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. ...
MEDIA GALLERY
PSA: Environmental Damage in Bayview-Hunterpoint District
Video (3.7 M)
PSA: Environmental Hazards of Mining in California
Video (5.8 M)