| by Esther Zack, Target Science |
Purpose and Concepts - Lesson Sheet Part I Purpose of the Activity:
The following quote from the California Science Framework (Chapter 6--Science Process and the Teaching of Science, Section E: Values and ethics p. 158) illustrates the intent of the simulation activity:
Any thorough learning experience regarding values and ethical considerations make use of rational decision-making skills. Students need to analyze issues by resolving ambiguities, taking into account the most relevant values of the decision makers, balancing the advantages and drawbacks of alternative solutions, and projecting the likely consequences of a particular choice. By combining such a decision making procedure with pertinent scientific and technological information, students move toward achieving scientific literacy.
As students work through this activity, encourage them to base their opinions on scientific principles as well as on social values and ethics. This type of activity represents the highest level of thought processes that students can engage in--synthesizing information and making evaluations.
Concepts:
Deriving from the framework that this activity encompasses are as follows:
Life Science, Section C--Ecosystems
C-3 How do ecosystems change?Recently, change in ecosystems have been caused or accelerated by human intervention. Some of these change have been destructive to ecosystems, causing the extinction of species and the disappearance of their natural habitats.
C-4 What are the responsibilities of humans toward the ecosystems?
Land use, pollution, energy use, and application of technology all involve ethical considerations for individuals and society. Conservation is not simply an ethical question; it is the vested self interest of humans to conserve and respect nature.
Humans are unique among the earth's organisms in their intelligence and adaptability. Humans can choose to change their behavior and plan to provide for the needs of future generations.
Los Angeles River Connection is a part of LAEP
Learning Exchange.