The main purpose of this project is to demonstrate an understanding of how humans impact the natural environment. This project has a written component as well as a presentation component. You may choose any relevant topic that you like. You may choose to focus on one aspect of the environment, but you are also expected to clearly show/describe links to the global environment.
You must include a section about your personal ecological footprint as calculated in class. Think about an activity that you enjoy and go from there.
This is an individual project. You will probably need to visit the public library to find resources. Make sure you have your resources in the classroom so you can complete your research during class time. You may use some internet resources, but not all internet resources.
Timeline:
Already Done: Watch The Story of Stuff and think about how humans use our Earth’s resources.
Already Done: Calculate ecological footprint. You can also try https://www.footprintcalculator.org if you want to do an online version of the footprint calculator.
Wednesday February 5, 2025: Assigned
Thursday February 20, 2025:
Hand in the following information in a neatly organized document:
- your topic (draft title),
- a detailed brainstorm, and
- your research notes in your own words
- rough draft of a bibliography
Friday March 7, 2025: Hand in finished project
Monday March 10-Friday March 14: Presentations
Demonstrating Learning:
You may choose to present your information to the class in a variety of ways. The following is a list of suggestions about how to share what you know. You need to hand in your written speech at the end of your presentation.
- Create a poster with lots of detail and pictures/illustrations and present to the class.
- Make a video (using your own equipment) and present it to the class. Make sure the science is the focus of your video.
- Create a labelled model and present it to the class, using lots of science to explain your model.
- Write and give a speech, with visuals.
- Slideshow
If you have another idea about how to present your ideas, please speak to me about it. Remember to remain focused on the goal of sharing information. Whatever form your project takes, you need to hand in a complete written component (a copy of your speech, for example).
Criteria:
You will be marked on the following criteria.
- Your brainstorm of main points.
- Incorporating your ecological footprint into your project in an effective and relevant way.
- Having a clear message about how humans have impacted the environment and contributed to climate change (a clear introduction and conclusion will help).
- Use of research and details to support your ideas. Content.
- Use of language appropriate to the message being relayed. I expect you to use some of the scientific vocabulary we have focused on this year.
- The accuracy of the information you are sharing. Remember this is a mainly a science project.
- Performance quality (clear voice, eye contact, etc.).
- An accurate bibliography of your information, even if you only use books from our classroom.
- Neatness and quality of your written work. Effort.
- Your overall work ethic during class time.