The top video explains how the problem is effecting the Great Lakes. Illinois is the first state to ban the use of synthetic microbeads. The bottom video complements the Washington Post article. You'll need to watch this in order to answer some of the questions on this week's assignment. | This article can be read online at: https://www.washingtonpost.com Washing your face could be contributing to huge environmental problems for Vermont's clean rivers and lakes. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles frequently used in the cosmetics industry. They are so tiny that they can't be filtered out in waste water treatment plants. This week you will be reading an article about microbeads entering the environment and posing a major threat to ecosystems and wildlife. You've had a couple of days to learn about microbeads and the dangers they pose to the environment. Originally, I had planned for you to write a persuasive essay. Now, all you need to write is a well constructed summary paragraph. Summarize the author's article. Start with an opening sentence that describes:
The next sentence should be a summary of the article. Share the main idea with your reader. (What was the author's stand or position?) Continue sentences by citing specific evidence that the author used that seemed powerful and convincing. Use as many of the "key vocabulary" words in your writing as possible. Add anything else that you have learned through personal research / investigation. Conclude with your personal opinion and action steps. (What will you do next?) |
DAY 1 VOCABULARY
DAY 2 COMPREHENSION
Complete the "Analyzing a News Story Worksheet" Reread the story to find answers to the Who, What, Where, When, and Why questions.
- Complete the Vocabulary Focus Sheet using the following words: insidious, innocuous, biodegradable. crisis, lurking, Define those words as they are used in the text.
- Use a kid friendly online dictionary: http://www.learnersdictionary.com
DAY 2 COMPREHENSION
Complete the "Analyzing a News Story Worksheet" Reread the story to find answers to the Who, What, Where, When, and Why questions.
DAY 3 INVESTIGATION
Part of this week's assignment asks you to "research", "investigate" or discover something about microbeads that wasn't revealed in the original Washington Post article. There's an interesting website called "Beat the Microbead . org" They have links on the microbead industry and this science, history and politics behind their use. They also created an app that lets you scan product codes and identify whether or not your product contains microbeads. (You'll be surprised how many do!) I love their suggestion that you return microbeads to the producer.
The link below connects you to a reading which lists the products that use microbeads. Do you use any of these products? http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/2014/10/a-list-of-products-that-contain-plastic-microbeads/
You should also research the laws in Vermont that regulate the use of microbeads. Last January there was a movement to ban microbeads. Was this bill passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor?
video link: http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vermont/microbeads-ban-is-first-water-quality-measure-to-advance
Part of this week's assignment asks you to "research", "investigate" or discover something about microbeads that wasn't revealed in the original Washington Post article. There's an interesting website called "Beat the Microbead . org" They have links on the microbead industry and this science, history and politics behind their use. They also created an app that lets you scan product codes and identify whether or not your product contains microbeads. (You'll be surprised how many do!) I love their suggestion that you return microbeads to the producer.
The link below connects you to a reading which lists the products that use microbeads. Do you use any of these products? http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/2014/10/a-list-of-products-that-contain-plastic-microbeads/
You should also research the laws in Vermont that regulate the use of microbeads. Last January there was a movement to ban microbeads. Was this bill passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor?
video link: http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vermont/microbeads-ban-is-first-water-quality-measure-to-advance
DAY 4 PREPARATION (Forming your own opinion about the use of microbeads and taking a stand or position) In argument writing you need to form an opinion and back it with reason. (Citing evidence from the article or other sources of information)
DAY 5 - 6 WRITING In a well developed "persuasive essay" convince your reader to avoid using products containing microbeads. A persuasive essay tries to convince the reader to believe a certain way or do a certain thing.
(Your writing should show use and understanding of the 5 key vocabulary words we have been studying.)
A persuasive essay has 3 parts.
(Your writing should show use and understanding of the 5 key vocabulary words we have been studying.)
A persuasive essay has 3 parts.
- The opening introduces the issue, makes your position (for or against) clear in a thesis statement, and briefly introduces the 3 arguments you will present to support your position.
- The middle focuses on your arguments of persuasion. Use evidence, facts, statistics, and solid examples to support and defend your position.
- The ending contains the counter-argument and your rebuttal (where you disarm the opposing side and point out the weaknesses). You conclude your essay by restating your position. (thesis statement)