Researching the Causes and Effects of Acid Rain
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
In this assignment, you will use reference materials and Internet sites to research the causes and effects
of acid rain. You will also examine ways to minimize the effects of acid rain. You will use a variety of print
and digital sources to gather this information. A list of Internet sites you can use for your research is
provided at the end of this document. You will then present your findings in a research paper, which
should include an introduction, a discussion of the causes and effects of acid rain, a description of ways to
minimize the effects of acid rain, a conclusion, and a works cited page.
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Gather materials and necessary information.
a) You will research the topic of acid rain focusing on the following ideas:
 What acid rain is
 Causes of acid rain
 Effects of acid rain on animals (including humans), plants, water, and structures such as
statues, buildings, and bridges
 Four ways the effects of acid rain can be minimized
b) Be sure to keep a list of your references so you can cite them properly later.
c) Ask your teacher where you should save your paper as you work on it. Your teacher may also
have specific guidelines about the file name you should use.
Step 2: Develop your research paper.
a) Compose your research paper. Make sure that your paper includes the following:
 Your name, your teacher’s name, and the due date
 A title
 An introduction
 At least three pages focusing on the ideas listed in Step 1a
 A conclusion
b) Use graphics (tables, figures, etc.) in your paper when necessary to aid comprehension.
c) Use headings and subheadings to group your ideas.
d) Order your ideas and structure your sentences so your ideas flow smoothly.
e) Remember to save your work as you go.
Step 3: Cite your sources.
a) Create a page titled Works Cited.
b) On this page, create a list of the resources you used to complete your research. A simple list of
website titles and addresses (URLs) is acceptable. If you used print sources, list the title, author,
publisher, city, and date.
Student Guide (continued)
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Step 4: Evaluate your paper using this checklist.
If you can check each criterion below, you are ready to submit your paper.
 Does your paper include your name, your teacher’s name, and the due date?
 Does your paper include a title?
 Does your paper include an introductory paragraph?
 Does your paper include the following information about acid rain?
o What acid rain is
o Causes of acid rain
o Effects of acid rain on animals, including humans
o Effects of acid rain on plants
o Effects of acid rain on water
o Effects of acid rain on structures
o Four ways to minimize the effects of acid rain
 Does your paper include a concluding paragraph?
 Does your paper include a list of works cited?
 Does your paper include headings and subheadings that group ideas together?
 Does your paper flow smoothly? Are your ideas ordered in such a way that makes sense?
 Does your paper have graphics that aid comprehension of the information you presented (if
applicable)?
Step 5: Revise and submit your paper.
a) If you were unable to check off all the requirements on the checklist, revise your paper and save it
before submitting.
b) When you have completed your paper, submit it through the virtual classroom. Be sure that your
name is on it.
c) Ask your teacher for further instructions about presenting your paper to an audience of your
peers.
Internet Sites
http://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/whatisacid.html
http://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/index.html
http://www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/acidrain/enveffects.html
http://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/whyharmful.html
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/acid-rain-overview/
http://www.umac.org/ocp/EnvironmentalEffectsofAcidRain/info.html
http://water.usgs.gov/edu/acidrain.html
http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/149814/
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8418.html