The Learning Cafe

Research Project: An Environmental issue

Environmental issues are usually the result of putting natural resources under pressure. These issues usually involve conflict because the different groups involved value specific natural resources differently.

The environmental topic that you choose should investigate the various issues and view points involved.

1. What is the issue?

2. Where is this issue occurring? Show on a map

3. What will happen if nothing is done about the problem?

4. Who are some people with different views about the issue?

5. Use the following headings to explain the affects that this issue has:

5. • Economic – money making activities

5. • Social – people and their well-being

5. • Environmental – land, water, air, ecosystems

6. What are some solutions to the issue?

You must also hand in a research log (in your assessment book) which shows the following processes:

Ø  Deciding (brainstorm /key words/focus questions

Ø  Finding (a list of resources used- bibliography)

Ø  Using (evidence that you have used your resources –notes highlighted print-outs).

Ø  Recording (draft notes/ideas, answers to your focus questions)

Ø  Presentation (decide on an appropriate and effective way to present your information).

Evaluation (This will be done in class and you will be asked to analysis part of your research process)

Divided World

Create a presentation to show the differences between life in a developing country and life in a developed country.

Your presentation should use images as well as statistics to highlight the differences.

Some categories you could consider:

Some countries you could use (or ask me if you want to use a different one):

Your presentation should be visually appealing, have a title slide and cover at least 6 categories.

You should save it on to the school server and email it to me when it is finished pcranston@katikaticollege.school.nz

Websites for statistics:

Nation Master: www.nationmaster.com

CIA Factbook: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Here is an example: Thanks Morgan J 10MKE!

Recently, we have been looking into the Rwanda conflict of 1994. We were all pretty moved about what happened and the lack of international support. Unfortunately, there is a very similar conflict taking place right now. Your task is to find out about the crisis in Darfur.You will need to create a voicethread about (Here is an example of a voicethread to: Click here):

• Where the conflict is occuring (needs to include a map and a description)
• What is happening in the conflict
• Why the conflict is happening
• 8 Key facts about the conflict.

This is a very sensitive issue and you will need a mature and respectful approach. You final product will be fully public - people who actually live in Darfur and their relatives may see this! - so it is very important that your material is accurate and not too graphic. It should be appropriate for a Year 9 Social Studies teacher to show their class.Here are some videos that will help you understand the Darfur conflict:

1. PBS Frontline: On our watch (8 chapters, about 5mins each)
2. PBS Frontline: Interactive diagram about the groups involved
3. In Darfur, my camera was not enough

• (KTV works at school only): Click here
• Click here for Youtube version

Here is a finished example, Thank You Caleb

Use your research skills to find out what each of the following terms mean, and then write a paragraph to explain how they relate to World War One.

• Alliance
• Armistice
• Entente
• Lusitania
• Propaganda
• Shellshock
• Somme

Create your answers in “Word” and then copy and paste your answers as a comment to this postWhen you have completed the above task, you may learn what conditions were like in the trenches by playing tis game. Click here. It is mainly reading to begin with, but eventually gets into lots of decision-making.

Hi Class, Here is a copy of the instructions for the $1000 Note Research Project. I have been impressed with the wide range of prominent New Zealanders you are studying. There is a great mix of sportspeople, politicians, artists, innovators, social changers and more. Remember the tips at the bottom of the instructions to get the higher marks. If you are investigating a contemporary New Zealander perhaps you could try finding their email address and contacting them directly.

Your Task is to create a diary entry or entries that describe what the journey for slaves was like. You can write from the perspective of anyone on the trip. Here is a starting sentence that you can use if you like:

18 August 1837 - If you are reading this I am probably already dead, for today I will take back my dignity.

Check out some examples from other Katikati College Y10 students.

Samples Of Diary Entry

View more PDF documents from pcranston.