1. Your title
page for
process
section

2. General Problem SolvingStage 1 : ___________________________
_________________________?
The problem solving process often begins with the identification of a _________________or a
____________________ You must then work through a framework in order explore the problem, get or
even build other information and then eventually attempt to locate or create a solution.
_______________________________ -
The earth as you know it is about to the end. Space scientists have detected an enormous asteroid
heading directly for Earth! In about 3 days, it will arrive. Everyone and everything on earth is predicted
to die.
The world leaders of the four most powerful countries (THAT’S YOU) have come together to find a
solution. After talking with the best scientist engineers of the world, you have determined that you can
build and send a powerful rocket into space to a distant solar system. However, there is only enough
room to take only seven important items.
Your best people have made of list of useful people things to take.
Together you must select the SEVEN BEST ITEMS to take. Then, you must hurry and escape into
space before the biggest disaster of all time.

3. Topic 1 –Resources in Your Life
Process (Format) –General Problem Solving
Stage 1 –Identifying a Problem or Challenge
Overview-
Imagine you are an adult and a rich man or woman too! As well, you (should!) care a lotabout your
country’s (and world’s) managementand you are not happy. Your country and many others are not doing
a good enough job to manage natural resources. Many citizens are using countless amounts of
resources every day for driving, maintaining their houses and even entertainment. You plan to address
this challenge. You are going to use your money (some of it!) to purchase land anywhere you want in
the world. Then, you are going to build a better country. No. It will be the best country in the world! How?
Well…everyone in your country will (must!) care aboutthe environment and use resources more wisely.
You will also decide on which resources are best to use for various elements of your society such as
transportation, communication, housing, food and many more aspects of society in YOUR country.
Unit Outline-this unit will be carried for about one month. 3 main components will be addressed in the
process:
1. Problem Solving Process-you will learn how solve problems in science using a special problem
solving framework * See below
2. Knowledge –as you problem solve, you will also learn many things about natural resources in the
world such as rocks and minerals, water and the sun. You will learn not only what they are but how they
are important and how people should use them.
3. Other –you will also learn another of skills in this project. For instance, you will learn how to research
in order to get ideas to help you solve your problem. You will also learn how to do group better and also
to present.
General Process for Unit 1-the problem solving process for this unit will flow as follows-
1. Identifying a Problem or Challenge–this is what you are doing right now in this class-You are learning
about a particular challenge (managing resources better for your country). You are also learning about
the general format for the challenge
2. Generating Ideas –in this step you will try to think of or find ideas that can help you to understand the
problem better and even solve
3. Generating Strategies –in this step you will try create a plan(s) on how to solve your problem
4. Searching –here you gather information to help you complete your plan or support it
5. Synthesizing
- Here you propose a solution based all that you have learned
6. Evaluating –in this step you check (or have other’s check) whether your solution is good or not
7. Applying –here you connect your solution to real life and use it to help understand other things or
even people in life
8. Publishing –for this last step, you show all teachers and others your hard work and gain feedback.

4. General Problem Solving Stage 2: ___________________
________________________?
“Generating Ideas”is an important stage where you brainstormor obtain possible ideas that can help you
to solve your problem. In addition, this stage is often repeated (ie. revised). As you learn more about
your problem, you make changes, additions or even deletions to your list of ideas.
____________________________-
 The “Generating Ideas” contains multiple parts
 The Problem of Challenge is summarized and reviewed
 An initial plan is created (ie. a first draft)
 Additional ideas are added on as you learn, share and reflect on other information by completing
later stages in the problem solving process
 The initial plan is rewritten multiple times as you decide with additional ideas to incorporate over
time
 Eventually your ideas in this stage are used to synthesize (create) a solution for your problem
____________________________-
1. Do not be too specific. You are just brainstorming in this stage! If you are too specific, it may be
difficult to make improvements and other changes later.
__________________-(-for the problem about the end of the earth. See last note)
_______________________________________
The earth is about to the end. Space scientists have detected an enormous asteroid heading directly for
Earth! The world leaders of the four most powerful countries are meetingto find a solution. You can build
and send a powerful rocket into space However, there is only enough room to take only seven important
items.
____________________________
We should take water Water is essential for all living things to survive. It is used by our cells to carry out
many important reactions. Also, I think we have to take a computer. In space, we may have to make
travel calculations. We could also play games on thecomputer for entertainment. As well, we should
bring chickens in a special storage area. Having chickens can be very useful because we can get eggs
for protein and …ETC..
___________________________-
Date –Friday, September 1, 2011
I learned about walkie talkies on the Internet
Walkie talkies are a kind of communication technology that require only batteries to work. We can use
them in our spaceship to talk to each other when we are in different sections of the ship. As well, if we
find another planet, we may have to separate and explore. We can keep in touch using the walkie talkies.
Stage 2 –Generating Ideas Handout Set
Overview-

