The Southern Berkshire region faces a pressing challenge as bear-human interactions increase due to unsecured trash and bird feeders attracting bears to residential areas. This situation poses significant risks to both community safety and wildlife conservation, necessitating collaborative efforts to address and mitigate the issue effectively.
Challenge Question
How can the community of Southern Berkshire effectively advocate for policy changes that address bear-human interactions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and wildlife?
Standards
[Massachusetts] 6-8.WCA.6 - Use technology, including current web-based communication platforms, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.
[Massachusetts] 6-8.WCA.1 - Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
[Massachusetts] 8.T4.8 - Explain the importance of individuals working cooperatively with their elected leaders.
[Massachusetts] 8.T6.7 - Contrast the responsibilities of government at the federal, state, and local levels (e.g., protection of individual rights and the provision of services such as law enforcement, welfare payments, and the building and funding of schools).
[Massachusetts] 8.T6.10 - Explain the major components of local government in Massachusetts, including the roles and functions of mayors, city councils, and school committees in cities; Town managers, select boards, representative and open town meetings and school committees, in towns, and courts and sheriff's departments in counties.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Learning Partners and Clients
The Sheffield MA select board, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife, and MassBears will serve as key learning partners and clients for this project. Students will collaborate with these organizations to gain insights into bear management strategies and community safety measures. These partners will provide real-world perspectives and feedback on students' policy proposals, ensuring alignment with local policies and wildlife conservation efforts.
Phase Outcomes
Phase
Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the bear issue in Southern Berkshire and understand the human behaviors contributing to it through interactive activities that spark curiosity and conviction.
Examine
I can research the impact of unsecured trash and bird feeders on bear interactions, using data analysis and expert interviews to deepen my understanding of the problem.
Engineer
I can develop a persuasive letter to a local legislator proposing policy changes that address bear-human conflicts, using evidence and community insights.
Do
I can draft and refine my letter, ensuring it effectively communicates the urgency of the issue and proposes actionable solutions, before submitting it to local leaders.
Share
I can share my letter and personal growth journey with peers, families, and community leaders through interactive presentations that highlight my learning and impact.
