In thinking about a topic and framework for an online course, I feel compelled to create something that speaks to my primary learning love: Science. My own trip to the Galapagos Islands will provide the setting for what I hope will be a set of lessons allowing students to problem solve as real-world scientists would. Prior to engaging in any research or collaborative activities, students will need to explore some questions giving a focus to their thinking. These are: 1) Is
biodiversity key to sustainable conservation practices on Earth? 2) Do we as inhabitants of Planet Earth have a responsibility to ensure that biodiversity continues to flourish around the planet? If so, how can sustainable living practices contribute to this responsibility? 3) What are the elements of
biodiversity and
sustainability?
When the lessons are complete, students should emerge with two enduring understandings or key ideas. These are:
- Sustainability practices directly affect a culture, its economy, and its natural habitat.
- The extent of biodiversity in a given region directly affects the health of that region relative to its economy and natural habitat.
I just can't wait to see this! You have so many fun opportunities with this topic, and the understandings help tie it into their own lives.
ReplyDeleteIfound that very interesting. I have two cars that are hybrids. I have had them for several years. We changed all our bulbs in the house.
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me to see trees cut down for shopping malls and on the tops of mountains in this beautiful state. They did this to mine and now they have scrubby jack pines and a few very few fir. All the old timber is gone.