cognitive flexibility hypertext - k-12 - sustaining the future
Detailed Description:
Students will explore the following case studies exhibiting the following themes.
Students will keep a reflective journal recording their opinion on the final decision made or what they feel should be (if still pending). They will also add a new case and possibly a new theme to the examples.
| Cases | Themes |
| Artic Oil drilling in Artic National Wildlife Refuge | Human interest v political interest |
| Celilo Dam in Oregon | Environment health v Economic health |
| Baia Mare Mine in Rumania | Industrialization v Preservation of nature |
| Enron's Natural Gas Project in Brazil | Dependency on other nations v independency |
| Political interests v Human interests |
The first case, drilling for oil in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, has been in the news. The Bush administration is arguing that oil development will reduce the U.S. reliance on foreign oil while the environmental groups say it will destroy a pristine wilderness known as "American Serengeti." The Celilo Dam project involved flooding aboriginal, American Indian, fishing grounds as well as personal property for hydroelectric power, the Baia Mare Mine polluted rivers, and Enron's Natural Gas Project destroyed parts of a rainforest. Final project is to research the facts and opinions on a current event issue that illustrates some, not necessary all, of the above listed themes and add to the present list of cases. An example is the Battle Mountain Gold Company case in Boulder, Colorado.
Learning Outcomes:
The learners will be able to:
- Increased knowledge that decisions involve looking at multiple perspectives
- Increased knowledge of role of government in our lives
- Development of environmental awareness
- Development of communication skills
- Awareness that groups studies and facts can be slanted to fit present needs
- Development of cognitive reflexivity
- Development of critical thinking skills