PROJECT: COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF ASWAN DAM In your study of geography, you have learned that a number of relationships exist between people's activities and geography. People adapt to their environment in a number of ways. You probably do this every day without even thinking about it.

For example:
When it is cold outside, you wear warmer clothes.
If it is raining, you may carry an umbrella.
If you live near a mountain, you might hike or ski when you have free time.
If you live near bodies of water, you may enjoy fishing or sailing from time to time.
People interact with their environment in other ways. Sometimes people change the physical geography of an area to better meet their needs. You probably see evidence of this on a daily basis.

For example:
When you go someplace, how do you get there? If you're like most people, you may walk along the road or sidewalk. Perhaps you travel by car, bus, or bicycle. The roads and sidewalks you use were not always there. People built them to make traveling easier. Concrete was poured over the land; trees may have been cut down to make room for roads and sidewalks.

With technological advances, people's ability to alter their physical environment has drastically increased. Some of the changes people make have tremendous benefits. However, as with many changes, there are sometimes negative consequences for both people and/or the environment.

Egypt's Aswan Dam was such a change. It affected the people and the environment in a number of ways—both positive and negative. Large environmental projects such as the Aswan Dam must be carefully analyzed to determine if their benefits outweigh their costs, both in terms of the physical environment and the local populations. Although advanced technology has provided us with tools to significantly modify our environment, it is not always wise to do so.

Scientists and government officials may very well have used a comparison chart similar to the one below to determine if the benefits of the Aswan Dam outweighed its cost. In a comparison chart, the benefits (pros) are listed on one side, and the disadvantages (cons) are listed on the other. Using such a chart simplifies the comparison process and can help in the decision-making process. This process is frequently called a "cost-benefit analysis."

Aswan Dam Comparison Chart
Pros Cons
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OBJECTIVES
Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the Aswan Dam.
Evaluate the pros and cons of this geographic modification.
Use the writing process to construct an argument in favor of a position.
Create a technology-based presentation of your argument.
Materials needed:
Phone or computer capable of accessing the Internet
Paper (optional)
Writing materials (optional)
Directions
Use the Internet or other sources to research the Aswan Dam.
Use the cost-benefit analysis chart found here to record your findings. List at least three pros and three cons in the chart. Using the chart will help organize your thoughts; it will also be turned in as part of your grade.
Choose a position based on your research, either supporting or opposing the construction of the dam. You will present your argument for or against the dam in a multimedia form. You will want your media to be engaging, relevant, and audience-appropriate.
Consider who your audience will be? Are you presenting to citizens of Egypt, government officials, or even owners of large businesses?
Pick a presentation style that enhances your information, so your audience can easily see your key points. Will you create a Web site, an interactive poster, a wiki, or some other type of multimedia?
Your final presentation should include at least 350 words of analysis supporting your stance.
Include a bibliography that follows the APA Style Citation Guide at the end of your presentation.