Todd Staheli at Whitman has created a fantastic world science report assignment, in which students investigate critical topics in science today.
The topics include:
Ecology
1. Global Population ? how many humans can one world handle?
2. Deforestation ? why is it happening and what are the local/global concerns?
3. Global Warming ? what is happening and how are humans involved?
4. Chernobyl ? nuclear accidents happen; do the risks outweigh the benefits?
5. Alternative Energy ? Solar, wind, hydrogen fuel cells etc
6. Waste Management ? is there space for all our trash? What are the concerns?
7. Weapons of Mass Destruction ? what are they? What are the issues? Who should have them?
8. Fossil Fuels ? why are we so dependent on them and is this a problem?
9. Dams — Energy and Salmon ? what are the issues?
10. Paper or Plastic? ? what is the ?better? choice? What are the issues?
11. Hybrid or SUV (sport utility vehicle)? ? why sales of both are growing and why?
12. Factory Farms or Organic ? what is the difference?
13. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ? What?s the debate?
Health
14. Wild or farmed? ? You can buy it both ways. What is the controversy?
15. HIV/AIDS worldwide ? is it an epidemic? What is happening to stop the spread?
16. Smoking ? what are the risks? Why do people still smoke?
17. Super sizing America ? why is obesity an issue in America? What are the issues?
Evolution
18. Darwin & evolution - he was right! why were his ideas so controversial?
19. Human Evolution ? did you know you are a primate? Why do some not accept this?
20. Mass Extinctions ? when have they occurred? Is it true that we are in one now?
Genetics
21. Cloning ? Dolly the sheep + others. What?s next? Humans??
22. Genetically Modified Foods ? what are the risks, benefits?
23. Human Genetics & Medicine ? how far should we take our knowledge & skill?
NW Geology
24. Earthquakes in Washington ? will we get a 10.5 magnitude quake? What do the scientists say?
25. Bretz & floods ? He was right! why were his ideas so controversial?
Astronomy
26. Galileo & astronomy ? He was right! why were his ideas so controversial?
27. International Space Station ? what is it and what can it do for us?
28. Mars Exploration ? should we colonize there? What are the issues?
29. The Search for Extraterrestrial Life ? is it a waste of time and money?
30. Your own idea, approved by Mr. Staheli
Here are the files Todd sent me:
FAQ
PowerPoint show
Rubric
Requirements
Table