Furguson Socratic

Topic:  Ferguson Riots
Question:  What role does racism play in the Ferguson Grand Jury verdict and the Police Force?

Active and lively dialogue about the various news items.  Jordan used lot's of quotes during the seminar.  We researched news articles and videos from sources of choice.  Racism was and is a factor in police forces.  Police forces typically profile "criminals" from preconceptions and in our local region.  Profiling of teenagers is common.  Interactions of police and perceived criminals takes on an air of control and negative (guilty before proved innocent) demeanor which tends to amplify situations and make them turn ugly.  Teens "hearts" sink when an officer begins to talk to a teen.

Garbage and Landfill Socratic

Topic:  How should we deal with this problem?

Videos:  Satellite Tour, Really Big Things,  Video Field Trip -  Landfills, How Stuff Works - Recycling Aluminum

Recycling was the main focus of the discussions.  It appears that convenience is the problem with recycling aluminum cans in which 95% of the energy that went into the can could be recaptured.  Recycle bins need to be plentiful and accessible.  Smaller garbage cans make people think about how much trash is produced.  Reusing materials, garbage houses, composting, packaging, tire walls were discussed.  This might make a great project for a learning plan for someone.

Science Link

Science for Kids

Socratic Seminars in Science

Veteran's Day

Thank you to all that served  . . .