China Geography (Focus on Three Gorge Dam)

Andrew Felman, 9-12, Science , Lehigh Valley Academy: This is a very complete and useful teaching unit. As a teacher of science this is a current issue facing China. I like the way the activities are divided up by days: Introduction, Research, Discussion and Assessment. However, in reality, I feel that more time would be needed to complete the activities included. There are numerous resources provided and useful handouts for the teacher to help guide the discussion and for students to develop good, in depth questions.Terminology will be very important in understanding the creation and functions of the TGD. Pictures and newspaper articles can be expanded upon and always updated. The topic of hydro-electricity and water reservoirs is very practical and relevant to everyone. Brainstorming the ideas of why the dam is being created may assist in relating the current Three Gorges Dam to similar projects that have been developed here in the United States. The reasons for TGD are the same reasons dams and reservoirs have been built here. There can be good insight into how technologies have changed in the methods of building these massive structures. The environmental concerns of dam creation have already been addressed in the United States. The students may be able to develop recommendations to the "modern" or "future" beings that will use and be affected by the TGD. I believe it is a smart idea to have assigned roles for the students during the discussion portion of the lessons. These roles can be switched around if needed and different points of view added if necessary. I am glad this unit was developed and it will be very useful in Physics class, technology class as well as environmental studies. I feel the teacher developed a ready to use unit and I do appreciate that.