In groups of two, choose a current environmental issue happening now in California. This can be something discussed in your English class or your science class (Invasive Species, water issues, etc.) or it can be something of your own choosing. You will be researching this topic extensively, the causes, ecological and economic effects, and proposing possible solutions.
Possible research topics for final project:
English Final: Argumentative Paper: California environmental issue
Done individually:
Your job is to explain the issue and threats it poses to California. You must propose a solution or several solutions to the issue. Explain why your proposal will be effective and why other people should listen to your solution.
Things to consider:
What is at stake if we do not act soon?
Why do we need to take action?
How severe is the problem currently?...in the future?
Requirements:
You need to include the skills we have been practicing in our classroom for this unit:
-Writing rhetorical precis
-Writing using Rhetorical Strategies
What this looks like:
Use this graphic Organizer to get started!
In your essay, you need to write at least one paragraph in the form of a rhetorical precis that describes the issue. You are writing a rhetorical precis based on your research.
You need to include ethos, pathos, and logos in your argument to persuade people that their is a problem, and that they need to help.
*These (ethos, pathos, logos) should be woven throughout the essay to strengthen your argument.
It is your choice how you wish to format this:
You can write a traditional paper or your can write it in the form of a letter, awareness brochure, etc. You decide!
*Please refer to notes, PowerPoint, graphic organizers, and group members for help!
Rubric
Science Final: Topic Presentation and Service Project
Done in pairs:
Part 1: Create a digital presentation of your topic to present to the class. This could be in the form of a PowerPoint, Prezi, screencast video, or something else.
Requirements:
Part 2: Service
Students will create either a) an awareness poster to be posted around the school/community b) PSA commercial for a local television station or school tv or c) Article/Letter to be sent to the local newspaper about your topic.
Requirements:
Investigation: Research that is done on the environmental topic of choice
Planning: Choosing a poster, commercial, or article as media to present information
Implementation: Creation of a Public Service Announcement in the form of a poster, commercial, or article
Reflection: Students reflect on the effectiveness of their service project through the class blog and complete the Peer review evaluation sheet.
Demonstration/Celebration: Students rejoice at the recognition of their service either at school or in the community.:
Rubric
Peer Review/ Reflection
Possible research topics for final project:
- Current gas leak on the central coast
- Deforestation
- Bees!
- Effects of the desalination plant in Carlsbad
- Drought in California
- Pollution of the SF Bay
- Overfishing off the coast of CA
- Pesticide use in the Central Valley
- Other topic of your choice! (must be approved)
English Final: Argumentative Paper: California environmental issue
Done individually:
Your job is to explain the issue and threats it poses to California. You must propose a solution or several solutions to the issue. Explain why your proposal will be effective and why other people should listen to your solution.
Things to consider:
What is at stake if we do not act soon?
Why do we need to take action?
How severe is the problem currently?...in the future?
Requirements:
You need to include the skills we have been practicing in our classroom for this unit:
-Writing rhetorical precis
-Writing using Rhetorical Strategies
What this looks like:
Use this graphic Organizer to get started!
In your essay, you need to write at least one paragraph in the form of a rhetorical precis that describes the issue. You are writing a rhetorical precis based on your research.
You need to include ethos, pathos, and logos in your argument to persuade people that their is a problem, and that they need to help.
*These (ethos, pathos, logos) should be woven throughout the essay to strengthen your argument.
It is your choice how you wish to format this:
You can write a traditional paper or your can write it in the form of a letter, awareness brochure, etc. You decide!
*Please refer to notes, PowerPoint, graphic organizers, and group members for help!
Rubric
Science Final: Topic Presentation and Service Project
Done in pairs:
Part 1: Create a digital presentation of your topic to present to the class. This could be in the form of a PowerPoint, Prezi, screencast video, or something else.
Requirements:
- What is it? Describe the issue
- Who does it effect?
- Cause(s) of the issue
- Ecological Effects
- Economic Effects
- Is anyone doing anything about this issue?
- Possible solutions
- What can we do?
- Works Cited
Part 2: Service
Students will create either a) an awareness poster to be posted around the school/community b) PSA commercial for a local television station or school tv or c) Article/Letter to be sent to the local newspaper about your topic.
Requirements:
- What is the issue
- Be sure to tell people why they should care about this topic
- What can they do?
- Refer people to somewhere they can get more information or get involved with the issue - this could be a nonprofit organization, awareness campaign, etc.
Investigation: Research that is done on the environmental topic of choice
Planning: Choosing a poster, commercial, or article as media to present information
Implementation: Creation of a Public Service Announcement in the form of a poster, commercial, or article
Reflection: Students reflect on the effectiveness of their service project through the class blog and complete the Peer review evaluation sheet.
Demonstration/Celebration: Students rejoice at the recognition of their service either at school or in the community.:
Rubric
Peer Review/ Reflection