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Chapter Two
The Context of It All
Part One
CONTEXTUALIZING CONTEXT - For a little context on why context is important, read the story below!
Featured Hot Take
We all need a little context. How to get it? Pollsters help! And few are as informed as Shachi Kurl, the Executive Director of the Angus Reid Institute. She took time away from analyzing the news – and our opinions on the news – to join us in conversation.
We’re featuring this podcast across all five Nature Labs subjects. You might not like every course you take in school, but they are all related. By listening to this podcast, hopefully you’ll better understand why.
- Does polling inform better decisions? Does it help create more empathy for those we disagree with?
- How valuable is it to have unbiased, impartial research to better understand public opinion?
- Do you believe polling can be unbiased? Or can the questions that drive research polls be loaded or leading, helping create answers that reinforce certain perspectives?
- How do we create more movements that unify, rather than divide? Does it begin with story?
- How can a better understanding of our neighbours, and our nation, inform better stories?
Part Two
THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WILL HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS YOU NEED TO LEARN IN THIS CLASS. YOUR TEACHER WILL SELECT WHICH ACTIVITIES YOU NEED TO COMPLETE BELOW.
Defining Your Community
Who are your people? Why do you need them? Get to know yourself and your communities.
Mapping Biodiversity
What's your natural context? Find and map the biodiversity hotspots in your community.
Understanding Your Views
How has your upbringing shaped who you are? Why is it important to understand the context of others?
What's Your Context?
How do you think we should balance people and nature? Start brainstorming your ideas and questions. * Recommended
How To Research
You get that research matters, but how to actually do it? And how can good research drive good storytelling? We have the answers!
The Curated Library
Understand the context. Use the Curated Library to compare and contrast different perspectives on an issue that interests you.
Part Three
HOW DOES THIS CLASS RELATE TO REAL-WORLD ISSUES?
Inquiry Media

Can we save every species?
Further Exploration
Latest News
Everything that could happen next…
The Alberta/Ottawa Agreement Meets Another Unity Crisis
Following the November 27th memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Alberta, we sat down with Canada's...
Remembrance Day
https://www.tiktok.com/@naturelabs/video/7571479710115319060?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7146707029787248133
Resources From the Curated Library
A breakdown of design thinking
A breakdown of design thinking
Bias: Centre Right
Sub-Category: Design Thinking
Source: Harvard Business Review
File Type: Video
Overview: A breakdown of design thinking
Web Link: https://hbr.org/video/4443548301001/the-explainer-design-thinking
How To Frame A Problem To Find The Right Solution
Bias: Centre Right
Sub-Category: Problem Solving
Source: Forbes
File Type: Guide
Overview: How to frame a problem to find the right solution
Web Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/palomacanterogomez/2019/04/10/how-to-frame-a-problem-to-find-the-right-solution/#53659db15993
Should we move beyond compromise when trying to solve problems?
Should we move beyond compromise when trying to solve problems?
Bias: Centre
Sub-Category: Problem Solving
Source: TED
File Type: Video
Overview: Should we move beyond compromise when trying to solve problems?
The problem with problems, and a better way to frame them visually
The problem with problems, and a better way to frame them visually
Sub-Category: Problem Solving
Source: Prototypor
File Type: Graphic
Overview: A visual look at problem solving
Web Link: https://blog.prototypr.io/the-problem-with-problems-and-a-better-way-to-frame-them-visually-b3bb71f30baf
What is Context
What is it?
Context refers to the circumstances, environment, background or setting that surrounds and influences a particular situation, event or communication. It's the information...
Additional Resources
- How to Improve Your Research Skills: 6 Research Tips
- Principles of Learning of First Peoples
- Difference Between Fact and Opinion
- Ten Tips for Effective Research Writing
- Advice for Students: 10 Steps Toward Better Research
- Basic Steps in the Research Process
- JSTOR: Explore the world’s knowledge, cultures, and ideas
- Google Scholar
- The Top 21 Free Online Journal and Research Databases
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