Reminder and Directions

Two things:

1. Some student resolutions still have not been submitted. If you have not submitted a resolution to my email, then do so. Think bowling. Think "I want to go bowling with the class". Think "Sssssssstrike!" Some resolutions have been submitted that need to be retouched. Your resolution needs to reflect on what you can do for yourself, not what the class or the teacher can do for you. For example, if you feel you lack understanding during lessons then perhaps your resolution would read as follows:

"I resolve to ask more questions in class, so that I will have a better understanding of the lesson."

If you find yourself having too much homework, then your resolution could read as follows:

"I resolve to use class time more effectively by completing assignments in class, so I do not have too much work to do at home."

If you feel confused during the lessons and do not feel confident in asking questions during class time, then your resolution could read as follows:

"I resolve to ask my teachers questions after class, so I have a better understanding of what I am expected to do or learn."

2. In class I did not state that if you find an environmental issue you would rather investigate than those on the list, then bring it to my attention for consideration. Here are some links for those of you being proactive investigating project topics:

http://www.reddit.com/r/environment/ - rticles related to environment. Use search bar.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/11/19/the_top_10_most_toxic_places_on_earth_and_how_they_got_that_way.html - article directly related to project topics and sustainable development

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ - see tabs for "Environment" and use search bar

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/ - Use tabs and search bar to find relevant information


Happy hunting!
Have a good weekend.

An Inconvenient Truth

Today we watched an important documentary on global warming. After investigating ideas on sustainable development, we have begun again to consider how human needs and wants impact the environment, society and economy.

Fossil Fuels are essential to our society. We use oil and gas to produce energy. Energy that allows us to heat our homes, heat our schools, fuel cars and buses; energy that powers the machinery that is used to build electronic devices and that cultivates food crops for eating. The burning of fossil fuels in cars and factories also increases the presence of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. There is a lot to consider.

Sustainable Development has been commonly defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". There are two ideas you must comment on. 

First: Mark Twain was quoted in an Inconvenient Truth. The quote is as follows: 

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know.

  It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"

How does this comment relate to Global Warming? What does this quote mean? What is Mark Twain really saying? Can you think of an example that demonstrates Mark Twain's idea? Now I do not expect you to answer all of these questions. You are required to comment on the quote. Reflect on his words, the documentary, sustainable development, and offer your thoughts for others to consider and respond to. One comment and one response.

Second: For a better understanding of sustainable development, we need to do two things: (1) criticize and (2) analyze. Before we analyze, let us criticize. You are all required to make at least one comment on the question that follows:

If sustain means to maintain, to keep the same, to preserve, and develop means to grow, to expand, to advance, then why is the term sustainable development problematic?

In other words, why is sustainable development a tricky, tricky, tricky idea? 

You all did an exceptional job today in class. For the most part, you maintained your focus, listened well to your peers and myself, and took risks by offering your ideas on a range of challenging topics.

Do your homework.

Long live the Recycling Club!

Be respectful of each other's ideas.