Question_Number,exam_name,subject,Category_Domain,Context_Info,Context,Question,Question_Part_1,Question_Part_2,Answer
naep_sci_1,naep,economics,The International Economy,Provide an analysis of issues related to the imposition of a tariff,,,,,
naep_sci_2,naep,economics,The National Economy,Explain how and why a reduction in taxes would affect employment and interest rates in the short term,,,,,
naep_sci_3,naep,science,earth_environmental,,Describe environmental impacts of human activities,"During winter a town has the choice of applying salt or sand to icy roads to help cars travel more safely. Both applications can impact the natural environment.

Describe one negative environmental impact of using salt on icy roads. Be specific.

Describe one negative environmental impact of using sand on icy roads. Be specific.",Describe one negative environmental impact of using salt on icy roads. Be specific.,Describe one negative environmental impact of using sand on icy roads. Be specific.,"Student response is correct for Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1: Describes a plausible and specific negative environmental impact of using salt.

Major response types include:

- It directly harms (kills, dries out) roadside vegetation (plants, trees).
- It changes the soil composition making it harder for plants to survive.
- It makes streams and rivers salty and some organisms will not survive.
- It reduces the oxygen supply in streams and therefore affects the survival of aquatic organisms.
- It contaminates public drinking (well) water; reduces sources of freshwater; and changes the chemical composition of freshwater streams harming organisms.

Part 2: Describes a plausible and specific negative environmental impact of using sand.

Major response types include:

- It produces solid waste so that clean-up is required to reduce possible harm (death) to animal and plant life.
- It erodes slopes and stream banks as it is carried by storm water runoff.
- It clogs storm drains (streams) causing flooding.
- It buries aquatic floor life in streams and rivers.
- It destroys roadside plants/animals by suffocating (crushing) them; and filling in animal homes.
- It changes the composition of the soil, making it unsuitable for some types of organisms (more specifically, the soil will hold less water).
- It increases air pollution when particulates (dust) escape into the air making it harder for organisms to breathe.

Note:

- Non-acceptable responses related to the non-natural environment include: damage to cars (metal, tires); damage to road (concrete); damage to gutters; less traction (slick roads); and pollution.
- Non-natural environmental effects can be mentioned if a resulting natural effect is included (for example, clogging storm drains and flooding.)"