5. Stage 2 –Generating Ideas Handout Set
Overview- This handout set will help you to organize ideas for meeting your unit’s challenge:
Review of Problem or Challenge: ______________________________________________________
 You will use these handouts to help generate ideas for your ideal country
 These handouts will also help to organize your ideas into five or more sections
 You will also use these handouts to add other ideas that come as you learn more in this unit
 You will use these handouts to revise your ideas for meeting your unit’s goals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1 –My Initial Plan
Instructions –
1. Alone –complete all sections by answering questions, writing on blanks and/or adding pictures
2. Group / Class –present your ideas to your group and/orclass
3. Alone –add other ideas or change certain parts of your initial plan if you wish by using any feedback or other
ideas from your group
Section A -Basic Information
 Answer any 5 of the questions below (you may use your own as well)
 Draw a picture of something important about your country
Picture of Importance
1. What is the name of your country?
2. Where in the world is your country?
3. What country(ies) did your country’s land
used to be owned by?
4. What is your country’s motto?
5. What is your country’s climate like?
6. How many people will live in your
country?
7. ________________________________?
(my own)
8. _______________________________ ?
(my own)
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
** Use handout back or other paper if you need more space!
Section B –Resources Present in your Country
 Answer any 3 of the questions below (you may use your own as well)
1. What resources do you think are already in your 4. Are there any resources that you do not want in your
country? country?
2. What resources do you hope to find in your country? 5. _________________________________________?
3. What resources would you like to use for energy in (my own)
your country? 6. _________________________________________?
(my own)

6. __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
** Use handout back or other paper if you need more space!
Section C –How your resources will be used in your country?
 Choose at least 4of the topics below (you may use your own as well)
1. Money 8. Entertainment
2. Manufacturing 9. Communication
3. Transport 10. Citizen / Country Protection
4. Building / Property 11. Fashion / Accessory / Decoration
5. Sanitation / Pollution 12. Technology
6. Food 13. ______________________________ (my own)
7. Drinking 14. ______________________________( my own)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
** Use handout back or other paper if you need more space!
Section E –Locate Your Country

On the attached map handout, locate your country by shading in one area and labeling neatly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BONUS

You may also provide additional information about other things. Possible things to consider are your country’s
type of government, religion(s) and customs,

7. Stage 2 –Generating Ideas Handout Set

8. Stage 2 –Generating Ideas Handout Set
Part 2 –My Ongoing Idea Additions
Instructions –
1. Use this section to add additional ideasgenerated by yourself or others as you learn more about natural resources in
this unit
2. Simple write down one or more ideas like a diary after some of your science lessons in the future that relate to your
initial planning
Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

9. Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Date - _______________________________
Brief Description of Idea - _____________________________________________________________
Idea Details –
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

10. General Problem Solving Stage 3:
Generating Strategies
What is it?
In step 2, you learned about
the importance of getting
(generating) ideas to solve a
problem. Now, you will begin to learn
How to get ideas in multiple ways.
How to make use of your ideas.
These 2 actions require the creation and use
of specific strategies. This is stage 3.
Generating Strategies means to create (or
use) a method(s) that allow(s)you to get
ideas and also to make use of your ideas to
solve your problem or meet your challenge.
A. Possible Strategies for Getting Ideas-
1. Participate in a class(ex. do experiment)

