The Earth Needs You!
Humans affect the planet. Consumption of natural resources is at an all-time high! Fresh water access is critical in highly populated areas of the world. More than 200,000 acres of the Amazon Rainforest are destroyed every day. Over-fishing, under-planting, the Earth is spinning into a critical position. But, you and your team are here to offer solutions. You can help save the Earth. Below are listed three separate projects you can complete to offer possibilities of a better future for plants and animals (humans included). You will need to draw upon the things that you have learned about fresh water, plants and animals.
Fresh Water
Parts of California have been put on water restrictions. This means that residents and businesses must monitor and decrease their use of fresh water. Often, here in Virginia, we don't think about fresh water being a limited resource. We have lots of rain and our summers are heavy with humidity -- evidence that our water is still present. The presence of water now, however, should not be reasoning enough to not conserve or be mindful of our water use. I have included some links below regarding fresh water use. As you browse these links keep in mind the following questions: How does California's water restrictions affect residents and businesses? What are some obvious ways that water is wasted here in Virginia? (In our homes, for example) What are some less obvious way that water is wasted? After you have explored each link below, click on the green button titled, "Your Next Task." |
Bees and Gardens
The plight of the bee has received quite a bit of press in the past few years. It certainly is true that our most efficient pollinators are diminishing in numbers. The disappearance of our friendly buzzers is concerning because we depend on their handwork to pollinate our crops. Strawberries, watermelon, broccoli, cabbage--the list is ongoing of the foods that depend on bees. The bee, as we have learned, is a valuable player in our interdependent and fragile existence on Earth. I have included some links below of resources on the bee and some fruit and vegetable varieties. As you read through the information keep the following questions in mind: What are some possible contributing factors to the diminishing bee population? What are some things that we do as consumers that affect the life of bees? What does "eating locally" mean? How does eating locally affect our communities--both large and small? After you have explored each link below, click on the green button titled, "Your Next Task." |
Humans and Our Impact
Life needs balance. We have learned about plant and animals cycles and how plants and animals use resources and provide resources to each other and the Earth. We are a part of that balance. Each of our actions affects something, whether that something be other people, animals, plants, or the planet. As a critically thinking and problem-solving species, we have the ability and the responsibility to protect our delicate world. Though sometimes it can seem like we live on an island, we, in fact, participate in a system of interdependence. As you get ready for the last part of this WebQuest, keep the following questions in mind: What does it mean to be a part of an interdependent life? How have plant and animal cycles suggested that we live in an interdependent life? How have the previous two projects suggested that we live an interdependent life? After you have explored each link below, click on the green button titled, "Your Next Task." |