Small Changes; BIG RETURNS

Math students!

Lead the way towards reducing global warming!!!

Despite the pressures of having to get through the curriculum, I know we math teachers can dedicate one day to problem based learning. Using this National Geographic posted in Free Technology for Teachers as a take off point, I’ve come up with an idea that will challenge students to apply their skills -- math, communication, creative, innovative, strategic -- towards the solution of a real problem instead of just tearing their hair out over 'story' problems in the text. (Two trains 150 km apart are travelling towards each other on the same track . . . need I say more?) The prizes would all be pies: pizza for the winning group, apple for second, and tiny tarts or Eskimo Pies for everyone else? Perhaps math and science teachers could team up for a month starting on Pi Day (Mar. 14) and ending on Earth Day (April 22)?

Lesson Layout for the Students

Here’s your mission: People are very concerned about global warming, but they don’t know how to make changes in their own lives that will really make a difference to their carbon footprint. Your mission is to figure out a combination of 3 changes we can all make to begin the work of reversing the amount of carbon we are adding to the atmosphere.  We’ve all contributed to increased carbon in the atmosphere, and we should all be making changes to undo the harm.

(Source: http://blog.beliefnet.com/faithfunnies/environment/2008/05/)

Here’s the real problem:  to get people to really buy into your plan and make these changes, you have to make suggestions that people can easily incorporate into their lives. If you tell everyone to get out of their cars and onto bikes, how many will really take up the challenge even to save a polar bear? On the other hand, if you ask them to make small changes that will not inconvenience them too much, and them give them the statistics to illustrate how much of a difference this action will make if 10 or 1000 or 100 000 or more get involved, your plan could really make a difference!!

Here’s the challenge: You must find the optimal intersection between practicality and reduction of carbon footprint. Remember, many people really making small changes can have a huge impact. I want your plan to have that ‘viral’ appeal that will get people intrigued and involved.

Here’s where Pi comes in: Lay out your plan on a Venn diagram, design a circular logo to be made into a badge (circular of course!) people can post on MySpace, or Facebook, or a sticker for their car or front window --- etc.,ect., ect.

If anyone uses this, please share your ideas below or email me through my page in CEET . Look for my butterfly/hurricane in the logo in the list of new users on the login page. My group logo is the Blended Learning caudron. Let me know if you'd like to join.