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Chapter Eight

Be Better

Part One

LET'S COMMIT TO BEING BETTER COMMUNICATORS - be better by watching the story below

Read Story Instead

Prefer reading instead? Here's the text version of your lesson.

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Questions & Activities

Reflect on your lesson with short activities, or by exploring referenced articles, featured podcasts, term definitions, and more!

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Featured Hot Take

We all need to work towards being better, more thoughtful communicators – better, more thoughtful citizens. And Donna Kennedy-Glans argues that starts with asking why more often.
 
Donna is a former Alberta cabinet minister and former energy executive. She’s also a lawyer and an author with a passion for moving society beyond polarity.
 
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.
More on Donna

Reflection

  • What does good communication and good consultation look like to you? Do you think it matters?
  • What role do you play in how we talk as a country?
  • Is it even possible to ask certain, hard questions – especially in this social media age – without creating controversy or deepening divides?
  • How can we spark better conversations with diverse citizens?
  • How can we do a better job of listening while also ensuring that we’re still heard?

Did this story leave you with a question? 

Ask a scientist, get an answer!
The best questions will be answered by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s scientists on video just for you! Make sure you include your name and school.

Part Two

YOUR TEACHER WILL DIRECT YOU TO THE ACTIVITIES BELOW THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH YOUR PROJECT.

Good Communication

What we say matters. Study how words have shaped science debates and learn how to improve your communication skills.

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The Art of the Conversation

Have a great idea for your final project? Awesome! Now consult with those who'll be impacted by your science.

Try it out

Identifying Species Lab

How do you determine what species you have observed in the wild? Learn from the teachings of biologist Verne Lehmberg.

Explore

How to Take Field Notes

If you haven't already realized, good science is all about good data. Learn how to take proper field notes to fortify your science!

Find out

BioBlitz

Have you ever heard of a BioBlitz? Conduct a citizen science project to help biodiversity in your community!

Get outside!

Interview an Expert

Need advice? Get out of your comfort zone and interview an expert who can help you with your project. * Recommended

Do it!

Further Exploration

Latest News

Canada at a Crossroads: Decision-Making, Democracy, and the Cost of Inaction (Lesson)

Nature Labs
Based on the story Canada at a Crossroads: Chapter 4 Grade Level: 9–12 Time Required: 80-120 minutes Big Idea: Indecision has consequences. In a democracy, making fair,...
Read more

Canada at a Crossroads: Democracy, Responsibility, and the Choices We Make (Lesson)

Nature Labs
Based on the story Canada at a Crossroads: Chapter 5 Grade Level: 9–12 Time Required: 80-120 minutes Big Idea: Democracy is not self-sustaining. It depends on informed,...
Read more

Everything that could happen next…

News
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...
Read more
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Resources From the Curated Library

What is a bio blitz and how you can lead one: resources and guides

Leading a citizen science project - National Geographic Guide Web Link: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/bioblitz/

‘A momentous day for nature’: EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity

Bias: none Source: Euro News File Type: Article Overview: ‘A momentous day for nature’: EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity Web Link: https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/06/17/what-is-the-nature-restoration-law-inside-the-first-of-its-kind-regulation-approved-in-eur

21 Things You May Not Have Known About The Indian Act

Bias: Centre Sub-Category: Duty to Consult Source: Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. File Type: Essay/Analysis Overview: Indian Act explored Web Link: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/21-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-indian-act-
More From the Curated Library

Interviewing an Expert

How To
Value of interview skills: Job interviews: Interview skills are crucial for job seekers. A well-executed interview can make the difference between getting the job or...
Read more
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Unit completion

Chapters

Chapter One

The System of Things

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Chapter Five

Here’s How

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Chapter Nine

Own Your Hypocrisy

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Chapter Two

The Context of It All

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Chapter Six

Your Turn

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Chapter Ten

Keep Going

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Chapter Three

We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know

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Chapter Seven

Dig Deeper

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Chapter Eleven

One Last Thing

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Chapter Four

Hard Stuff is Hard

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Chapter Eight

Be Better

You are here!

Chapter Twelve

The End (of the Beginning)

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