Impact Report
In this task, you will be synthesizing what you have learned about the current condition of the proposed
development site and the impacts of human constructions. Write a report to inform the decision-makers
for your site that makes a scientific argument for the probable impact of the proposed development on
the site's ecosystem. Your report should include:
 An introduction to the site (location, size, general description and current uses by humans and
non-human) and a summary of the proposed development.
 An argument for the probable impact of the proposed development on at least three parameters of
the ecosystem. Impacts can be positive, negative, or mixed.
o Not all of the parameters below are equally important for your site. Choose 3 important
parameters for this site to write your impact report.
o For each parameter, describe the current state of the site, the impact of the proposed
development, and the evidence for this probable impact. Evidence should include data
gathered at the site as well as information from reliable sources (textbook, reliable internet
sources, etc.).
o Be sure to cite the source of all evidence used to make your impact argument.
 A summary paragraph, which summarizes how populations (humans, local flora and fauna) will be
positively affected and/or negatively affected in the short or long-term. Based on this
information, make a concluding argument about whether the development should proceed as
planned, be modified to decrease negative impacts, or not be allowed.
 A reference list that shows all sources cited in the report.
Parameter
Argument with Evidence, Describing:
Interactions

Ecosystem Services

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Air quality

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Water quality
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Biodiversity
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Introduced and NonNative Species
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What are some of the current interactions among organisms at
the site (consider the food web)?
What would be the impact of the development?
What ecosystem services are provided by the site?
How would these uses/services change with the proposed
development?
How is the air quality currently?
How will the proposed development increase or decrease air
pollution?
How is the water quality currently?
How will the proposed development increase or decrease water
quality?
How biodiverse is the site currently?
How would the proposed development affect the current
biodiversity?
Are there any endangered plants or animals near the site?
Does the site provide habitat for any endangered plants or
animals?
Are there invasive species on the site?
Will the proposed development increase or decrease the
population of invasive species?
Human Constructions & Impacts Rubric
Component
Opening paragraph
Argument 1
Gradations of Quality
Exemplary
Proficient
Developing
Clear summary of
Summary of important aspects Summary includes some
important aspects of of development relevant to
aspects of development but
development relevant chosen parameters
leaves out one or more that are
to chosen parameters
relevant to chosen parameters
Includes sites' location, size,
Includes sites'
and general description
Site description too general or
location, size, and
missing information
general description
Includes clear
statement of current
status and
likely changes to the
ecosystem due to
development, with
Includes statement of current
status and
Includes statement of current
status and
possible changes to the
ecosystem due to
development, with
at least one possible changes
to the ecosystem due to
development, with
Needs Development
Description of
development is cursory
or too vague
Site description too
general or missing
information
Current status not
described or vaguely
described.
Little or no support for
claims, or support
indicates
support from both site data (if support from either site data or misunderstandings
convincing support
available) and reliable
reliable resources. Relationship
from both site data(if resources. Relationship of
of data/evidence to claim may
available) and reliable data to claim shows
be vague or indicate
resources (including understanding of concepts
misunderstandings.
your textbook).
below.
Relationship of data
to claim shows
understanding of
concepts below.
Argument 2
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Argument 3
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Same as Argument 1
Closing
Summarizes the most Summarizes the most
important arguments important arguments
Summarizes some points from Does not summarize
arguments.
points from the
arguments AND/OR
Conclusion is clearly Conclusion is based on the
Draws a conclusion but the
based on the
arguments and evidence in the conclusion drawn is not clearly does not provide a basis
arguments and
report but connections
based on the arguments.
for conclusion.(beyond
evidence in the report between arguments and
personal opinion)
recommendations may not be
clear.
Be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the following:

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Ecosystem structure and function
The effect of human development on ecosystem structure & function.
How one component of an ecosystem can affect the whole system (interactions).
How humans are part of the ecosystem.