Final Product: Socratic Seminar on Sustainability

 

Instructions: For this final product, you will engage in a college-style Socratic seminar on sustainability. You will submit your Preparation notes, and use those notes to support you as you actively listen and contribute to the discussion.

 

Preparation

 

Paste your final Preparation notes below.

 

I bring a variety of experiences, attitudes, and perspectives when considering environmental science issues. Firstly, my experiences living in both rural and urban environments have given me the opportunity to see firsthand the various environmental challenges faced by different communities. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel and see the impacts of environmental issues on a global scale. These experiences have fostered within me a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world and a desire to protect it.

 

In terms of attitudes, I am strongly motivated by a sense of social and environmental justice. I believe that it is our responsibility to be stewards of the planet and to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy and sustainable environment. I also believe that addressing environmental issues requires a holistic and intersectional approach, considering the impacts on both human and non-human communities.

 

As for perspectives, I approach environmental science issues with a scientific mindset, valuing evidence-based decision making and a willingness to consider multiple viewpoints. However, I also recognize the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge and the perspectives of marginalized communities into the conversation.

 

Before the Discussion

 

As you get ready for the discussion, set at least two specific goals for your participation during the discussion. Use the  Contributing to Evidence-based Discussions and Norms/Active Listening rubrics in the Platform to inform your goals.

 

Sample Goals:

 

I plan to share at least one piece of information from my Preparation notes during the discussion.

 

I plan to connect my ideas to something another person says during the discussion.

 

What is your first goal?:

 

What is your second goal?:

 

After the Discussion

 

To what extent did you accomplish your first goal?

 

To what extent did you accomplish your second goal?:

 

How did you do with CONTRIBUTING TO EVIDENCE-BASED DISCUSSIONS? Give yourself a score based on the Cognitive Skills Rubric and explain why you deserve this score:

 

How did you do with NORMS/ACTIVE LISTENING? Give yourself a score based on the Cognitive Skills Rubric and explain why you deserve this score:

 

What did you enjoy or find the most interesting in the discussion?:  

 

Was there anything you wish the discussion talked about but didn’t?:

 

Any other notes or reflections on today’s discussion:

 

Background: One of your final products will be participation in a Socratic seminar, a type of discussion that is common in college courses. In these types of discussions, you and your peers will use knowledge and skills to tackle a complex, open ended topic. In your discussion, the topic will be sustainability.  

How should we work towards environmental sustainability while meeting the needs of a growing human population?

Environmental science takes place in a social and cultural context. Understanding and solving environmental science problems requires knowing both the scientific background and how the solution would impact those involved. In addition, scientific solutions are described precisely and grounded in scientific evidence. Preparing notes, questions, and ideas will help you make strong contributions to this discussion!

Instructions: As you explore the Focus Areas, case studies, and topics related to this project, organize your notes, ideas, and questions below. You will be able to draw on these notes during your Socratic discussion.

After Completing This Checkpoint

Contributing to Evidence-based Discussions

Score from rubric:

Rationale:

Selection of Evidence

Score from rubric:

Rationale:

Instructions: Consider this prompt: “What experiences, attitudes, and perspectives do you bring when considering environmental science issues?” In this Checkpoint, outline your thinking and discuss your ideas with a small group. Consider how you can use key terms and ideas in environmental science as well as details about your experiences in order to describe your environmental outlook.

Before Your Discussion

Prepare Notes

Outline your response to the prompt in the box below. Then, write a few questions to ask your peers to better understand their environmental outlooks.

Set Goals

As you get ready for the discussion, set at least two specific goals for your participation during the discussion. Use the Contributing to Evidence-based Discussions and the Norms/Active Listening rubrics in the Platform to inform your goals.

Sample Goals:

I plan to share at least one piece of information from my Preparation notes during the discussion.

I plan to connect my ideas to something another person says during the discussion.

What is your first goal?:

What is your second goal?:

During Your Discussion

You may take notes in the box below.

After Your Discussion

Next Steps

What ideas came up in the discussion that you can use to add to or refine your My Environmental Outlook Essay?

Self Assessment

Look back at the Contributing to Evidence-based Discussions and the Norms/Active Listening rubrics. How well did you show your skills in this discussion?

Self Evaluation

Skill

Rationale

Contributing to Evidence-based Discussions

Norms/Active Listening

What is one POSITIVE way you contributed to the discussion?

What is one way you could improve when contributing to the discussion?

Explain how recycling practices can lead to environmental sustainability.