Scott Edward Moran, Ph.D.
moran.scott1@gmail.com 210-269-7531
On this page, you will find...
Sustainability search. Introduce yourself!
An overview of climate change and sustainability,
including common misconceptions
Articles and videos related to these topics.
Respond to the article about Teens wanting to know more about climate change OR an argument that it is not a result of human activity. This issue will be explored more with a Socratic Seminar that is upcoming.
Explore the Texas SDG site and consider why Texas may be struggling to effectively deal with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Accountability
Consider examples of Multimedia presentations.
AGENDA
To make things go smoothly,
please consider the following norms:
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We all have different levels of knowledge related to the topics at hand and technology.
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All opinions are welcome.
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Agree to disagree.
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Take care of your needs.
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Please do not work ahead or look at any pages that are not currently under consideration.
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Keep an open mind.
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Introduce yourself! Overview of Flip.
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PDF overview of Flip
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Sustainability search link and PDF
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All activities can be adjusted by SDG, product, and grade level/subject matter
Pre-assessment
Reference: Videos that introduce climate change in a non-threatening manner
www.ourclimateourfuture.org
Tasks
Complete the following:
1. Increase your understanding of climate change by reading the Teens Know Climate Change is Real article. Use the Narrow it Down template to summarize the article. Alternatively, create a mind map of the concepts in the article. Another option would be to consider the article Students want to know more about careers in Climate Change.
A third option is to argue that climate change is not a result of man's activity.
Narrow it Down PDF
2. Consider one of the quotes provided by experts. Which one do you think is most poignant? Why? Discuss.
3. View one of the Tipping Point videos or the E-waste video. Turn to a partner and describe what you saw. Why is the content of major concern? Have your partner do the same for the video he or she watched. Written reflection or visual representation of concepts.
4. Consider the site dedicated to Texas and its efforts to effectively deal with the SDGs. What strikes you? Why might Texas be experiencing challenges with regard to dealing with these and with climate change? Respond in written form or with a visual aid.
5. Consider one article from the There is Hope section of this webpage. Read one article, and report back to the group about its content. This can be done orally or visually. You may have one speaker for the group or rotate that responsibility. Alternatively, compare and contrast the content of the DiCaprio trailer to that of the 2040 trailer. What is a theme they have in common? How does each address a potentially world-altering topic differently?
6. Accountability formats
Mind Map PDF
The 11th Hour documentary / 2040 (trailers)
Madman Films (YouTube) #damongameau
We want kids to solve problems of value.
Key Resources for this Unit
Research shows that teens want to take an active role in fighting climate change and in implementing the SDGs. This is evident in the article Teens Know Climate Change Is Real. They Want Schools to Teach More About It.
Three out of four U.S. adults surveyed have either never heard of the SDGs (52%) or if they have heard, do not know what they are (24%). Even among those with bachelor’s or graduate degrees, the groups with the highest level of awareness, only a third have at least a basic knowledge of the SDGs. While many U.S. organizations and local governments have embraced the Goals, the framework has not permeated into public awareness.
A poll in Japan, where the SDGs are highly visible across society, found that close to 90% of the population is at least aware of the Goals, with a third being able to describe them in more detail. Much of Japan’s awareness has come over the past three years, suggesting there is still an opportunity to broaden U.S. engagement, especially as the world approaches the halfway mark to 2030 next year.
In addition to supporting the issues captured in the 17 Goals, the survey finds Americans are open to the framework as a whole and recognize its value for the U.S. After reading the below description of the SDGs, 76% said the Goals were important for the country, with half of the respondents saying the SDGs were extremely important. Enthusiasm was highest among Black and Hispanic populations and adult members of Gen Z, with around 60% saying the SDGs are extremely important for the country.
Please read the Teens Know Climate Change is Real article and write down five things that struck you as you were reading it. Why did these things strike you? How might the article guide your instruction? Create a Problem/Solution table that represents your understanding of the key concepts in the article. A PDF version of the article can be accessed by clicking on the PDF icon. Please submit your list to the class Padlet with your name and campus name. An alternative is to argue that it is not the result of man's actions.
PDF of Climate change is NOT a result of man's activities
Assignment
PDF version of the article
Problem/Solution table PDF
Assignment
What some of the world's experts have said
Hover over a slide if you want more time to read and consider it. Which quote strikes you as the most poignant? Why? Explain.
“The world must come together to confront climate change. There is little scientific dispute that if we do nothing, we will face more drought, famine and mass displacement that will fuel more conflict for decades.” - Barack Obama
The Tipping Points
Scott Moran (YouTube) @scottmoran3078
Choose one Tipping Point video, the E-waste video, or the GHG Emissions video and review it. What do you think of the information in your video? Does it surprise you? Do you believe there is still hope? What would reversing these trends look like? How could these videos lead to discussions or activities in math class? In social studies? In science? Respond via written text or with a visual aid.
Assignment
Paragraph Planner PDF
Take a minute to explore the site above. What do you think of the data on the site? Does it surprise you that Texas is struggling to effectively deal with the SDGs? Why might this be the case?
Assignment
There is hope.
With regard to climate change and the SDGs, education is key. Many people have false ideas. In particular, many kids believe that nothing can be done. These articles demonstrate that this is not the case. Which article do you think best demonstrates that people of all ages can do something to slow down or mitigate the effects of climate change? How could that article motivate you to take action? What might happen if you did take action?
Accountability
With any assignments, especially with a unit like this, it is essential to build in methods for students to hold each other accountable for their own work and the work of their peers. This will also help you keep track of which students are meeting expectations and which are not.
There are multiple ways to build in accountability. Ideally, using Asana, a Gantt chart, or some other tasks app would help, but these can cost money. Instead, three such ways are seen below.
Daily Report-Meant to track students' daily efforts and provide opportunities to set goals
Create tasks, Gantt charts, and plan with this free online service.
Group Roles-PDF version
You will have three primary goals for this unit.
First, you will be working to research your chosen SDG and consider a scenario-based lesson. Second, you will need to determine how you will educate others in terms of your SDG, for most people know very little about the SDGs. Finally, you will be creating a multimedia presentation and persuasive letter meant to convince people to take action regarding your SDG. Be thinking about these three aspects of the project at all times.
Alternatively, you can
construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, the occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity OR you can evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces the impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Extension: Enter your multimedia project in the worldof8billion video contest.
Extension: Use the Five Thinking Hats Method when reading: Five Thinking Hats is a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved.
You and your team members can learn how to separate thinking into six clear functions and roles. Each thinking role is identified with a colored symbolic “thinking hat.” By mentally wearing and switching “hats,” you can easily focus or redirect thoughts, the conversation, or the meeting.
Example multimedia presentations related to Good Health and Well-Being but done for a different unit
Scott Moran via YouTube @scottmoran3078
Scott Moran (YouTube) @scottmoran3078
Assignment
Flip Overview (for Reflection)
Scott Moran (YouTube) @scottmoran3078
Flip directions-PDF-Click on icon to the right
How might becoming organized now and planning ahead help you to complete your primary goals for this unit? Use the CER method for your response.
Choose an appointment partner with whom you can share your reflections and comments.