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!

Welcome to the resource centre for our Valuing and Social Decision-Making Assessment.

Biofuels: Burning up our future??

As we have learnt in this unit already, one of the big environmental issues is the use of fossil fuels. People are looking for more sustainable alternatives. Biofuels - fuel made from plants and other organic matter - are often seen to be a great alternative. However, some people are saying that these biofuels do more harm than good.Your Social Studies teacher has provided you with an assessment booklet, please read this before viewing the resources. You should take notes on extra paper, so you can record and organise your ideas. You should then complete your assessment sheets and submit them for marking.

”’Resources”’

*”Fish’n'Chips get you moving”: Video

*”Protesters go ape over biofuels”: Video

*”Starvation - this high price of biofuels”: Video

*”Comparing Biofuels” Interactive diagrams:

*”Rush for biofuels threatens world food supply” Newspaper article

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Here are the instructions for your self-selected research issues

Environmental Issue Assignment

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 heading to explain the affects of this issue:

• Economic – money making activities
• Social – people and their well-being
• Environmental – land, water and air

Try to show links between these impacts.
How impacts affects or causes another

6. What are people trying to do about it?

You must also hand in a one page research log which contains the following:

• What and why are you studying the issue
• A reference section
• An evaluation of the data collected e.g. how accurate you think the information is and why, conflicts of information, anything more you think should be found out.
• An evaluation of the inquiry process e.g. strengths and difficulties in finding information and working in a pair

In class we have been discussing some of the different ways that countries can produce electricity. To find some of the pros and cons for each method, we will use a simulation called Electrocity. As you play the game, complete the PMI worksheet for each electricity method.

Well Done Caleb. This is the highest score so far for the class.

Woodn’t this be good!

In class today, we were discussing some of the alternative energy sources to fossil fuels available to the world. Below is a link in todays NZ Herald newspaper.

I wonder if anyone can give me a reason why biomass is not quite as good a solution as the other renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro or geothermal) - please add a comment if you can

Forest floor full of energy - 17 Mar 2008

And try this one! A jumbo jet run on nuts!

Virgin Airlines takes off with nut fuel -28 February 2008