Project Exchange

Driving Question  What's this?

How do geological and environmental issues affect life in CA?

Students explored different issues affecting California's geology and environment through a group inquiry project. In lieu of writing an essay, students translated the essay format into a script for a Public Service Announcement (PSA), and then students worked to find and create images for the PSA after a discussion around persuasive tactics.


This project challenges students to explore issues in California that directly affect them. Students focus their research to take a stand on their issue, and develop a strong argument to back up their PSA. Students were able to defend their stance through the creation of their imovie PSA, as well as, a formal defense with their classmates as audience. Students gained specific content knowledge of geology and ecology. Also, students strengthened their inquiry skills by creating and then researching a driving question and coming to a conclusion. These analysis skills also supplement their understanding of thesis writing and research for other classes, such as English-Language Arts and History, among others. Students improved their Digital Media skills by becoming more proficient with programs such as: imovie and Garageband; and also they became more discerning internet researchers. Students worked in heterogeneous groups of 3-4 to complete this project.

 

Subject Area(s): Science

 

Teaching Days to Complete: 4 weeks

 

Keywords  What's this?

science, geology, ecology, environment, biology, imovie, Public Service Announcement, PSA, California, creative expression, social justice, integrated science

 

Outcomes  What's this?

 

21st Century Leadership Skills  What's this?

Communicate Effectively and Persuasively, Manage Projects Effectively, Think Critically, Express Creatively, Collaborate Productively

 

Graduation Portfolio Tasks  What's this?

Scientific Inquiry or Science and Technology in Society, Literary Analysis, Creative Expression, Research Paper, Multimedia Project, Public Speaking


PROJECT GENERAL RESOURCES

 

An Inconvenient Truth
A environmental-awareness documentary featuring former Vice President Al Gore. ...

An Inconvenient Truth
Karen Bioski


California, Who Are You?
Unknown File Type

Interview with Karen Bioski
Dan Wilson


California, Who Are You?
Video

PSA: Environmental Damage in Bayview-Hunterpoint District
Karen Bioski

Create Public Service Announcement (PSA) movie (Benchmark 8), Create Script & Final Storyboard (Benchmark 7), Final Presentation of PSA and Presentation of Artist's Statement (Benchmark 11), The Launch
California, Who Are You?
Video

PSA: Environmental Hazards of Mining in California
Karen Bioski

Create Public Service Announcement (PSA) movie (Benchmark 8), Create Script & Final Storyboard (Benchmark 7), Final Presentation of PSA and Presentation of Artist's Statement (Benchmark 11), The Launch
California, Who Are You?
Video