Schoology
Access Code
T8XVP-ZDDHT
Exploratorium - January 11th -15th , 2016
Big Question: How do I acquire the skills, knowledge base, and habits to make sense
of a complex problem like predicting the future?
Questions for the Project:
1. What factors influence the impact of a natural disaster?
2. How do I examine, analyze and evaluate systems? How do I use the Future problem
Solving Process to generate many varied challenges?
3. How do I use professional criteria to evaluate my progress?
Words to Think About:
“We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many
lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.” Petra Nemcova
“In all natural disasters through time, man needs to attach meaning to tragedy, no
matter how random and inexplicable the event is.” Nathaniel Philbrick
The Story So Far …
We spent the week thinking about time – past, present, and the future. Musings from
varied sources such as Hank Green and the measurement of time (Why is January 1st the
start of the new year?), TTBOOK podcasts about our modern obsession with the future,
and how our sense of time passing seems to defy the laws of physics, and more. This
wrestling with time led to our challenges in the “Future.”
We examined the power of technological change through the lens of Moore’s Law, Sixth
Sense Technology, and The Day of Glass. We each did a mini-research project about
some aspect of technological change in order to understand how trends might help us
think about the future.
We worked on research and communication skills attempting to synthesize massive
amounts of information into a 2 minute presentation. We examined criteria for
evaluating a Power Point presentation, and started our first discussion forum on
Schoology.
And Now …
We attempt to make sense of the complex problems generated by Natural Disasters. We
begin with the research and readings for the topic offered by FPS International. We will
enhance of understanding of STEP 1, generating challenges that demonstrate fluency,
flexibility, and originality.
Skill Focus:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Annotating, recording and transforming data
Examining complex systems for cause and effect possibilities
Writing and evaluating “challenge statements.” Using a rhetorical structure
Systems Thinking
Calendar Items:
Tremont Parent Meeting: Monday, January 11th, Info-C (Library) 6:00 PM
Tremont Forms Due: Monday, January 11th.
1. Read pages 79 – 93 and annotate for challenges.
2. Write 4 challenge statements for the material read. Work with your Team to
make sure you have at least 12 different categories.
3. Finish presentations on change.
4. Begin the habit of systems thinking.
.