Process

Step 1 (4 days)

Divide into groups of 4 students each. Each of you will assume a different role:

Historian

Historians research, study, write and present information about events and people of the past and present. In this context the Historian will have to research the basic characteristics of the Galapagos. Keep an open mind and make sure you can answer the following questions:

Go to an online Atlas like Encarta and locate the Galapagos Islands. Answer the following questions

1. What continent is east of the Galapagos Islands?
2. What country is closest to the Galapagos Islands?
3. What ocean surrounds the Galapagos Islands?

Go to Encyclopedia Britannica and read background information about the Galapagos Islands. Use this information to answer the following questions:

1. What country owns the Galapagos Islands?
2. How many islands are there?
3. What does the word Galapagos mean?
4. Who studied the animals on the Galapagos Islands?
5. What is the historical significance of these islands with respect to Charles Darwin?

Problem to be researched

What problems are the Galapagos facing as a result of adverse “Human Impact”? Be sure to include the controversy between

1. Positive and negative effects of tourism and migration.
2. El Nino Effect

Zoologist

A specialist in the branch of biology dealing with animals. Your role will include researching the diverse and exotic wild life of the Galapagos Islands. Focus on the endangered species (like the Geochelone tortoises, Land Iguanas, and the Giant Fur Seals) and the reasons for their becoming endangered. (inspiration link)

Problem to be investigated:

1. Problem of introduced species.

Marine Biologist

Research and examine the flora and fauna that survives in the sea. Your job is to study the basic kinds of species that exist within the deep blue waters surrounding the Galapagos. You will be sure to make the acquaintance of “Nemo” and the “Sea turtles!”

Problem to be Investigated

1. Oil Spill
2. Sea Cucumbers v/s Fishermen

Scientist

A scientific investigator of all the solutions to the problems faced by the magnificent Galapagos Islands. Your role is very challenging! You have to channelize your research towards finding out what steps have already been taken to try and lessen the adverse effects of all the above mentioned problems. Focus your study on the following solutions:

1. Charles Darwin Research Foundation
2. Project Isabella
3. Oil Spills
4. Steps taken by the Ecuador government
5. Eradication, Reintroduction and Repopulation of animals
6. Responsible Tourism.

STEP 2 (2 days)

Once you have gathered all the information pertaining to your field, get together and collaborate. Focus your teamwork on trying to gain an understanding of some of the problems facing the Galapagos. Then brainstorm and come up with an answer to the following question:

“Why and to what extent do the Galapagos need to be protected from human and other kinds of encroachment?"

Emphasize one such problem that you think is the most pressing and requires immediate attention. Suggest a solution if you have any. Limit your answer to 1 or 2 pages.

STEP 3 (4 days)

Now is the time for you to Take Action! You have researched and found out about all the problems that threaten to ruin this paradise on earth. It is up to you to make a difference because you, as children, are the voice of our future generations. Try and communicate to two of our world leaders how you feel about the situation. You can do so by:

1. Writing a letter or an e-mail
2. Making a poster or banner
3. Creating a video

The leaders could be someone like our President, the Government of Ecuador, an organization like UNESCO, or anyone who you think can make a difference to the situation.