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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.

Questions & Activities

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

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.

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? 

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.

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.

Identifying Species Lab

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

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!

BioBlitz

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

Interview an Expert

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

Further Exploration

Latest News

Newfoundland & Labrador Election: #9 – What does this mean?

https://youtu.be/WBezlG0trxg An overview of the Newfoundland and Labrador election with your host, Simon Jackson. ICYMI - Here's a playlist of the previous updates from last night: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghJkRMPFsTgqMFeaqyW_2mouT4hxz5ZC

Newfoundland & Labrador Election: #8 – The Results

https://youtu.be/YYq2zz6KEmU An overview of the Newfoundland and Labrador election with your host, Simon Jackson.

Newfoundland & Labrador Election: #7 – Bridging Divides

https://youtu.be/rBTIKrlpI7U An overview of the Newfoundland and Labrador election with your host, Simon Jackson. The Life and Times of Honorable, Dr. Donald H. Oliver, CM, ONS,...

Resources From the Curated Library

Why scientists should communicate science – getting to the heart of the matter

Why scientists should communicate science – getting to the heart of the matter Bias: Centre Left Sub-Category: Science Source: Naturejobs File Type: Blog Overview: Why scientists need to be better communicators Web Link: http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/2017/11/20/why-scientists-should-communicate-science-getting-to-the-heart-of-the-matter/

Four photos that show the potential of rewilding nature

Bias: Centre Source: The Conversation File Type: Essay Overview: Four photos that show the potential of rewilding nature Web Link: https://theconversation.com/four-photos-that-show-the-potential-of-rewilding-nature-225695

Indigenous terminology and why it matters

Bias: Centre Left Sub-Category: Duty to Consult Source: University of British Columbia File Type: Guide Overview: Correct Indigenous terminology and why it matters Web Link: http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/terminology/

Interviewing an Expert

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...
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Unit completion

Chapters

Chapter One

The System of Things

Chapter Five

Here’s How

Chapter Nine

Own Your Hypocrisy

Chapter Two

The Context of It All

Chapter Six

Your Turn

Chapter Ten

Keep Going

Chapter Three

We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know

Chapter Seven

Dig Deeper

Chapter Eleven

One Last Thing

Chapter Four

Hard Stuff is Hard

Chapter Eight

Be Better

Chapter Twelve

The End (of the Beginning)