Climate
Change
Climate change is perhaps, one of the greatest challenges that humanity has ever had. It is for
us to critically, and thoughtfully examine the evidence for this and collectively make decisions
that will be best for the future of the planet. There are multiple competing interests that have a
Our Challenge for the 21st Century: A Current Events Project
vested interest in the environment.
Assignment:
Your goal is:
1)
Lead a 10 minute presentation and discussion on a current event maximum discussion.
This must include an audio-visual component such as a clip from a documentary,
newsfeed or, presentation.
2) A printed article, and article summary for the current events board outside the
classroom
3) The same article and summary linked to our Wikipage for the class to read and review
(or what about Twitter @ScienceNews_CS??)
Present a summary of the article to the class, any dilemmas or questions you feel the piece
presents, as well as your opinion about it. Then, ask the class one question to prompt
discussion. You will also present a written summary to me that also includes how this topic
connects with class as well as your opinion about the topic (one-page typed).
Topic Options
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Forest fires
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Fossil fuels
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Natural Greenhouse Effect
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Ice core sampling and CO2 levels
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Solar Flares
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Ice melts and methane release
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Ice and the albedo effect
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Coastal flooding
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Water-borne diseases
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Loss of habitat for polar bears
Methane and cows
Nitrous oxides
Cosmic Ray Cycles
Clean Coal
Clean diesel
Created by: Melissa Pain melissapain@gmail.com
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El nino/la nina
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Ocean currents and changes
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Changes in glaciers
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Halocarbons
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Increased Hurricane Activity
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Ozone depletion
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Carbon Off-set programs
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The Drive Clean Program
Recycling of electronic goods
Or, suggest your own, after you
research
Once you have chosen a topic, sign up for a date to present to the class. You are
choosing the date, so be sure to think about which sport season you will be heavily
involved in and/or other commitments you may have. There will be no presentations on
Wednesdays, due to the frequency of sports absences.
To Dos
❏ Do some background research on the topics
❏ Choose your topic and sign up for a date by Sept ____
❏ Add your presentation date to your OnCampus Calendar
❏ Print both your article and summary to display on the Current Events Board
❏ Share your article and summary on the wiki page
❏ Present in class with preparedness
Created by: Melissa Pain melissapain@gmail.com
Student Name:
_________________ Date: _______________ Unit: _________
2 (Needs Work)
1 (Poor)
Summary shows some
understanding of the
event. Presentation of the event. Presentation of the
summary is detailed and
summary is somewhat
fluid.
detailed and fluid.
Summary shows only
basic understanding of the
event. Presentation of the
summary has little detail
and is forced.
Summary shows little or
no understanding of the
event. No details are
presented.
Thinking and
Inquiry
Explains connection to this
dilemma w/ confidence &
offers several examples of
evidence to validate the
connection. Connection is
made clear to audience.
Explains connection to
this unit's dilemma
w/confidence & offers
some examples of
evidence to validate the
connection. Connection is
somewhat clear to
audience.
Explains connection to
this unit's dilemma w/little
confidence & offers few
examples of evidence to
validate the connection.
Connection is not entirely
clear to the audience.
Doesn’t explain
connection to this
dilemma. Offers no
examples of evidence to
validate the connection.
Connection is not at all
clear to audience.
Thinking and
Inquiry
Expresses a clear opinion
about the event in relation
to the dilemma. Opinion
demonstrates thoughtful
and defensible response
to the facts.
Expresses a less clear
opinion about the event in
relation to the dilemma.
Opinion demonstrates
thoughtful response to the
facts, though may not
entirely supported by the
facts available.
Expresses a vague
opinion about the event in
relation to the dilemma.
Opinion demonstrates
little attention to the facts
available.
Expresses no opinion
about the event in
relation to the dilemma,
but only repeats the
main idea of the article.
Student gets some
comments from peers
relating to the event and
dilemma.
Student gets 3-4
Student gets 1-2
comments from peers, but comments from peers
no real interchange of
about the event.
ideas takes place.
Criteria
4 (Very Good)
3 (Acceptable)
Knowledge and Shows a comprehensive
Understanding understanding of the
Communication Student sparks lively
discussion among peers
relating to the event and
related dilemma.
Communication Speaks clearly & distinctly Speaks clearly and
100-95% of the time;
mispronounces no words
Speaks clearly and
distinctly 100-95% of the distinctly 94-80% of the
time, but mispronounces 1 time. Mispronounces
or 2 words
some words
Often mumbles or can
not be understood OR
mispronounces many
words
Created by: Melissa Pain melissapain@gmail.com
Communication Student is completely
prepared and has
obviously rehearsed.
Communication Stands up straight, looks
Student seems pretty
prepared but might have
needed a couple more
rehearsals.
The student is somewhat
prepared, but it is clear
planning was lacking.
Stands up straight and
Sometimes stands up
relaxed and confident.
establishes eye contact
straight and establishes
Establishes eye contact
with everyone in the room eye contact.
with everyone in the room during the presentation.
during the presentation.
Student does not seem
at all prepared to
present.
Slouches and/or does
not look at people
during the presentation.
Communication The audio visual tech and
bulletin board is highlights
the key outcomes of
Created by: Melissa Pain melissapain@gmail.com