CARBON FOOTPRINT UNIT

The Essential Questions…  What is a carbon footprint?  What is your carbon footprint?  What steps can you take to reduce it?

So… Why is this relevant to you?  We are energy consumers  Everything you do requires some sort of energy  You are the future  It’s your planet too… Take care of it…Please!

Calculating your footprint  Click on the green footprint to start calculating!  Answer three critical thinking questions on our wiki page…  What is your definition of a carbon footprint?  How do you think your footprint compares with your classmates?  What types of action contribute t your footprint size?

Your Task!  In groups of 2 you will use the Internet and brainstorm a list of ways to reduce a carbon footprint  From this list you will choose the one you feel is most important  Present your findings to the class  Your presentation must use multimedia  videos, PowerPoint, screencasts, etc.  The class will vote on one final project that they thought was best  Milestones will be checked using  Dipity = Online timeline  Lino = Online planning board

/ Identify the Problem Analyze the Problem Brainstorm Potential Solutions Chose the Best Solution Create a Plan of Action Implement the Plan Evaluate the Solution and Plan Reflection

How Can We Use These Steps?  Step 1: Identify the Problem  Size of our carbon footprints  Step 2: Analyze Problem  Research effective ways to reduce  Step 3: Brainstorm Potential Solutions  use the internet to find solutions  Step 4: Chose one solution  Chose the most effect solution to the problem  Step 5: Create a Plan of Action  use Lino and Dipity to plan your project  Step 6: Implement the Plan  Create a presentation of your findings using multimedia  Step 7: Evaluate the Solution and Plan  Present your project and see if yours will be voted on to win!  Step 8: Reflection  Write letter to parents about final class decision about how to reduce carbon footprints

Culmination  The projects will be voted on by the class; one will be selected as the winner  The post assignment: Write a 5 paragraph formatted letter to their parents  Described ways to reduce their family’s footprint.  Use winning project as the basis  key concepts; calculated footprint, the best way to reduce it and ways that their household can reduce their footprint.

Assessment Criteria  Your final grade will consist of a combination of the project that you have presented. As well as the formal letter to your parents. The milestones will be required from all groups throughout the project times. Class discussion and participation can earn you bonus points on your final grade. The three critical questions posted to our class wiki will also count towards your final grade on this unit. The will count as 3 extra participation points. The winning group of this project will also receive 2 bonus points.  The next slide has the rubric that explains how I will compute your final grade.

Formative Assessment

Summary  You will calculate your footprints and respond to critical thinking questions  In groups of two you will brainstorm ideas to reduce your footprints; decide on best  Produce a multimedia project highlighting the way you chose to reduce your footprints  Present to the class for a vote  Create a letter to your parents describing all that you have learned during this unit!

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN AND SAVE OUR PLANET!