ADLC (Alberta Distance Learning Centre): Inquiry topic
Our school is unique in that our students are from across our province and meet through WebEx once per week. We had our first meeting last night where the students shared their passion in trying to make some sort of difference in our world, a world that is being affected by climate change.
We have 4 students (and maybe a 5th) but I know they will work excellent and hoping they get out of it what they are seeking.
As I predicted, the conversation quickly turned towards the economics of climate change, and to the newly imposed 'Carbon Tax'... however, much to my surprise, they then steered away from the 'Carbon Tax' and towards the topic of Climate denial in our province. There is a very strong underlying murmur in Alberta where we need to believe Climate change isn't real or is a hoax because the alternate theory (or scientific fact!!) means that Alberta's economy crashes.
The students now want to focus their inquiry on:
How will the financial status of individual Albertans be affected if we move towards more environmentally friendly options (ie. other than oil)? Youth: possible research topics in school/universities (where will the new opportunities be in finding a career?). Workers: what other professions are possible (other than oil related).
There major topics of research are going to be:
- Alternative professions (economically sustainable)
- Current size of Oil industry --
- How much do alternative energy sources cost an individual…
- What is the environmental cost of producing alternative energy, can this change? --
In the end, our students want to create an awareness campaign, because they believe that is at the core of the problem for many Albertans... before you can make changes that are meaningful towards the environment, you need to be aware and believe that a problem exists.
Jessica Luciuk and Simran Bhatia
2 Replies
Your students inquiry questions are fantastic as they assume climate change (accept the science) and examine a real barrier to action, "what if it means job loss?." Very interesting too that they've already framed their action project. I'm lining up an expert that can talk with your students.
Hello Jessica!
It's great to see that your students are thinking in terms of 'green economics.' It is expected that we will see a rise in the number of jobs for the green and environmental sector over time. There are some websites dedicated to green jobs - (www.goodwork.ca)
Gordon Harrison
Feb 16, 2017 at 7:38 AM