Directions for Preparing for the Rainforest Conference
__✓___Step 1: (individual) Learn about the many issues and concerns facing the Amazon Rainforest today. Build background knowledge about the various stakeholders, their concerns and possible solutions.
_____Step 2: (group) Read and Answer the questions about your specific interest group. Answer questions in complete sentences. Make sure each group member’s name is on the top of the page. Title it with the name of your interest group, e.g. Government, Settlers, etc. Turn in to Mrs. Connor when you finish.
_____Step 3: (group) Make a banner for your rainforest interest group. Design a banner representing your interest group to display on the desks in front of you during the conference. Make sure the banner includes:
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The name of your interest group, written large enough so everyone in the room can read it
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A catchy slogan that shows how your interest group wants rainforest land to be used
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A visual symbol that represents your interest group
_____Step 4: (individual) Write an introduction for your interest group. Prepare a short introduction for your interest group. Your introduction should include:
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Who you are;
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What the elements of your banner represent.
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Who you think is to blame for the conflict in the rainforest; and
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How you think the rainforest should be used.
_____Step 5: (Group) Revise and edit individual introductions into a group introduction. Listen carefully while each group member reads their introduction to the group. Pull the best parts from each introduction to make the best possible introduction for your group. Rewrite a clean copy of the final draft of the introduction. Select one group member to practice reading your introduction in a strong voice. Staple the individual introductions together and put them in the turn-in box. Don’t forget to put your name on your paper!
_____Step 6: (Individually) Read and respond to the Proposals. You will need to turn your individual responses into Mrs. Connor. After everyone has written their own responses, use the extra copy to share and construct a group response that can help you during the conference.
Rain Forest Conference Rubric
________20 - Group: Responses to the interest-group-specific questions are thorough, specific and reflect an understanding of your interests group.
________10 - Group: Banner. large, clear name, catchy/appropriate slogan, visual symbol
________15 - Individual: Draft of your group introduction for the conference: names interest groups, what the elements (slogan, symbol) of your banner represent, who you think is to blame for the conflict in the rain-forest, how you think the rain-forest should be used.
________20 - Individual: Responses to the proposals are thorough, specific and reflect the interests of your group.
________15 - Group: participation in the conference: each group presents a united voice that represents the interests and goals of their particular group; discussions are respectful and backed up with logical reasons and legitimate facts. Each member of the group participates in the discussion.
________20 - Individual: Specific, thoughtful reflection on the conference and your learning
Important Dates FYI
Step 2 due by the end of class_____________Fri. 11/8____________________
Step 4 & 5 due by the end of class________Mon. 11/11______________________
Step 6 due by end of class ________________Tues. 11/12__________________
Bring all your notes and banner to class for the conference on__Wed. & Thu. 11/13 & 14
Reflection Due by EOC_____________Fri. 11/15____________________________
Quiz over the Brazilian Rainforest________Fri. 11/15_______________________________
