What's in My Water Bottle?

By Janna R. McLean

Abstract

In this interrupted case study, two students explore evidence suggesting that environmental estrogens leach out of some plastic containers and that these chemicals have a negative impact on the development of mammals. Students analyze data, consider the quality of the data, and then develop their own conclusions. They are also asked to consider their role as future scientists in teaching society about potentially harmful chemicals. This case study could be used in upper-level anatomy and physiology courses or in a developmental biology course.

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Date Posted

09/22/2008

Overview

Objectives

Consider what good scientific evidence is.
Analyze real data.
Evaluate a scientific argument.
Discuss what it means to be a scientifically literate member of society.

Keywords

Bisphenol-a; BPA; environmental estrogen; environmental hormone; polycarbonate; water bottles; plastic safety; plastics; experimental design

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Environmental Science

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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