Sustainability Task 9

Hampton Beach Excursion Reflection

As we witnessed on Friday, Hampton Beach is quite a unique location. The beach itself, as well as the neighboring environment, has undergone a number of major developments such as; the building of the Sandringham Harbour and inclusion of a number of sea groynes to address the problem of the seasonal longshore drift.

Using the information in your booklet I would like you to reflect on some of the issues that this beach environment has encountered, and note some of the significant changes that have occurred over time.

The following questions may assist with your reflection (approx. 200 words):

• How does the beach look at the moment and how has it changed over time?
• What are some of the activities that the beach caters for and how do they effect the environment?
• What are some significant features of the beach and what are purposes? Eg. The sea groynes.
• How does this environment and concepts surrounding the beach relate to the notion of sustainability?

The post that addresses the above is due to be published on your blog by Monday 30th November.

Sustainability Task 8

As a follow up to our current session on energy sources, I want you to publish a blog entry that outlines your top three preferred sources of energy.

You need to think about and include (using the information sheet completed in class) your responses to the following questions:

• Why did you prefer the energy source?


• How does it work?


• How does energy use relate to the concepts of sustainability?
  

This blog entry is due to be published up on your blog by Monday 16th Novemeber

Sustainability Task 7

After viewing the,''The Burning Season" I want you to publish a blog entry that demonstrates your understanding on the ideas and concepts within the documentary.

Some questions that may prompt your thoughts (approx. 250 words) could include:

• What influence do the following stakeholders have on the issues discussed throughout the documentary?

The Businessman, The Farmer & The Rescuer

• What exactly are carbon credits and what do they represent?


• Dor Jee Sun (The Businessman) is out to make a profit out of his 'deal' - do you think he can be trusted to help protect the environment?
  

This blog entry is due to be published on your blog by Monday 16th of November.

Sustainability Task 6

Throughout class we have been looking at the concept of virtual water and a number of ways we can combat the issue of conserving water.

Your next blog entry is divided into 2 parts which are outlined below.

1) The first part asks you to reflect (approx. 150 words) on the notion of virtual water and include your thoughts on the following prompts:

• What is this idea all about?
• How does the concept relate to you and the rest of the world?
• What are your overall thoughts about virtual water? Are there any inconsistencies within the concept?

2) The second part of you blog entry asks you to include 3 water saving tips for the 5 areas you can access on the Mission H2Go interactive game.

REMEMBER: It's important that you complete the bog post before playing the AWESOME games!!!

This blog entry is due to be published on your blog by Wednesday 4th of November.

Sustainability Task 5

Catchment Detox is an online game where the player manages a virtual river catchment. The game goes for 100 turns and you make as many changes to the landscape as you like (you can also do none!) before taking your next turn. The aim is to create an environmentally happy catchment with a sustainable and thriving economy.

After playing the game online I want you to write a 150 word reflection on the choices you made, and the impact they caused on the environment, the economy, tourism and agriculture.

Before you write your reflection think about the following:

• What were the best choices you made?
• What were some of the poor decisions you made?
• What did the 'ideal' catchment look like?
• What do you believe to be the most important aspect/issue related to maintaining a thriving and healthy catchment?

The post relating to the above needs to be published on your blog by Monday 26th October.

Sustainability Task 4

The Ecological Footprint is a data-driven metric that tells us how close we are to the goal of sustainable living. Footprint accounts work like bank statements, documenting whether we are living within our ecological budget or consuming nature’s resources faster than the planet can renew them.

After completing the web-based quiz, as well as the other relevant activities, you are required to share your understandings of this concept on your blog.

In your blog post make sure you include your reflections on the following questions:

1) Do we all have the same sized Ecological Footprints?

2) What have you found out relating to how Ecological Footprints differ?

3) What effects the size of the Ecological Footprint?

As well as discussing your thoughts on the questions above I want you to include a 60 word summary that explains what you have learnt from this activity. Also, using your skills in uploading, I want you to include an appropriate accompanying picture that is related to the concept of ecological footprints (use the Creative Commons search engine at http://search.creativecommons.org/ to obtain a copy right free image for your blog entry).

The post that addresses the above is due to be published on your blog by Thursday 22nd October.

Sustainability Task 3

After viewing the film 'An Inconvenient Truth', I want you to publish a blog entry that demonstrates your understanding on the ideas and concepts within the film.

Some questions that may prompt your thoughts (approx. 250 words) could include:

• What was the argument Al Gore was putting forward?


• What were your thoughts about the argument? Is it convincing?


• What are your own personal thoughts about the issue of global warming?


• What information presented in the film particularly interested/startled/worried you?


• What do you think could be done about the issue of global warming?
  

The post that addresses the above is due to be published on your blog by Tuesday 20th October

Sustainability Task 2

The next task you have been asked to complete is in two parts:

1) The first involves you going to 2 other people's blogs (people who have invited you to view their blog) and make a constructive comment on the individual's insight into 'The Lorax'.

2) The next part of the task is to successfully upload 3 pictures from the 'student shares server' (Rex, Alex, Luke, Bella, Somebody & Somebody's CERES) that are related to the CERES visit that was held last Tuesday, and explain, reflect and comment on what the chosen photos show and represent.

Regarding the photo you need to address the following:

*) What does this photo show?

*) How does it relate to the concept of sustainability?

*) What effects or repercussions does the process or mechanism have on the environment?

Towards the end of your post I would also like to include a 50 word overall reflection on the visit to CERES.

The comments on another person's blog and the post that addresses the above is due on Monday 19th October

Sustainability Task 1

Firstly, well done on successfully creating your own blog. You are all champions!

The initial task I want you to complete is the following:

Title: Initial Blog, Thoughts on Sustainability and 'The Lorax'

Task: For your first posting I want you to do 2 things...

1) After your initial session on Sustainability and your visit to CERES describe and explain what you believe sustainability is.

2) Opinions on 'The Lorax'

Write a 150 word review discussing the following:

*) What is this short film about?
*) What issues surrounding sustainability and the environment does the story deal with?
*) Are the themes relevant in today's society?

Your first post that addresses the above is due on Monday 12th October

Welcome to the Sustainability Inquiry Blog

You have entered the class blog for Jet 2 & 4 Inquiry classes into Sustainability. Our big question for the term is: "Is Life on Earth Sustainable?" This will be explored and evaluated by investigating four key questions:

1) Have past and current human behaviours affected our chances of survival?
2) What are the current issues that need to be considered?
3) In what ways is a sustainable future possible?
4) How do individuals’ choices, decisions and actions impact on the world?

This blog is an attempt to chronicle the progress of the inquiry, with associated links, so that teachers, parents and other students have access to a growing picture of what is happening in the classroom and students have the opportunity to keep up with the learning should they miss a lesson.

There will be some student posts to this blog, particularly in the early lessons, but most of the students' work will be housed on their own individual (closed) blogs. If you are visiting this blog, please feel free to leave a comment on any of the posts.