Your job is to investigate the information about chemicals in your home and compile
it into a PowerPoint presentation for students and parents at your high school. The
presentation must look professional and attractive and include the following
information:
 Examples of common chemicals found in the home.
o For each area of the house, list some chemicals used there and their
possible hazards (ex. Kitchen, laundry, garage, lawn, etc.)
o Be sure to include some information about each chemical or chemical
category.
 Definitions of toxic, corrosive, flammable, or any other warning words relative to
chemical use.
o Also be sure to discuss the precautions that should be taken when dealing
with these types of chemicals.
 Alternatives to use instead of potentially harmful chemicals.
o What are some safer alternatives to use than some of the chemicals
normally found in our home?
o Why are these better alternatives? Are they better for us? Environment?
 Proper disposal for hazardous chemicals—what goes where?
o What happens when hazardous chemicals are improperly disposed of?
o Where do they end up?
o What are the possible risks of improper disposal?
 The environmental impact that some common household chemicals could have on
the environment if they are not properly disposed.
o What impact do improperly disposed chemicals have on our environment
such as land, lakes, and rivers?
o What impact then is there to the wildlife or humans in exposed areas?
 What should be done in the case of a chemical emergency?
o What happens if someone is exposed to a hazardous chemical? Give
examples of both simple and extreme cases.
o Is there a number to call if you have a chemical question? Is there a
national hotline? How about a local hotline?
 What are some recent concerns about chemicals that are found in the food we eat?
o Are there chemicals in our food that scientists and doctors are now
concerned about?
o Is there significant evidence for these concerns yet?
o What are some examples of foods and chemicals consumers should be
aware of?
 Find at least one news article about any of the things listed above.
o Search local and national news sites for articles about any of the other
content topics.
o Be sure to save the article to turn in with your PowerPoint.
o A summary of the article should be included in the presentation
somewhere.
o Save or write down the website for the article.
In addition to dividing responsibility for finding the above information, each person in
your group should have one of the following jobs:
o Group director
o Progress reporter & content checklist
o Proofreader
o Rubric evaluator
See the process web page for job descriptions.
NOTE: If you do not have four people in your group, then some of the above job
responsibilities must be shared between group members.
PowerPoint Presentation Grading Rubric
To turn in:
 PowerPoint will be electronically submitted to teacher—see teacher for
instructions.
 Include a saved copy of the news article.
(peer review and self evaluations will be done after you turn in your project)