11. 2. Listen to a teacher’s lecture
3. Go on a field trip
4. Watch a video
5. Talk to your classmates
6. Talk to your family
7. Use a computer
B. Possible Strategies for Making Use of
Ideas-
<Leave a space here for now. We will add
on tothis later in our unit>

12. ______________________– Help Handout
___________________________? It is a brief retelling of the contents of a passage (reading) IN
YOUR OWN WORDS.. Strictly speaking, you simply paraphrase the entire reading. It is not your job to
give your opinion on anything. That would be a different kind of paper--a summary-response, a critique,
or a position paper. While it is hard to give concrete guidelines for length, many good summaries
are about 1/3 the length of the original.
__________________________________-
1. READ For the _________________________ (thesis)
 Read one time and take general notes on important parts of the reading such as the subject, the
writer, the setting and
the most important points
 After you read, study your notes and think about what you read and what you write
 In 1-2 sentences, write down what the WHOLE reading is about (ie. write down the main idea)
(Hint: Often (but NOT ALWAYS!), the speaker will tell the main idea in the first part of the reading
 USE PART 1 of the SUMMARY ORGANIZER HANDOUT FOR THIS STEP
2. READ for the _____________________________ Read again and AGAIN (AND
AGAIN !…)
 As you read again, notice the speaker will (normally) write about one particular idea or subject matter
and then go onto another idea. Each idea will have a slightly different content. Often there will be a
separate paragraph or separate paragraphs for each idea (but not always!). At the same time, all ideas
will relate to the MAIN IDEA. These ideas are called SUPPORTING IDEAS.
 Try to “pick out” each supporting idea (there may be as little as one idea OR as many as four or five
in each story)
 Write down ONLY 1-2 sentences for each supporting idea

13. 3. READ for the ________________________________________
What are they?
The supporting details are a ______________________ of a supporting idea. In other words, they give
extra information about the supporting idea.
How to Write Supporting Details?
There are ___ steps: 1. _______________________ of the detail.
Details can be:
 ______________
 ______________
 ______________
 ______________
** Even a _____________ of the above!
2. __________________ the supporting details.
 Briefly explain the details in your own
words and be simple!

14. The Summary
Main Idea
Supporting Idea 1
Details!
Supporting Idea 2
Details!
Etc.

16. _______________________________________________________
What is the _____________________________________?
The Art of Persuasion refers to the use of reasons, values, beliefs, and emotions to convince a listener
or reader to think or act in a particular way.
Through today’s lesson, you will learn how to use this particular communication style called persuasive
communication. Persuasive communication is a kind of writing or speaking where the writer/speaker
takes a position FOR or AGAINST an idea or issue Then he/she writes in order to convince (ie.
persuade) the reader/listener to believe the writer’s/speaker’s position or to do something connected.
Persuasive communication occurs in many formats such as essays, stories, letters, debates, public
speeches and even message posting. It is also used for various audiences and for various purposes.
For instance, persuasive communication is often used in advertisements to get the audience to buy a
product.
__________________________________- Understanding the Basic Organization-
Creating a persuasive writing piece or speech involves three basic parts:
 an introduction (opening part)
 a supporting body (ex. tell reasons or features, demonstrates something, proves… etc.)
 conclusion paragraph (closing part)
 Now, you will examine the nature and organization of each body elements more closely.
Writing the Body Elements of the Persuasive Writing or Oral Piece-
This is the most fundamental step for creating any form of persuasion. Here, it is important to closely
understand what each part is and how its layout relates or contributes to the other parts and also the
overall makeup of the persuasive piece itself
A)- ________________________________________________-
The introduction is the beginning of the writing or oral piece. It has two main functions:
1) it serves to capture the reader’s attentions and 2) it tells what the purpose is
There are various ways to write an introduction. However, normally the bulk of the introduction first
contains a “hook or grabber sentences. These are the sentences that enable the writer to catch the
reader’s attention.
i) Introduction hook – An introduction “hook” can be started in a variety of ways as follows:
1. Open with an unusual detail: (Canada, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place
to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!)
2. Open with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada!)
3. Open with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than fiction.")
4. Open with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is
short and to the point.

