A new topic I introduced to my 8th grade Science Enrichment course is the Human Footprint. National Geographic produced a film in 2008 about human consumption of natural resources. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Iw0TH2czQ
It's important that as individuals and communities we realize the impact we have on our Earth's natural resources. Becoming aware allows us to create alternatives and solutions that improve our daily life while also preserving our natural world. The following website provides an array of information to help introduce smaller topics as well as raise questions about equity and accessibilty of natural and alternative resources: https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/
One of my goals is to integrate social justice issues throughout my curriculum. Exploring and debating human consumption and the politics, economics, and social barriers that influence the decisions we make at the local, government, and global levels is telling of the moral and ethical values people live by. More important I want to learn from my students what issues they believe are important and what ways they suggest in solving them.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI love this! I know so many people who's eyes have been opened and their habits changed by researching their footprint. I find it's really important. It's so great you are incorporating it into your classroom and making your students realize that each person's decisions make a big difference.
This is really cool, I think the idea of taking into account why people make the choices that make is really important to recognize. I think we can all be to quick at times to say, 'that's to hard', or 'you're making the wrong choice' without considering how other people actually live their lives.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn and Nola, Its important we see the bigger picture of the process that allows for our everyday comforts. Even having access to clean water leaves a foot print. Getting the information out there to kids is just the foundation to what they pursue. More importantly, I want them to be critical of how much natural resources are used so they can help make changes we need to be better custodians of our community and environment.
ReplyDeleteAmy, this topic is paramount to thinking through so many scientific concepts and systems. The idea of of "human footprint" helps to anchor all questions and make them relevant. I enjoyed the NatGeo trailer you included. I think it will be a good piece to watch with my own children. Thank you for sharing it here.
ReplyDeleteHey Amy,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late post I didn't catch this post for some reason. In my eyes and experience the topics of social justice and human footprint are on completely different ends of the spectrum, but that really makes me curious. I hope to make some additional connections and learn more about how you plan to integrate these topics in the future. NatGeo is an awesome resource, I used it for a different course and the quality of information they use in their videos is superb. Good work!
-Joe