MVA Environmental Science

Projects


Projects constitute a solid 20% of the student's grade. Each quarter will have several projects. Projects differ from unit to unit, some are done independently others in pairs and one or two get done in small groups.
All projetcs are chosen to align clearly with state and city learning standards and will allow students to work to their own level and explore the issue to a greater depth than if it were taught in a more traditional setting..

Project Schedule

Title Description Grouping Main Objectives Approximate Date
Plato Project Students read and explore Plato's Similie of the cave to determine if it is still valid today. They then work to create a modern skit which is produced digitally. Small Group Use alternative media to communicate ideas, understand the importance of learning and the roles of student and teacher, clear vision of the roots of scientific study and understanding. September 2007
BGC Project Students are assigned one of many biogeochemical cycles. Each pair of students will become experts on randomly assigned cycle and will teach a mini lesson to their section about it. Random Pairs Communicating scientific ideas to others, understand the cycling of matter and energy,develop understanding of the resources required for life and how they are provided by the environment. . November 2007
Biome Project Students are radomly assigned a biome to research and become an expert on. They will describe the unique features and climates that make the biome to their section. A final piece will be the creation of a brochure advertising travel to the biome. Individual Develop a deeper understanding of earth's systems, determine and understand what makes one area different from another, use scientific ideas and data to create material for the common person. December 2007
Evolution Project Students will create a timeline of human history using a media or format of their choosing. They will also explore the concept of cladistic analysis and produce a cladogram of several known species compromising at least five phyla. Random Small Groups Develop an understanding of heredity and darwinian evolutionary theory, get a greater depth of understanding of human roots and evolution and how the environment has allowed us to become what we are today. January/February 2008
Alternative Energy Project Students will be randomly assigned one fossil fuel and an energy alternative. The will create a pro and con chart for each and report back to the section on their finding. Random Pairs Gathering and analyzing scientific data from varied sources. Communicating scientific ideas. Understanding of our dependence on fossil fuels and the problems it can have March/April 2008
Endangered Species Project Students will choose a species from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's list of endangered species and research to find out the specific porblems associated with it. Each student will produce a 3 slide powerpoint presentation and a brochure advertising efforts to save the species Individual Understanding of mechanisms causing endangement and extinction, Develop clear and real strategies to criticize conservation efforts. Communicate scientific ideas in multiple ways. April/May 2008



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