Scott Edward Moran, Ph.D.
moran.scott1@gmail.com 210-269-7531
On this page, you will find...
Tasks
1. Respond to DiCaprio's video or the simulation video.
2. Respond to Margaret Atwood's story.
3. Compare the Atwood story to an article of your choice.
4. Update your Daily Report and Action Plan.
United Nations (YouTube) @unitednations
In the documentary entitled The 11th Hour, Leonardo DiCaprio introduces viewers to the worldwide devastation being caused by climate change. Above, you can view the trailer for this movie and hear Mr. DiCaprio's speech about climate change to the United Nations. A second video that illustrates what our world would look like if the ice caps melt is included for your reference. Mr. DiCaprio references a quote from Abraham Lincoln, who said, "The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.” What can you infer from the videos and the Lincoln quote? Why might Mr. DiCaprio have chosen that particular quote? Please watch the video in its entirety.
Pause it at one of the indicated times and respond to the questions associated with that clip. A response should be a paragraph in length. Include a topic sentence and evidence from the video in each response. Here is a transcript of DiCaprio's speech for your reference. Please post your response to the class Padlet.
You may also choose to use the graphic organizer and/or stems available below.
Assignment
Insider Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbiRNT_gWUQ&t=37s
This video simulation presents a pretty graphic representation of what will happen if climate change continues to impact the polar ice sheets. The music in the background and the movement from continent to continent emphasize the danger we are potentially facing. Compare and contrast the way this video presents the dangers of climate change with the way Mr. DiCapprio did in his speech to the U.N. Which presentation do you believe is more effective? Why? If you were trying to warn others of the dangers of climate change, would it be more effective to shock them or present them with evidence-based statements? What could be the ramifications of either approach? Respond using either the CER format, in discussion form, or by creating a visual representation of your thoughts. Post your response to the class Padlet.
Comparison/Contrast graphic organizer
Please watch the video below
to get a better sense of how you might handle this project and paper.
Scott Moran (YouTube) @scottmoran3078
The video overview and the information related to each SDG at the top of the page provide
you with good information related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forth by the United Nations. You will be researching one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This website was built to consolidate much of the information on the U.N. website and simplify the content.
Reference-Project Drawdown
Click on the image above to learn more about Project Drawdown and efforts to stop climate change.
Assignment
Read the short story by Margaret Atwood. Why do you think she chose to format the story in chronological order? Discuss. Then, choose one option:
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Write a response to her as if you were one of the new beings arriving on this planet, learning that our generation did what lead to the destruction of mankind.
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Write your own version of an explanation of why our planet is in peril (short story).
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Rewrite the Atwood story as if the methods for climate change mitigation referenced in the Project Drawdown site had been implemented in time to keep the planet from reaching more tipping points.
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Write your own short story about how mankind turned things around and was able to save the planet. Reference the SDGs in your story.
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Create an illustration that shows you recognize the waste that making caused.
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Create an illustration (as if you were one of the alien beings) of your understanding of the tone of the story.
Post your response to the class Padlet with your full name and campus (Teachers only).
Assignment
Compare the themes of the Atwood story to those of one version of the articles found below or information found on the Project Drawdown website (seen above). Use the TREQSL writing method. Reference evidence from the story and the article. Post your response to the class Padlet. What would happen if more people knew how to properly dispose of e-waste? Devise a way to educate others about this issue.
Version A
Version B
Version C
Assignment
Update your Daily Report and Action Plan. You coud also update your calendar. Continue developing your multimedia presentation.
Students will have three primary goals for this unit.
First, they will be working to research a chosen SDG and consider a scenario-based lesson. Second, they will need to determine how they will educate others in terms of their SDG, for most people know very little about the SDGs. Finally, they will be creating a multimedia presentation and persuasive letter meant to convince people to take action regarding their SDG. Be thinking about these three aspects of the project at all times.
Alternatively, students 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
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.
Flip Overview (for Reflection)
Scott Moran (YouTube @scottmoran3078
Flip directions-PDF-Click on icon to the right
Assignment
Reflection
Based on having looked at the seventeen SDGs, which one do you think may interest you? Why so? Do you identify with the issues associated with your SDG? How so? Use the CER method for your response. Discuss with your partner.