17. 5. Open with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your
topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.
6. Open with a Question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for
television?)
7. Open with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement. (The whole world watched as the comet
flew overhead.)
 Then, after starting the hook with one of the initial sentences above, the hook is continued with a few
more sentences that explain the hook more or expand on it
ii) Thesis or focus statement – this the normally the final sentence of the introduction. Here, the writer
tells the specific topic of the persuasive letter.
Example Introduction- [Grabber Hook: Strong Statement] Of all the problems facing the environment
today, the one that bothers me the most is global warming. [Hook Explanation] Some scientists say that
the earth is getting warmer because of the greenhouse effect. [Thesis Statement] I strongly believe that
action must be taken now against global warming before it is too late
B) ________________________________________ -
The body supporting areas follow the introduction. Moreover, they support the introduction’s thesis (the
topic) by providing evidence or other forms of convincing for the audience
 There are various ways to write a supporting part (ex. write a reason essay, create an interesting
demonstration, read books … etc)
C) ____________________________________ –
The conclusion ends the persuasive piece. More exactly, it serves two important functions:
1) restates the thesis (ie the main topic) and 2) provides a fitting closure.
i) Restatement of the Thesis- this is normally the first sentence of the conclusion. It simply repeats the
thesis but using different words.
ii) Closure- the closure provides a suitable end. This can be accomplished in many ways. However, the
closure should be some closing message or comment or a call for action to the reader or listener. The
following illustrate possible strategies:
1. Close with a prediction- sentences are given that suggest or predict what certain results will
happen if the advice of the letter is not heeded. (If we don’t protect the elephants, there will be no
elephants left by 2010
.
2. Close with a question- a question is given that lets the reader predict and realize some
conclusion or other result relating to the letter’s topic (Don’t you know what will happen if we don’t
protect the elephants?)
3. Close with a recommendation- the writer gives or stresses actions or remedies that need to be
taken (We must protect the elephants.)
4. Close with a quotation- the writer uses a relevant quotation from another source to do one of
previous strategies above. (“All animals are precious beings and deserve attention and care”)
5. Close with a desire – the write expresses a desire or gives a plea to the reader (I hope
everyone can find it in their hearts to donate some money towards saving the elephants.)

18. In-Class Demonstration- Make and Present Your Own Toothpaste!
Activity and Class Goals:
- In today’s you will present an “interesting” product by
demonstrating its use and benefits
- In doing so, you will learn one useful strategy for the art of
persuasion (an important skill to master)
- In the process, you will also learn a little more about resources
Overview-
 In the first part of this activity (Part A),you will work in a group to create your own toothpaste
 In the second part of this activity (Part B), you will decide on how to demonstrate your toothpaste
 In the second part of this activity (Part B), you will demonstrate your toothpaste to a panel of
judges as a special form of presentation
Part A – Toothpaste Preparation (Creating Your Own Toothpaste)
 Work through the following steps with your group
 Your goal is to make the best toothpaste
Step 1 – Decide on your toothpaste ingredients
i) Your toothpaste MUST contain the following ingredients:
1. 1/2 teaspoon of calcium carbonate
2. 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda OR baking powder (sodium biocarbonate)
3. Enough water to make a paste with all your ingredients
ii) You may also use any of the following ingredients: (Decide the amounts on your own!)
1. Sugar 5. Salt
2. Brown Sugar 6. Honey
3. Food colouring (rose, green or brown) 7. Coconut oil
4. Cinnamon
iii) Play around with ingredients for a short time until you have something you like!
iv) Write your toothpaste recipe below:
Our toothpaste recipe consists of:
______ _____________________________ _______ _________________________________
______ _____________________________ _______ _________________________________
______ _____________________________ _______ _________________________________
______ _____________________________ _______ _________________________________
Step 2 - Give a cool name for your toothpaste too!  ________________________________________
Part B – Demonstration Preparation (Deciding on how to present by demonstration)
 Work through the following steps with your group
 Your next goal is create an effective demonstration
 You will present your toothpaste to a panel of judges
 You must try to persuade the judges to choose your toothpaste!

