Standard 5: Application of Content
Greta Thunberg speech at UN climate change COP24 Coference
5(b) Engages learners in applying content knowledge to real world problems through the lens of interdisciplinary themes (e.g., financial literacy, environmental literacy).
5(r) Values knowledge outside his/her own content area and how such knowledge enhances student learning.
“The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues. ”
5(s) Values flexible learning environments that encourage learner exploration, discovery, and expression across content areas.
Digital Photography: Documentary Photography Project
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Photography students were tasked with researching a subject of their choice and documenting it. This project made it possible for there to be a wide range of topics, some of which are easily connected to our global community.
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Presentations happened one student at a time. They each picked a topic, did some initial research, and captured some moments with their cameras. They then had the task of choosing which photos best represented their subject and presenting the photographs and material orally to the class. One student decided to pick air pollution as her topic. She shared photos of her family's cars and tractor trailer and she made note that if she were to take the photos again she would zoom in on the exhaust pipes. After her presentation, her peers asked questions, and I related her interest in air pollution to another young adult addressing climate change as a whole: Greta Thunberg. A few students knew who she was and I was excited to share that global connection because Greta is young, passionate, powerful with her words, and hopefully relatable to my students.
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We were too short for time for me to show a quick video of Greta speaking; however, when she comes up again in my classroom I will make it a point to show one like the video posted above.
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Moving forward I will pay close attention to local issues and think of ways that are appropriate for students to make a difference.
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