Day: May 13, 2019

Hello Everyone,

Today, I introduced our last mini project to end our unit about the concept CONNECTION.

Our unit focus statement was: Human beings impact and rely upon the balance of nature’s interdependent systems.

Your task will be to show an understanding of this statement by choosing one way in which humans are making a CONNECTION with nature’s interdependent systems in a positive or negative way.

1. Choose a topic. Today we discussed how you could talk about climate change, air pollution, environmental disasters, how we use nature to heal ourselves, nature and mental health, etc. There are many books in the classroom that can help you understand these issues and choose a topic area. We talked about many of the topics today and will continue to do so throughout this week. 
2. Do some basic research using book resources. For this project, I am going to ask you to use the books in class or the articles I have provided under Articles of Interest so we don’t spend time going all over the place for research. Your topic needs to be able to be addressed by those resources.
3. Take some basic notes in your journal or on Google Docs.
4. Make a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. There will be 10 slides, and I will tell you what goes on them below.

Here is what you need to include on the 10 slides:

Slide 1:  Introduction Slide with Picture related to the topic, your name, title of the presentation, and the date.

Slides 2-5:  What is it? Explain what it is that you are going to be talking about. Basic definition, some details about the topic, and some pictures.

Slide 6-7:   How does it relate to our CONNECTION to nature? Is it a positive or negative connection?

Slide 8-9: What are next steps? If this is a negative thing, what can we (the audience) do to change the situation? If this is a positive thing, how can we (the audience) participate or do more?

Slide 10: Conclusion. Sum up what you said in Slides 2-9 with key points.

Criteria:

• Follow the format correctly for the slides described above.
• Show a solid understanding of the concept of CONNECTION by showing how humans either negatively or positively are impacting the environment or interacting with nature’s systems.
• Show clear evidence of research including facts that completely explain the topic.
• Show evidence of clear note taking in your journal or Google Docs. (You don’t have to show me, but your presentation needs evidence of research.)
• Include pictures and clear text on each slide
• Have a basic, written script to present with your slideshow.
• Present in a clear voice with adequate volume, an expressive voice, and an appropriate pace so everyone in the room can hear your ideas.

This presentation will be due on Friday, May 31st.

Hello Everyone,

Our time outdoors during this unit has resulted in great discussions about how walking is great for your physical and mental health and how being in nature makes us feel relaxed and calm. I have always thought the space to the side of our portable could be better utilized. What do you think?

Let’s give some ideas to the school about what it could look like! Invent a natural space you would enjoy spending time in during your breaks. This space is rectangular and approximately 81 feet long and 43 feet wide, just to the west of our portable. What natural elements would you include? Get creative! Remember, this is not a playground, so no playground equipment. Think trees, rocks, natural space, garden, etc.

Here are the steps for the project with a partner!

1. Make an individual brainstorm plan — done
2. Measure the actual space — done, thank you Mia and Joone
3. Compare ideas with multiple classmates to further develop your ideas — done
4. Get a partner, and on grid paper, begin to plan out a space together. Each block is equal to 2 feet.
5. Start thinking with your partner about what the scale will be for the box I will provide for your project model. Set the scale and tell Ms. D.
6. Brainstorm what materials you may need. I have lots of things including pieces of wood, sand, clay, paint, and more, but maybe you want something specific from outdoors or from home?
7. Create the model! Go crazy!
8. Write an explanation and reflection about your model on your e-port. What went well in your design process? What would you change for next time? How did it go working with a partner? Do you think this model represents a natural space someone could actually build? Is it doable?

Here are the criteria, which will be put into a rubric for your thinking!

• Show an appropriate sense of scale when creating elements in your natural space. (applied math)
• Include only natural elements and have a variety of different types of things to make the space interesting.
• Show thinking, through the model and your reflection, about creating a realistic space that will allow all ages to relax and enjoy the natural elements you included.
• Use a variety of materials to represent your natural elements.
• Show evidence in your reflection of your design process, including ways you would improve the process for next time, how you worked with materials, and how you worked with your partner.
• Create a model that shows time and effort. (neatly done, colour, interesting to look at)

As a way to extend your thinking, try to include math in the way you design your elements! Can angles, perfect circles, and/or Fibonacci play a role in your design? How will your elements work with the surrounding natural space rather than against it?

Reflection for this project is due by June 12th, and most of the model work needs to be done by June 17th end of day. But it is okay if you continue to put final touches on the model through June 25th if needed.