Task
Task #1
Submit 1.05 Recovery.
You should have completed this task during the Learn portion of this lesson.
Task #2
Download, complete and submit 1.05 Alabama's Modern Forests.
Task #3
Modern society is becoming increasingly urbanized and removed from direct contact with the forest. Meanwhile, public attitudes about forest resources are affected by a variety of factors, from rapidly changing life-styles, to the influence of popular media, to each person's own background and family history.
Read these possible responses to a survey concerning the public's attitudes about forest resources.
Response #1: I don't understand what all the environmental stuff is about. But show me a profitable new wood-products industry, and, hey, now we're talking. That's the real value of trees, the dollars — the bottom line — that's what counts. Show me something that can provide jobs.
Response #2: Our wonderful forests that have been with us for thousands of years are being destroyed, wiped out forever. Pretty soon, there won't be any more pristine forests left. And for what? Money. That money won't last nearly as long as long as the trees have. Our environment is more important.
Response #3: Sorry, you've got the wrong person. I really don't know much about forests or anything like that. I'm too busy with more important matters to think about that kind of stuff. I live in a city. Forests don't have anything to do with me.
Response #4: I value the environment and trees, but jobs are important too. Why can't there be a middle ground? Where we can set aside some forests to preserve and some to use for jobs.
After reading the survey responses, go to the 1.05 Forest Viewpoints Discussion and answer the following questions.
- Which of these responses is closest to your own viewpoint? Why?
- Maybe none of these come close to reflecting your viewpoint. If that is the case, explain your reasoning for making that choice.
- What factors in a person's background (childhood experiences, education, group affiliations, where they live, family history, what else?) might influence how they feel about this issue?
- What factors in your background or family history have influenced how you feel about whether or not the forest should be protected?
After you have made your initial post, respond to another student whose opinion differs from yours. In a professional manner, ask appropriate probing questions that will help you better understand their viewpoint on this issue.
When participating in an online discussion, you should use formal, standard English and obey all conventions of punctuation and spelling. Avoid abbreviations or symbols used in texting, messaging, or informal conversation.
You will be graded according to the 1.05 Forest Viewpoints Discussion Scoring Guide.