Solving Ecological Problems using New Technologies - Presentations

*Presentation Dates - Dec 11/12/13

The Task: In groups of two, we will use Scientific inquiry and research skills to investigate one or more solutions to an ecological problem created by humans. Solutions to the problem should involve using exciting new technologies or ideas (i.e. - Bioremediation of Oil Spills using Bacteria, Mushroom-based, biodegradable packaging). Presentations will be done using Goole Slides, Prezi or Microsoft Powerpoint. They should be very brief (2-3 minutes long). They should very clearly state the problem you are investigating, and where on Earth it is an issue. You should cover what negative impacts your problem is having. Lastly, teach our class about one or more of THE BEST, MOST EARTH-FRIENDLY ways to solve this problem using technology or natural processes (i.e. - Bioremediation).

Assessment Rubric:

Using Technology to Solve Environmental Problems - Presentation Rubric

Name(s):_______________________________

Teacher/Class:_______________________________

	1	2	3	4
Use of Class Time/Completion by the Assigned Date	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Good	Excellent
Description/discussion of the Ecological problem and its negative impacts on Ecosystems – What is the problem? What are its most significant impacts on ecosystems?	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Good	Excellent
Discussion of ideas and technologies to solve the problem in an Eco-friendly way – Explain what the technology or solution is and how it will solve the problem. In addition to at least one existing strategy you have researched, you can include one of your own ideas!	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Good	Excellent
Overall Quality of Presentation – Projection of Voice, Well-rehearsed, Eye-contact, Within time limit, Effectively arranged slides with information and related images	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Good	Excellent

Overall Level: _________________________

Videos/Website Links from class:

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/great-pacific-garbage-patch/
https://ed.ted.com/on/r2Wqd0jF#review
http://www.eco-business.com/videos/wrapped-in-mushrooms-ikeas-packaging-plan/

Curriculum Expectations Covered: 

-To assess the impacts of human activities and technologies on the environment, and evaluate ways of controlling these impacts 
-Ecosystems are in a constant state of change. The changes may be caused by nature or by human intervention.
-Human activities have the potential to alter the environment. Humans must be aware of these impacts and try to control them. 
-To analyse the costs and benefits of selected strategies for protecting the environment 
-To use appropriate science and technology vocabulary from our ecosystems unit

-To use scientific inquiry/research skills to investigate occurrences that affect the balance within an ecosystem
-To use a variety of forms (e.g., oral, written, graphic, multimedia) to communicate with different audiences and for a variety of purposes 
-To describe ways in which human activities and technologies alter balances and interactions in the environment