Student Activity

Cooperative & Service Learning
Students will research the environmental impact of dams and clean energy sources on a global and local scale. Students will then write a persuasive letter that demonstrates their understanding and stance on the use of dams and clean energy to their chosen audience (State Congressman, Mayor, or other community leader).

  1. Teacher places students in assigned groups of 5.
  2. Within the groups students self select 1 of the 4 roles; Editor-in-Chief, Dam and Clean Energy Researcher(2 researchers required), Community Impact Researcher, and Syntax and Rhetoric Specialist.
  3. Students will research based on their assigned roles.
  4. While researcher students will complete the “Reliable Source Graphic Organizer” and “Research Log Graphic Organizer”
  5. After students complete individual jigsawed research topic the Editor-in-Chief will facilitate and record the presentation of finding from each member.
  6. Student will determine, based on their finding, the stance to take on the topic of Dams and Clean Energy as well as the intended audience.
  7. The Syntax and Rhetorical Specialist will formulate the first draft of the persuasive letter.
  8. The Editor-in-Chief will monitor and edit the final draft.
  9. Student will then mail their persuasive letter to their chosen audience.

Group Members:

  • Editor-in-Chief
    • ​Responsible for overall presentation and completion of the letter
  • Dam and Clean Energy Researcher (2)
    • ​Researcher dam and clean energy on a large scale (including: scientific understanding of topic, larger scale impact)
  • Community Impact Researcher
    • ​Researches local clean energy resources, local laws, and political figures in the area.
  • Syntax and Rhetoric Specialist
    • ​Researches proper formatting for professional, persuasive letter that is appropriate for the chosen audience.

Resources. Graphic Organizers. supports



Resources

Articles
Videos
Graphic Organizers​