Project Exchange

Driving Question What's this?

How do geological and environmental issues affect life in CA?

Students explored different issues affecting California's geology and environment through a group inquiry project. In lieu of writing an essay, students translated the essay format into a script for a Public Service Announcement (PSA), and then students worked to find and create images for the PSA after a discussion around persuasive tactics.

This project challenges students to explore issues in California that directly affect them. Students focus their research to take a stand on their issue, and develop a strong argument to back up their PSA. Students were able to defend their stance through the creation of their imovie PSA, as well as, a formal defense with their classmates as audience. Students gained specific content knowledge of geology and ecology. Also, students strengthened their inquiry skills by creating and then researching a driving question and coming to a conclusion. These analysis skills also supplement their understanding of thesis writing and research for other classes, such as English-Language Arts and History, among others. Students improved their Digital Media skills by becoming more proficient with programs such as: imovie and Garageband; and also they became more discerning internet researchers. Students worked in heterogeneous groups of 3-4 to complete this project.

Subject Area(s): Science

Teaching Days to Complete: 4 weeks

Keywords What's this?

science, geology, ecology, environment, biology, imovie, Public Service Announcement, PSA, California, creative expression, social justice, integrated science