Stepping lightly through Nature (advanced)
Link to Teacher's Guide / by Ron Mastine
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Introduction |
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Everyday we do
something important for our future. We work, we study,
we exercise, we recycle; all important steps for our future. One concern you may
have heard about is your carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint
is a way of measuring the impact our lives have on the environment in terms
of emitting carbon, especially CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Carbon is emitted by
the vehicles we use, the manufacture of products we consume, cigarette smoke
of course, but also by energy generators to keep us warm or provide
electricity, etc. You will begin your
investigation by looking into the concept and answering these questions: How
deep is your footprint? How is it suggested that you make a difference? Are
you taking appropriate measures to preserve the environment? Should you pay
to help offset (correct) your carbon footprint? How much of a difference can
you really make? |
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Using the response outline, view and respond to the content
of these videos. Instructions:
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1) http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&vid=1DDA35EF-1B8D-4944-AE53-9210AA1B05D2
2) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195195,00.html
3) Reducing Your Carbon
Footprint
How You Can Lower Your
C02 Contributions to the Environment
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=2049304&page=1
4)
How to be green and reduce your carbon foot print Description: Trying to
reduce your carbon footprint? Here's a hilarious look at how to be green.
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Task |
In this quest, you
will calculate your footprint and create a plan to minimize your carbon
footprint.
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Process: |
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Something to think about! Transportation
accounts for 33 percent of CO2 emissions in the United States [source: EIA], so many people try to lower their
mileage. Do you walk Home energy use accounts for 21 percent of U.S. CO2 emissions [source: EIA], so it helps to have an efficient home.
In your home, do you set the thermostat at a moderate temperature Of course, individual efforts to reduce emissions can
go only so far. Cutting CO2 and other greenhouse gases down to safer levels
requires significant government regulation. How could you influence changes in your town… in your country?
________________________________________________________________________________ (adapted from http://science.howstuffworks.com/carbon-footprint2.htm
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To find out more and continue your
investigation, visit this site.
How Carbon Footprints Work
http://science.howstuffworks.com/carbon-footprint.htm
If you are having difficulties with
the language, here is an alternative site that is easier to understand:
http://www.zerofootprintkids.com/kids_home.aspx
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What is your Carbon Budget? This is
a Canadian calculator that is more adapted to our geographical location and
climate. http://sankey.ws/carbonbudget.html
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With the information you have
gathered, explain your Carbon Footprint and develop a personal plan of steps
and actions you could do to minimize your Carbon Footprint. |
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Conclusion |
Becoming
more aware and responsible for your environment and the space you share with
others is an important step to being a responsible citizen, good neighbour and even
a healthier individual. Can you think of other ways to improve your life and
that of the ones around you?
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Evaluation |
Project Rubric
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Criteria Level |
Insufficient |
Acceptable (60 – 75) |
Well-done (76 – 95) |
Excellent (95-100) |
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Responses to videos demonstrate reflection, analysis and a general understanding of the concepts. |
Absence of or near absence of… |
Evidence of some… |
Several elements in support of … |
Thorough, insightful, complete, … |
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Effective participation in discussions |
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Explanation involved a series of pertinent items and descriptions |
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Plan was thorough, multi-faceted and realistic. |
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