SOAR-High Web-Based Collaboration

SOAR-High
Earth System Science
A Clerc Center Web-Based Collaboration
Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.

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Act 2.2b A Book to Read: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Silent Spring
Rachel Carson(1907-1964),
a writer and biologist, touched off an international
controversy about the environmental effects of pesticides
with her 1962 book, The Silent Spring.
The book became a best-seller and the foundation of
modern ecological awareness.

Science Standard
       Explain that Rachael Carson’s book, Silent Spring, explained how pesticides were causing serious pollution and killing many organisms. Understand that it was the first time anyone had publicly shown how poisons affect anything in nature. Note in particular that the book detailed how the pesticide DDT had gotten into the food chain. Understand that as a result of Silent Spring, there are now hundreds of national, state, and local laws that regulate pesticides.

Book Description
"Rarely does a single book alter the course of history, but Rachel Carson's Silent Spring did exactly that. The outcry that followed its publication in 1962 forced the government to ban DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Carson's book was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. It is without question one of the landmark books of the twentieth century."               - www.Amazon.com
Reading Assignment
Write a book summary that includes the following:

Title, author, # of pages.

Identify where and when the story takes place.

Identify the main point of the book and give 3 adjectives that best describe your reaction to the main point.

Identify three other important points from the book and explain why the author included those points.

Make a timeline of 10 major events through the book.

Describe how this book influences your thinking about the world.

Would you recommend this book to other students?   Why or why not.

Question Set - Reading for understanding
Chapters 1-6

Class Discussion
Class discussion about this book will happen in two ways.
1. Your teacher will schedule time for your class to talk about the book.
2. Go online into the SOAR-High Class Discussion (GDOC) and read comments from other students. Add your own comments responding to the teacher question. Go back to GDOC on another day and read and respond again.

Teacher Presentation
Rachel Carson Bio/Silent Spring (ppt)