Topic Design Project, No. 1

In last week's class we nearly finished the book portion of unit 1: What is Environmental Science? Your homework was to write answers to questions about environmental science. In this class period, we will start our first Topic Design Project which will be to design an environmental resource center  or learning center. This background of the center should be designed purely for environmental education purposes, not fun or recreation, although learning can often be both fun and recreational. It should contain at least five various sections (as can be seen in the example) and must offer interesting and useful information for visitors. You should draw it from overhead view, and please be as detailed as possible. In addition, you must draw a location map (where it will be). This can be drawn in a small box to the right of your main design.

In the first part of class this week, we will finish checking the questions on the board as a class. Then we will start the designs, which will be first done in your textbooks. Sometimes I require them to be completed on separate sheets of paper and turned in. After that, we will have an opportunity to practice presentations in pairs, and then small groups. I will explain useful techniques for presentations. Don't forget: pronunciation is very important in English presentations. Be sure to pronounce clearly!

This week is the first presentation, so presentation points will be practiced. Later in the month we will create a larger version of your design on A3 paper to present in front of groups within the class. I will explain how to do this as time goes on. Finally, you have an opportunity to present your ideas in slide form to the whole class. Next semester, we will do many presentations in front of class, so now it is a good idea to practice.

Please don't forget to bring all your books and notes to every class! If you forget your book, or neglect to do the homework, book-work, designs, or don't take quizzes and tests, you grades will go down.