Choose an environmental issue to investigate that is currently active, or is developing, in your community.  (Here are some examples that are occurring in other communities:

• Should oil and gas development be permitted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
• Are toxicity standards for solid waste storage and disposal appropriate?
• Should genetically engineered organisms be introduced into natural ecological systems?
• Should the National Park Service continue its "let burn" policy when natural fires occur within park boundaries?
• Is incineration of municipal solid waste a risk to public health?)

Assignment #10.  Capstone Project

Part One

Use the Internet or other sources to research your issue. Find and cite at least three sources of information. Identify the players (at least 3) and their positions, beliefs and values. Use your own critical thinking skills to evaluate the information you found and your reaction to it.

REQUIRED TASK:

On the Discussion Board, write a one page summary addressing the following:

• What issue did you select and why?
• Did you recognize any bias in the information you found?
• Cite your sources of information.
• Were you able to identify relevant from irrelevant information?
• Were you able to consider opposing point of view?
• Did your personal position on the issue change with new information or points of view? Could you change your position if evidence or reason warranted?

And, consider the following:

[Note: Posting answers for this following section to the Discussion Board is OPTIONAL]

What are the possible options for solutions to the issue you have investigated?
What is/are the most responsible action(s) to be taken concerning your issues? Before you decide, ask yourself these questions:

Is there sufficient evidence to warrant action on this issue?

1. Are there alternative actions available to use? What are they?
2. Is the action chosen the most effective one available?
3. Are there legal consequences of this action? If so, what are they?
4. Will there be political consequences for this action? If so, what are they?
5. Will there be social consequences of this action? If so, what are they?
6. Will there be economic consequences of this action? If so, what are they?
7. Are my personal values consistent with this action?
8. Do I understand the procedures necessary to take this action?
9. So I have the skills needed to take this action?
10. Do I have the courage to take this action?
11. Do I have the time needed to complete this action?
12. Do I have all of the other resources needed available to make this action effective? What are the ecological implications of this action?

Part Two

Capstone Project Outline

Develop a community-based environmental education or environmental improvement project which is integrated into existing curriculum, and will have a real impact on your community.  The assignment should reflect, as a practical application, the theories, knowledge and skills you’ve acquired during the course.  You will be experiencing first-hand, the process you would be helping to facilitate for your students.

Consider the following four questions:  [NOTE: Posting a reply to these four questions is OPTIONAL.]

Q1. What major themes/topics/issues do you now teach that hold potential as a student-based, community project?

Q2. What steps will you take to introduce and facilitate a project that is truly student-centered?

Q3. Specifically, list the tools and/or techniques you have acquired during this on-line institute that you intend to incorporate into your teaching style.

Q4. How will these tools help you to meet curriculum requirements or standards?

REQUIRED TASK:  Capstone Project Outline

Complete the following Planning Outline and post to the Discussion Board.

NAME:

SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION: ­­­                                  GRADE LEVEL: (if applicable): _____

COMMUNITY SETTING:  Rural _____ Suburban _____ Urban _____

PROJECT SUMMARY (How will this project solve or improve your community issue?):

Summarize the vision for the project in concise, simple language (25 words or less):

Describe the Participants (e.g. students and community participants):

List Desired Outcome(s) of the project:

Describe measures of success:

Provide a time line of major milestones and accomplishments:

Materials needed, if any (and estimated costs):

Anticipated obstacles, and ideas to overcome them:

Strategies (including action categories) to be employed:

Available Resources to be used:

Describe how the project integrates environmental education and community improvement: