 From the United States government website the definition of Earth Day is This group of projects during the 5th six week's period are all about learning about the earth and the environment. Earth Day is April 22nd, 2007. Through these projects students will learn what is being done around the world to protect the planet for future generations. The projects are digital. Students have the option of creating a video file from photostory or moviemaker. Windows Movie Maker and Photostory are loaded on every computer in the school. Photostory is a free download from this site: Photostory 3 for Windows The grade will consist of 30 points for the video, 40 points for an essay/sources, and 30 points for a presentation. Students must also use a works cited or bibliography of 5 sources. The score for the bibliography will be recorded within the essay grade. So students will place their works cited page at the end of their essay. There must also be at least 5 text slides within their video depicting their topic. |
Check out 2007-2008's incredible Digital Project Videos at this link:
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1. Earth Day
What is Earth Day? When does it happen annually? What year did it begin? Why are there two Earth Days? What events are planned for this year to celebrate Earth Day? Why is the day celebrated? What are the goals of organizers? 2. Global Warming and Climate Change What is Global Warming? What are the causes? What is the greenhouse effect? What is the relationship to Ozone depletion? What is the cause of recent global temperature increase? What are scientists claiming to be the cures for global warming? How can it be slowed or halted? What small things can be done by individuals to help? What is the "cap and trade" approach to solving emission problems? What is the Kyoto Protocol? Why did the US decide not to join? 3. Future Cars What are the types of hybrid cars that consumers can currently purchase? How do they work? Do hybrid cars need to be plugged in? Do hybrid cards go slower or perform more sluggishly than their all-gas counterparts? What do hybrid cars look like today? Explain the advantages and drawbacks to future technologies to propel our cars: hybrid (gas/electric), hydrogen, ethanol-bio diesel, solar, and even air cars. Would you drive a 'future car'? Should governments mandate that gas mileage rates improve? Should governments mandate/fund future car initiatives? 4. Alternative Energy Possible choices to explain their possiblities: Clean burning coal, Nuclear power, Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Ocean thermal energy conversion, Wave power, Bioenergy, ethanol, hydrogen. How does your electric company produce the power that you use in your home? What is energy deregulation and explain how it has worked in Houston? How do these non-carbon producing energy sources work and which are considered most feasible for future use? Research energy companies that produce their electricity through green sources (like wind, solar, and geothermal). Are they more expensive? What will our future homes be like in regards to our power and electricity needs? 5. 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle How does recycling work? What products can be recycled? Is there recycling in your neighborhood? Where does your garbage go? Is it worth the cost of recycling to go through the trouble? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? Explain the techniques used to recycle. How can average households practice the 3 R's? 6. Air Quality How does the United States measure air quality? Which cities have the worst air quality? Which have the best? What factors determine the quality of air? What kinds of medical conditions can be caused by poor air quality? What is SMOG? How are cities & national governments working to prevent SMOG and poor air quality? Are citizens prone to breathing conditions (like asthma) because of the quality of their air? What is Houston's reputation as a city in regards to it's air quality? 7. Water Quality What effects do oil spills, ship pollution, and surface runoff have on our seas and oceans? What kinds of waterborne diseases are spread through poor water quality around the world? What agency in the United States protects and regulates contaminants in the public water system? What about bottled water? What effects the quality of drinking water in the United States and why does it vary so much depending on community? What effect does over population play in the amount of available safe drinking water for the Earth's residents? Who tests our water? What is in our drinking water? Where does your area's drinking water come from? |