NEWSPAPER

(A) Analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information;

(B) Draw inferences based on data related to promotional materials for products and services.

14) Science concepts. The student knows that natural events and human activity can alter Earth systems. The student is expected to

(C) Make inferences and draw conclusions about effects of human activity on Earth's renewable, non-renewable, and inexhaustible resources.

The Lesson:

I. Overview

People have always used Earth’s resources. But, as the human population has grown, so has its effect on Earth’s systems. After completing the lesson, students will understand the main types of environmental issues and explain the effects of human activity on Earth’s resources.

II. Performance or learner outcomes

Students will be able to:

Identify the main types of environmental issues
Explain the effects of human activity on Earth’s resources

III. Resources, materials and supplies needed

Large poster papers (per groups of 2-3 students)
Markers
Rulers

IV. Supplementary materials, handouts.

Selected articles from newspapers with information pertaining to environmental issues:
Environmental issues handout
Questions Rubric

The Australian

USA TODAY

(See sources)

Environmental Issues

Name: Jessica Gamez

Title of Lesson: Environmental issues

Concept(s): People have always used Earth’s resources. But, as the human population has grown, so has its effects on Earth’s systems. After completing the lesson, students will understand the main types of environmental issues and explain the effects of human activity on Earth’s resources.

Source of the Lesson:

Prentice Hall Science Explorer, 7^th grade pg. 622-627

Newspaper: The Australian –Science and Nature

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20847916-30417,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,20840548,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20843400-30417,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20843398-30417,00.html

USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2006-11-28-co2-emissions-doubling_x.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-11-29-conservation-sprawl_x.htm

Five-E Organization

Engage

Teacher Does

Probing Questions

Student Does

Teacher will by activating students’ prior knowledge on a general sense of issues pertaining to the environment as a class discussion.

Approx. Time__10_mins

What is the current conversation about the environment?

Where do we find reliable sources for information on this topic?

How do we know if it is reliable?

Pollution. Use of resources. The growth of the population.

Newspapers. Magazines. Internet.

Students’ answers will vary. It has to come from a professional and expert in that area. They should have other sources that have been reliable in the past.

Explore

Teacher Does

Probing Questions

Student Does

Begin by informing the students that there are three main types of environmental issues: resource-use, population growth, and pollution.

Prereading Strategy:

Teacher will provide students with a variety of newspaper articles on the topic of environmental issues.

Let students work in groups of two or three to look through the sources and select one article about environmental issues globally.

Suggest that each group choose one issue to use as the subject of the Questions, Questions, Questions activity. Students will generate four types of questions from the selected activity and construct it on a poster paper with markers.

Display the completed posters in the classroom along with a copy of the selected article. Students will present their work to the class.

Allow time for students to review one another’s posters and discuss their ideas and views about the issues.

Approx. Time_30__mins

What question did you come up with that you can find easily in the article?

What question did you come up with that you need to find by looking at several areas of the text?

What type of question did you come up with by adding what you already know about the topic?

What was you own question about this topic?

Students’ answers will vary. According to Mr. Tingay, what does the outlook for the region and its inhabitants look like for 2012?

Students’ answers will vary.

How much waste is being poured into the Ok Tedi and Fly river systems ad what types of changes will this cause?

Students’ answers will vary.

What is it important for us to take care of Earth’s systems.

Students’ answers will vary.

How much effort is needed globally to ensure the longevity of our planet?