Earlier this semester, we learned about the biodiversity of the Los Angeles River and you collected data on trash in your neighborhood to help the Council for Watershed Health better understand the threats that our waterways face from trash. Now, you will be revisiting the same location to collect a second trash assessment. These data are important in helping CWH understand how the quantity and types of trash changes over time - critical information for designing effective trash mitigation programs.Assignment RequirementsStep 1: Complete your trash surveyYour second trash survey must be completed in the same location as your first trash survey. Please locate the same storm drain and gutter and complete your trash survey there. If you are unable to complete your trash survey in the same location, please send me a Canvas message and we'll come up with an alternative plan.Use the ArcGIS123 survey (Links to an external site.) to complete your second trash survey. You can use either a web browser or the ArcGIS Survey123 field app to enter your data. As you are completing your survey, you will need to take a picture of at least two pieces of trash that you see. Please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines while completing your trash survey.Remember that honestly and accurately inputting your data is crucial to the work of the Council for Watershed Health. If you are unsure about any part of the data collection process, please revisit the All Drains Lead to the Ocean - Tutorial. If you can't find the answer to your question there, please send me a Canvas message.Step 2: Write a blog postYou will be writing a short blog post (minimum 300 words) that reflects on your experience doing the trash assessments in your neighborhood and explains the importance of monitoring and reducing trash in the environment. This blog post is targeted at a general audience, so you should make it both interesting and informative. In your blog post, you should include the following: A headline that will catch the reader's attention and explain the topic of your blog post clearlyAn engaging introduction that will draw the reader in and make them want to read moreOne or two paragraphs that discuss your experience doing trash assessments and the ways in which your contribution to this CWH trash monitoring project could help the environmentA conclusion with at least one action that the reader can takeThe pictures of the two pieces of trash from your assessmentWhile not required, you are welcome to include additional pictures of your neighborhood or of you completing your trash assessment!Here are some tips for writing an effective blog post:Write in first person. While formal science writing typically avoids the use of "I", you are writing about your experience here and this blog is all about your perspective!Make it personal. Share your thoughts, feelings, and personal experience to help the reader connect to your writing. Keep it interesting. You can include humor, anecdotes, or fun facts so long as they are relevant to your post.Make it straightforward. Keep your sentences and paragraphs short. Your writing style should be conversational and focused - don't include a lot of extraneous information. If you are writing about a complex topic or idea, it is important to write clear explanations and avoid use of too much technical terminology. Make sure to cite any and all sources of information that you use!Here are some examples of good blog posts: Nature in LA (NHM) - L.A. Bats Fight On (Links to an external site.)Nature in LA (NHM) - L.A.'s Street Trees (Links to an external site.)Submission GuidelinesSubmit your blog post by uploading a single file (Word doc or pdf) to this assignment.Note: I will receive separate confirmation from Council for Watershed that you completed your ArcGIS123 survey.GradingTo see how this assignment will be graded, scroll down to view the grading rubric. If no rubric is visible, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of this page, then click "Show Rubric". If you're reviewing this assignment using the Canvas mobile app, the rubric is included in the Grade tab.Helpful ResourcesHow do I upload a file as an assignment submission in Canvas? (Links to an external site.)Download Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for free (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)RubricTrash Assessment Blog postTrash Assessment Blog postCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArcGIS123 survey5 ptsFull MarksArcGIS123 survey is completed and includes complete and accurate data for the site and trash assessment. Data quality assurance questions are answered and any uncertainties are described.0 ptsNo submissionArcGIS123 survey was not completed5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBlog post10 to >8.0 ptsExcellentBlog post meets content, formatting and length guidelines and is engaging and informative. Includes photos of at least two pieces of trash and cites sources appropriately.8 to >6.0 ptsGoodBlog post meets most requirements for content, formatting and length, but needs further detail or is missing a minor element6 to >0.0 ptsDevelopingBlog post is missing multiple elements or is too brief.0 ptsNo submission10 ptsTotal Points: 15PreviousNext