<p>
	This&nbsp;first unit will help students understand what mercury is, why it presents a health concern, and where it comes from. The classroom activities cover <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/mercury-watersheds/essential-activity-why-do-we-care-about-mercury">background information</a>, <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/mercury-watersheds/optional-activity-concentrations">mercury concentrations</a>, <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/mercury-watersheds/optional-activity-mapping-us-mercury-emissions">mercury movement in the environment</a>, and <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/mercury-watersheds/optional-activity-road-toxicity">mercury toxicity</a>. In the <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/mercury-watersheds/links-4">Links section</a> you will find excellent background <a href="http://participatoryscience.org/sites/default/files/BRIMercury.pdf"><img alt="" src="http://participatoryscience.org/sites/default/files/mercuryconnectionscover.png" style="width: 41px; height: 53px; margin: 5px; float: left;" /></a>reading materials including the BioDiversity Research Institute&#39;s Mercury Connections report that many students have found very helpful.</p>
