Did Somebody Say Steak?

Throughout this week we have been looking at the notion of virtual water and how this concept relates to sustainability. 

Your next reflection piece needs to highlight your understanding on the topic and express your own personal views on the notion of virtual water. 

This post needs to be approximately 300 words and some prompts to get you thinking about these ideas include:

• What is this idea all about?
• How does the concept relate to you and the rest of the world?
• What are your own personal thoughts about the concept of virtual water? 
• Do you believe there are any inconsistencies within the concept? Does it have merit?
• Will it change the way you think about buying certain products and eating specific food types?

Make sure you include an accurate word count at the end of your reflection.

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Friday 2nd August

Watch where you tread...

The Ecological Footprint is a data-driven metric that tells us how close we are to the goal of sustainable living. Footprint accounts work like bank statements, documenting whether we are living within our ecological budget or consuming nature’s resources faster than the planet can renew them.

After completing the web-based quiz, as well as the other relevant activities, you are required to share your understandings of this concept on your blog.

In your blog post make sure you include your reflections (approximately 300 words) on the following prompts:

• Do we all have the same sized Ecological Footprints?

• What have you found out relating to how Ecological Footprints differ?

• What effects the size of the Ecological Footprint?

• What are some practical things we can all do to reduce our Ecological Footprint?

Make sure you include an accurate word count at the end of your reflection.

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Friday 30th July

A Few Home Truths

After viewing the film 'An Inconvenient Truth', I want you to publish a blog entry that demonstrates your understanding and thoughts on the important ideas and concepts within the film.

Some questions that may prompt your thoughts (approx. 300-350 words) could include:

• What was the argument Al Gore was putting forward?
• What were your thoughts about the Al Gore's argument? Is it convincing? Why or why not?
• What information presented in the film particularly interested/startled/worried you?
• What are your own personal thoughts about the issue of global warming?
• Why does this issue matter?
• What are the obstacles we need to overcome in order to make a change?
• Is the issue of global warming or climate change a 'lost cause'? Why or why not?
• What do you think could be done (on an individual, community and industrial level) about the issue of global warming?

****I want you to include an accurate word count of your reflection at the bottom of your post***  

This post is due to be published on you blog by Friday 23rd July

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The Lorax - "Unless..."

The first reflection piece relates to the Dr Suess story, 'The Lorax' and how this tale relates to the concept of sustainability and the impact humans have on the environment we live in. After reading the novel and watching the animated cartoon your first task is to write a 200 - 250 word reflection using the following prompts:

• How does this tale relate to the concept of sustainability?
• What issues surrounding sustainability and the environment does the story deal with?
• Are the ideas and themes within the story relevant in today's society?
• What do you believe is the main message behind the story?

This post is due to be published up on your blog by Monday 19th July

Is Life on Earth Sustainable?

Our big question for the term is, "Is Life on Earth Sustainable?" This will be explored and evaluated by investigating four key questions:

1) Have past and current human behaviours affected our chances of survival?
2) What are the current issues that need to be considered?
3) In what ways is a sustainable future possible?
4) How do individuals’ choices, decisions and actions impact on the world?


Similarly to last term, you will be using your own personal Inquiry blog to show your understanding on the key concepts covered in our Inquiry sessions.