010). In Films On Demand. Retrieved June 13, 2016
Next, submit the following:
You will write an essay of 1000+ words (4 pages), not including a title page and a reference page. Each of the following questions should be addressed in your essay and supported with both quotations and paraphrasing from multiple sources you have been given in the module on this topic and that you locate through the EC Library.
1. What is the source of the scientific information in the Arizona Daily Star article by Tony Davis?
2. Discuss the expertise of the scientists (and others) involved in the study discussed by Davis.
3. What alternative views does Mr. Davis discuss? What do these viewpoints say in contrast to the initial study he examined in his article? Would you say, based on this information, that the study examined by Mr. Davis is accurate, reliable, and unbiased?
4. Compare and contrast the information in this Arizona Daily Star article with the information in the module readings and any additional material you may have found about this complex issue. Where does the Daily Star article agree and disagree with your other sources, and why?
5. Who are the major stakeholders in the conflicting demands on the Colorado River source? Does Mr. Davis discuss them all fairly? Is one group overlooked; if so, who, and what is their interest in the Colorado River water?
6. What possible solutions to this problem are discussed in Mr. Davis' article? Are there other solutions you have found? Describe these possible solutions.
Resources and Reminders:
You are also encouraged to do your own research through our library on the topic. Do not forget to include in-text citations and complete APA style references for all sources.