1. In the United States, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of food. However, this abundance is largely due to advances in agricultural technology, which have in turn created numerous concerns surrounding our food sources. Provide at least two modern examples of how the United States has increased its food production. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, discuss how these changes have affected the environment, and what impact they have on food safety?

Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

2. Before you begin this assignment, watch the video titled The Scientific Method Presentation. Then, read “Lab 2: Water Quality and Contamination.” This lab will allow you to investigate the effects of common pollutants on groundwater as well as mimic the filtration process utilized by wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, you will perform tests on your own tap water to compare differences in contaminants found in bottled versus tap water. Then, you will utilize this information and your eScience lab kit to complete Experiments 1 through 3 on the Week Two Lab Reporting Form. Make sure to complete all of the following items before submission:

1. Read through the introductory material and watch The Scientific Method Presentation video.
2. Perform Experiment 1: Effects of Groundwater Contamination using your eScience lab manual and kit.
3. Complete Table 1 and answer Post Lab Questions 1 through 5 in complete sentences on the Week Two Lab Reporting Form.
4. Complete Experiment 2: Water Treatment using your eScience lab manual and kit.
5. Answer Post Lab Questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Week Two Lab Reporting Form.
6. Complete Experiment 3: Drinking Water Quality using your eScience lab manual and kit.
7. Complete Tables 2 through 6 and answer Post Lab Questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Week Two Lab Reporting Form.
8. Go to “Lab 3: Biodiversity,” and complete Experiment 1: Diversity of Plants steps 1 through 6. Steps 1 through 6 need to be completed in order to be prepared for Week Three; however, results for this experiment will not be calculated until next week. Thus, nothing is to be handed in for this experiment until the end of Week Three