Project #___: The Effects of My Favorite Object

Description: In groups of ___, you will investigate how your favorite object affects ecosystems and the environment. At the end of a ______ -week period, your group will present a poster that will outline the damages your favorite item has on ecosystems.

You should use class notes and outside sources (particularly, internet & newspaper) are encouraged as well. Your grade will incorporate an individual component as well as the group component. See rubric for more information.

Step 1: Due Date

-Your project is due ___ weeks from today at beginning of class

My project is due: _____________________________________________________

Step 2: Group members

My group members are: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 3: Meeting times

-You will be able to meet during class on the following dates:

In addition, we understand that ___ class periods is not enough time, so we have to decided to meet during the following times: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Step 4: Project topic

- It is suggested that your favorite object be chosen from the following categories:

A. My Favorite Food

B. How I Traveled Here Today (a mode of transportation)

C. My Favorite Object (a toy, sports equipment, etc.)

D. My Favorite Clothing

E. My Home

We have decided to investigate the following object: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 5:  Subtopics

-Your favorite object has many negative effects on ecosystems (see sample project entitled: The Real Story Behind Ralph Lauren Robes). Many of the effects can be categorized as subtopics. Your project must have at least 4 subtopics (one for each member & one to be completed as a group).

The following is a list of possible subtopics (effects)

Transportation (object had to be moved)

Energy Usage (energy had to be used to make, ship, or advertise object)

Oxygen & Nutrient Usage (nutrients had to be used)

Animal or Plant Direct Harvesting (organisms had to be fed, killed or moved)

Water Usage (water had to be used)

Space (land had to be used or changed)

Advertising (we had to know about object—took energy, technology, etc)

Technology (technology used energy, polluted, & was thrown away)

Waste disposal (waste had to be collected but frequently it is spilled)

Chemical Usage (chemicals like fertilizers & pesticides are used and have specific effects)

Health (certain objects depended on processes that affected health of humans & other organisms)

We chose the following 4 subtopics: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 6: Get to Work

Things to keep in mind:

A. Grading= ___ % of marking period grade

B. Rubric= shows you how you will be graded & other requirements of project

C. Model = Use the model called, “_______________________________.” This will give you an idea of a 4 (Above Standard) project.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric

Sample Project: The Effect of My Ralph Lauren Robe on the Environment (note: this project only has 3 subtopics)

Or Click here for pdf of Project Description & Rubric