PREAMBLE: The global environment and the very existance of mankind and all other living things on earth is under threat due to the use of energy through out the world. Various energy technologies spew vast amounts of pollution or CO2 into the air or threaten human health with substances which are toxic or mutagens. Other energy technologies are wasteful and result in vast areas of forest to be stripped bare. Other technologies, although "environmentally friendly" are extremely expensive and will provide very little energy. There are no perfect solutions to the world-wide energy problem.
The grade 11 physics class will be doing a group project relating to the "societal implications" of various types of fuels and/or energy sources such as:
wind -
solar -
geothermal -
fossil fuels -
nuclear -
hydrogen fuel cells or other technologies
biomass -
tidal power -
conservation technologies -
hydroelectric -
other topic of your choice-
The project will focus on issues such as sustainability, environmental impact, cost and its ability to meet society's demands. The presentation will be 30 minutes in length.
GROUP SIZES: I would prefer groups of three but if two students with to do a topic together, that would be fine. .
PRESENTATION DATES: Presentationsl will occur between Monday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 26. Presentation times will be decided later: Click here for the period 2 groups and presentation times.
ASSIGNMENT DATES: Computer Lab Room 111N: Monday, March 17
Computer Lab Room 111N Tuesday, March 18
Computer Lab Room 111N: Friday, March 21
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLV TWO REQUIRED ELEMENTS :
TEACHING LESSON with VISUAL / DISPLAY:
The lesson will focus on:
(1) information on the technical aspects of the type of energy conversion technology. Answer the question "How does it work."
(2) issues such as sustainability, renewability, environmental impact, cost, impact on global warming and its ability to meet society's demands.
The teaching lesson may include a labeled poster, PowerPoint presentation, model or a labeled computer-generated diagram projected onto a screen using the LCD projector.
This visual display is intended to accompany a brief (5 - 10 minute) discussion involving "how the technology works". No reading from prepared notes or from PowerPoint presentation will be allowed in any form.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
Each group will include an activity which will "engage" the class and provide a review of the topic. This may include a well-organized, well-run game such as "Jeopardy", a quiz, crossword puzzle or another form of a worksheet. Word searches will not be allowed!! - I think they have no educational value at this level Only meaningful academic activities please!. Although this may involve a 10 mark multiple choice, true/false test or extended respose (written) test, you may choose to do something less conventional and get the class to draw a labelled sketch of the technology or present then with a "case study" on your topic and get them to identify the issues involved.
20 % BONUS: OPTIONAL
CREATIVE / PERFORMANCE ASPECT:
The group will explore the "issues" (for and against) involved in the use of their technology to solve the world's energy problems using some creative or performance element such as a puppet show, song, poem, mock news report or skit. (How about an interpretive dance?). This should last about 5 - 10 minutes and is expected to involve some simple props or costumes.
SUGGESTIONS for doing a POWER POINT PRESENTATION
Note: You are not required to do a PowerPoint presentation, but if you do, here are some guidelines:
The PowerPoint presentation will focus on providing information on the technical aspects of the type of energy (how it works) and impacts on society and the environment. Your focus should be on improving the quality of your delivery.
I expect to see on your PowerPoint to have:
No paragraphs or blocks of text
Minimal use of full sentences, or none at all
Point form bullets
Attractive and pertinent graphs
Avoidance of "overly busy" or garish backgrounds which make overlying text impossible to read.
Simple, uncluttered pages. If in doubt, use less information per page rather than more information, and add additional pages.
Avoidance of unnecessary detail which will bore your audience
The student presenters will:
be facing the audience at all times, either directly or at a slight angle
NOT read blocks of text from the PowerPoint
use the point form notes on the PowerPoint as a guide to stay organized
add extra information which does not appear on the PowerPoint, in a natural, conversational style
be well rehearsed and know their topic
make seamless transitions between group members
have a clear voice, loud enough to be heard by everyone
