Planet Pop: Balancing Resources & People

9th Grade Project 1 week

Planet Pop: Balancing Resources & People

Luke W

D2.Eco.15.9-12

D2.Geo.11.9-12

D2.Geo.9.9-12

D2.Geo.6.9-12

D2.Civ.14.9-12

+ 5 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this hands-on project is to engage 9th-grade students in exploring the intersection of cultural perspectives and resource management within a global context. By leveraging real-world case studies, students will investigate and critically analyze how various cultures approach and sustain natural resources, promoting a deeper understanding of global interdependence. The experience aims to cultivate students' ability to assess cultural impacts on economic and environmental policies, while also developing skills in articulating and presenting their findings through multimedia formats.

Learning goals

Students will explore and evaluate the impact of cultural perspectives on resource management using case studies from various countries to understand differing approaches to resource management. They will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing how globalization trends influence economies, labor markets, and environments worldwide. Students will enhance their collaboration and communication skills through group discussions and critique sessions while synthesizing their findings into an engaging multimedia presentation. The project aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation of global diversity and a nuanced understanding of resource and cultural interdependencies.

Standards

[College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)] D2.Eco.15.9-12 - Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.
[College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)] D2.Geo.11.9-12 - Evaluate how economic globalization and the expanding use of scarce resources contribute to conflict and cooperation within and among countries.
[College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)] D2.Geo.9.9-12 - Evaluate the influence of long-term climate variability on human migration and settlement patterns, resource use, and land uses at local-to-global scales.
[College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)] D2.Geo.6.9-12 - Evaluate the impact of human settlement activities on the environmental and cultural characteristics of specific places and regions.
[College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)] D2.Civ.14.9-12 - Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights.

Competencies

Economics - Access to resources (FK.SS.3.c)
Cultures - Global connections (FK.SS.4.d)
Economics - Resource competition (FK.SS.3.d)
Cultures - Social groupings (FK.SS.4.b)
Governments - Public policy (FK.SS.1.c)

Products

Throughout the week, students will collaboratively develop a multimedia presentation that examines how different cultures approach the management of a specific natural resource, integrating findings from their hands-on research and analyses. This presentation will feature video interviews with experts or community members and highlight the cultural nuances in resource management. Additionally, by the end of the week, students will produce individual visual representations or infographics reflecting their personal growth and understanding of the cultural influences on resource management, culminating in a poster session to exhibit their insights.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive simulation where students role-play as representatives from different countries discussing a global summit on managing water resources. Present them with a real-world scenario involving a shared river system impacted by climate change and economic development. Challenge students to negotiate terms, considering cultural perspectives and global connections, to collaboratively devise sustainable solutions for resource management, setting the stage for their research and presentations.

Exhibition

Students will present their multimedia presentations and posters during a cultural resource management fair held in the school’s hallways. Inviting classmates, teachers, and parents to attend can create an engaging atmosphere where students explain their research findings and personal learning journeys. This dynamic exhibition format encourages dialogue and allows students to receive feedback from the community, enhancing their communication skills and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives in resource management.

Learning Journey

Empathize

Students will engage in a simulation activity to explore different cultural perspectives on resource management, fostering a deeper understanding of the varied needs and experiences of global communities as they begin their investigation into the project theme.

Day 1