19. Step 1 – Decide on an idea for a hook for your demonstration
 A hook should be an interesting speech beginning that catches your audience’s (in this case
judge’s) attention
 A hook may even begin to persuade your audience into accepting your product or opinion
 Possible ideas include: - tell a joke - tell about a famous person who uses your product
- give some statistics - surprise your audience with something unusual
- share a relevant story - show and tell about a picture
Step 2 – Write sentences to use to present your hook in the space below
Our Hook -
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Step 3 – Decide on how you will demonstrate your toothpaste in order to convince your audience that
your toothpaste is the best!
 You may use your own ideas for the specifics of your demonstration but…
 Your demonstration must contain the following elements
1. _______ The judges can see what your toothpaste looks like
2. _______ Someone not in group (ex. a judge, the teacher, another group member) must brush
their teeth with your toothpaste for at least 10 seconds
3. _______ You must tell about your choice of toothpaste ingredients and present a few reasons for
benefits for why your toothpaste is the best
Step 4 – Outline in the box below how you will demonstrate your toothpaste
** Remember to include all elements in step 3!!
Our Plan for Our Toothpaste Demonstration
Step 5 – Like your hook, decide and write something interesting for an effective closing remark.
** See the ideas in step 1 for help
Our Closing Remark -
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Part C – Present Your Toothpaste by Demonstrating to some judges and the class)
 When called upon, follow your plan in Part D to present your toothpaste GOOD LUCK!! 

21. Collage Poster on Minerals– Help Handout
* Learn more about what minerals are in society by making a Collage Poster
Part 1 – Getting Your Poster Images
In the first part of this activity, you must find images of minerals, add descriptions and then save them
using a special program called Paint.net
Step 1 – Download Paint.net
1. Go to http://download.cnet.com/Paint-NET/3000-2192_4-10338146.html
2. Click DownloadNow
3. Open the file and follow the installation instructions
Step 2 – Search for images of minerals
1. Look at a variety of resources using your textbook-Chapter 3 or the Internet (ex. search for mineral
using google)
* Remember, there are hundreds of minerals in the world! Anyone is okay.
2. Find out how your mineral is used in society by reading your textbook more or an internet site
Step 3 – Get images of minerals and describe them
1. Paste an image of your mineral into Paint.net
(right click image, chose copy image, choose paste under the image tab in Paint.net)
2. Make a textbox for your image (Find the Layer tab, Click Add New Layer, Choose a shape
icon from the left side, Make the shape)
3. Type the information about your mineral in your textbox. (Choose the text icon from the left
side, type in text in your textbox)
Step 4 – Save your mineral images
1. In Paint.net, find the Save as command under the File Tab.
2. Save your image to your USB (or email) as a jpeg file
** LAST, repeat steps 1,2,3 at least eight times! (You need at least eight pictures for your
collage!)
Part 2 – Making your collage
In the second part of the activity, you will now make your collage using the eight (or more) images that
you found, described and saved. You will use a special program called JPEGcrops
Step 1 – Download JPEGcrops

22. 1. Go to JPEGcrops’s site at http://ekot.dk/programmer/JPEGCrops/download.html
2. Download the program by choosing version 0.7.5 exe file on the right side under download
3. Follow the installation instructions and then run the program
Step 2 – Make your collage
1. Add your eight photos by clicking the + sign and finding their files
2. Click create (make sure you save the file to your USB or email)
Part 3 – Emailing your collage
1. Send your collage’s file to Mr. Zions by attaching to an email
2. You also must write a small paragraph in your email that describes well what you learned about
minerals!
** Remember, you will be marked on your final product! Have fun but work
hard!