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Quest 1: A Letter to the Local Paper
| Topic Heading: |
A letter to the local paper in response to a contributor |
| Task: |
To read and respond to a letter in the newspaper on the topic of rainforest conservation |
| Time: |
2 sessions plus homework research |
| Materials: |
A copy of the following letter:
I am growing increasingly frustrated by the amount of column space being given by your paper to the subject of rainforest conservation. I buy the “Daily Local” in order to read about local issues that affect me as a local person. Why should I be interested in what is happening in an area of the world that is a long way in distance from where I live?
I would pose the following questions:
- How does the cutting down of a few trees in the Amazon rainforest affect my life?
- What is so important about the supposed decreases in biodiversity?
- Why, as you claim in your last article, should we be thinking of paying people to manage a forest when the land can be utilized to produce palm oil or much needed meat for human consumption?
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Process:
- Individually, in pairs or small groups, the children should be introduced to the letter
- The teacher could lead a class based discussion that elicits an initial response
- Set the task
Product:
A letter of no more than 300 words, responding to the opinions expressed and questions raised.
Product Success Criteria:
- The letter in response should address the following points:
- Why rainforest conservation is important to us
- Five reasons why continued deforestation will have a catastrophic effect on the planet
- Five facts on biodiversity and why it is important
- A statement in response to the point raised about palm oil and meat production.
Conclusion:
Letters to be shared and an opportunity for peer group feedback given.
Development:
A display in school inviting feedback. You could invite parents to join in and register their support for the campaign.
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