Cross/Cultural Sister Watershed Unit

Miriam Turner

Abstract:

Goals:

• To develop awareness of students of environmental concerns on a global level.
• To involve students directly with students in other cultures on environmental issues.
• To encourage and improve communication skills.
• To develop skills in interpersonal relationships.
• To encourage students to think on a local/global level.
• To encourage use/skill in computer communications.

Objectives:

1. TSW know how to use a modem with a computer

2. TSW be able to converse via Project Green with students in Sydney, Australia

3. TSW collect data and/or information about Sydney, Australia's watershed such as:
   • name
   • location
   • water quality test results
   • environmental concerns
   • demographics of watershed
   • number/names of schools involved
   • existing/future programs in Sydney working with the watershed problems/concerns

4. TSW research/get information from students re: the social studies aspect of the watershed in Sydney and the RRW.
   • What is the historical development of the river?
   • What are the tributaries of the Sydney watershed?
   • What effect does the history have on the watershed today?
   • What effect does this have socially today?

5. TSW share data from RRW with Sydney schools

6. TSW summarize information in a report form

7. TSW work in groups (2 or 3) to develop ACTION PLAN
   • What similarities are between watersheds?
   • What differences are there?
   • What activities are being done to resolve issues in both watersheds?
   • Why does the situation in Sydney concern us?
   • What are the social concerns in both watersheds?
   • What ACTION PLAN could be developed from this information involving both Sydney and RRW?
   • How could this be expanded to a total global effort?

8. TSW present group ACTION PLAN in a preset format

9. TSW evaluate program/offer suggestions for future such programs

Materials:

• Computers
• Student activity supplies
• Worksheets
• RRW information
• Envelopes/Stamps
• Modems
• Project Sheet
• Sydney, Australia information
• Water Quality Testing Videos
• Field Monitoring Books

Lesson Planning:

Part 1

• Pass out sheets explaining project
• Explain use of modem to students
• Hand out sheet on computer commands
• Hands on experience with modem

Part 2

• Hand out sheet listing information requested for introductory letters
• Students are to write introductory letters on paper to use in first communication including personal information about student picture, age, name, school, hobbies, interests, school activities, future plans, feelings re: environmental concerns, any other pertinent information
• Letters are to be previewed by teacher
• Letters are to be written for mailing
• Letters are collected and mailed by Bill Stapp, University of Michigan, Environmental Dept.

Unit 2-Understanding the RR Watershed

Part 1-Historical picture of Rouge River Watershed

• Teacher presentation on historical aspect of RRW (overhead, slides, lecture)
• Student activity on RRW (see Rouge River Resource Book)

Part 2-Social concerns of today re: RRW

• Brainstorming
• Teacher presentation (overhead, slides, lecture)
• Student activity on social concerns of RRW

Part 3-Water quality testing and RRW

• Teacher presentation (overhead, slides, videos, lecture)
• Student activity on water quality testing

Part 4-What is being done to Part in RRW

• Teacher presentation (overhead, slides, lecture)
• Student Activity (see Rouge Resource Book)

Unit 3-Understanding Sydney's Watershed

Part 1-Communicating with Australia

• Communication with Australia
• Begin communication via modem with Sydney
• Summarize each communication

Part 2-Information assimilation

• Supplement information with research
• Teacher presentation on Australia

Unit 4-Creation of an Action Plan

Part 1-Group activities on ACTION PLAN

• Brainstorming
• Research on what is being done
• Group summaries

Unit 5-Relating Action Plan on a total global aspect

Part 1-How can what was found out be adapted?

• Brainstorming
• Group activities
• Correlation of ideas

Unit 6-Finalizing findings

Part 1-Presentation formatting
Part 2-Finish presentation
Part 3-Evaluation of project

TIMELINE

Introduction of Project/Computer Usage:

Week 1-Computer exp./Letters of Introduction

Social Aspects of Watersheds:

Week 2-Rouge River History

Week 3-Social Concerns of RRW

Week 4-What is being done

Week 5-Australia History

Week 6-Social Concerns of Sydney

Week 7-What is being done

Week 8-Comparison of Watersheds

Water Quality Testing:

Week 9-Introduction to Water Quality Testing

Week 10-Review of testing/videos

Week 11-Application of testing results

Week 12-Testing dates for Rouge Project/Sharing data

Action Plan:

Week 13-Development of Action Plan

Week 14-Presentation of Action Plan

Week 15-Program Evaluation

Fellows Collection Index

Activities Exchange Index