Scott Edward Moran, Ph.D.
moran.scott1@gmail.com 210-269-7531
On this page, you will find...
Critiquing mind map and essential questions/Daily Report and Action Plan
All activities can be adjusted by SDG, product, and grade level/subject matter
Tasks
1. Create a mind map/ list of essential questions.
2. Create Daily Plan and Action Plan. Alternatively, you could use a planning app like Asana for this.
3. Discuss and critique.
Essential Questions are not just
a repeat of the Driving Question. These are formulated after creating the Driving Question. Also, these are questions meant to help you focus on specific aspects of the problem you are investigating and trying to solve.
Creating a Mind Map
Mind Map #1
Mind Map #2
Having students create Mind Maps before coming up with their essential questions will give them a better sense of all that they need to do, how they will need to budget their time, how they will hold each other accountable, who will need to be involved, etc. (Mind Map 1). Alternatively, they can use the Mind Map to help them brainstorm all questions they have related to the project and their SDG (Mind Map 2). There are many online tools (free) that can be used to create Mind Maps. The example above was created in Canva. An overview of Canva can be seen below.
Create Posters, Videos, and more with Canva
Scott Moran@scottmoran3078
Use Canva to create posters, slides, videos, etc. Much of this is drag-and-drop technology, so it is relatively easy to use.
Canva directions-PDF-Click on PDF button
Create Mind Maps with Lucidchart
Lucidchart https://youtu.be/hhowdkP1hlY
Lucidchart is another free online tool for creating Mind Maps. It may not be as easy to use as Canva, but some students enjoy connecting the ideas in their maps in a manual fashion. Lucidchart allows students to draw shapes, color-code them, and connect ideas with different types of lines. If you want your students to get used to using a tool that many graduate students use and that is used in the business world, Lucidchart may be best.
Assignment
Using the online tool of your choice, create a Mind Map related to your chosen SDG. You may choose to focus on all of the moving parts that would be required to create your products. It may be better, thought to focus on simply mapping out all of the questions you can think of related to climate change and your SDG. The ultimate goal is, after all, to use the map to help you narrow down your focus via your essential questions. Submit your map to the class Padlet. Please include your full name and the name of your campus.
Assignment
Using the stems above or your own ideas, create a list of at least ten essential questions related to the SDG you have chosen to investigate. The idea is to narrow down your focus and hone in on specific aspects of your SDG that interest you and that you think you could use to help you create your products. You may even consider creating a mind map to help you organize your thoughts before creating your list. A mind map can easily be created in Canva. Organization can easily be done with Asana , Trello , etc. Examples of essential questions can be seen below. Submit your essential questions to the class Padlet with your name and the name of your campus.
Example: How can rethink poverty to provide people with more opportunities to get out of it?
Example: How can the use of technology assist those living in poverty?
Example: How can a small group of people change the way living in poverty is perceived?
Example: How could you design a means of educating people about how poverty impacts us all?
Example: How does living in poverty affect social and emotional health?
Example: What impact does having people living in poverty have on our national economy?
Example: What makes a good/effective poverty outreach program?
Example: How do stereotypes about those living in poverty impact my community?
Example: What is the relationship between being raised in poverty and living the rest of your life in poverty?
Example: What would getting out of poverty be without social service programs?
Example: If you were in charge of helping those living in poverty here, what would you change?
Example: How can you inspire teens to get involved in reducing or eliminating poverty?
Example: What if a percentage of gasoline sales were used to fund anti-poverty initiatives?
Example: How might your community change if those living in poverty had additional job training?
Reference-Tutorials
Scott Moran via YouTube @scottmoran3078
When you are doing your research, focus on articles and sources related to these essential questions. Discuss your essential questions with your class. Determine if they need to be modified in any way.
Big Idea:
What can I do to teach others about my SDG and help my community implement one of the SDGs?
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.
Scott Moran