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Eco-Tourism Startup Challenge

Grade 9Geography3 days

In this project, students design a sustainable eco-tourism business, balancing economic benefits for local communities with minimal environmental impact and responsible travel. They research ecosystems, analyze tourism's effects, and create sustainability plans. The project emphasizes community engagement, job creation, and cultural preservation. Students reflect on balancing economic and environmental aspects, and the broader application of sustainability principles.

Eco-TourismSustainabilityCommunity EngagementEnvironmental ImpactResponsible TravelEcosystemsBusiness Model

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a sustainable eco-tourism business that balances economic benefits for local communities with the need to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible travel practices, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How can tourism be both beneficial and detrimental to ecosystems and local communities?
What are the key components of a sustainable eco-tourism business model?
How can we minimize the environmental impact of tourism activities while maximizing economic benefits for local communities?
What strategies can be used to educate tourists about responsible travel practices and environmental conservation?
How can we measure the success of an eco-tourism venture in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Design a sustainable eco-tourism business model.
Evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of tourism.
Develop strategies for minimizing the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing benefits for local communities.
Apply responsible travel practices and environmental conservation.
Measure the success of an eco-tourism venture in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Teacher Provided

W.G. 1.2

Primary

Students will identify patterns evident in geographic distribution of ecosystems and biomes and explain how humans interact with them.Reason: This standard directly addresses the understanding of ecosystems and human interaction, crucial for designing a sustainable eco-tourism business.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Eco-Disaster Simulation

A simulated 'natural' disaster (oil spill, deforestation) impacts a popular tourist destination. Students role-play as stakeholders (business owners, environmental scientists, local community members) and must negotiate a recovery plan that balances economic needs with ecological restoration, challenging them to think critically about sustainable tourism.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Ecosystem Explorers

Students research and identify the unique ecosystems and biomes present in their chosen eco-tourism location. They'll analyze the geographic distribution of these ecosystems and how human activities, including tourism, currently impact them.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose a specific geographic location for your eco-tourism business. Consider diverse ecosystems like rainforests, coral reefs, mountains, or deserts.

2. Research the native ecosystems and biomes of your chosen location. Identify key plant and animal species, climate patterns, and geographical features.

3. Analyze how human activities, including existing tourism, have affected these ecosystems. Look for evidence of deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, or other environmental impacts.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report (with maps and visuals) outlining the ecosystems and biomes of the chosen location, analyzing current human impacts, and identifying potential ecological vulnerabilities.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with W.G. 1.2 by requiring students to identify geographic distribution of ecosystems and biomes and explain how humans interact with them.

Activity 2

Sustainability Blueprint

Students will develop a comprehensive sustainability plan for their eco-tourism business. This includes outlining specific strategies to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote responsible travel practices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Based on your Ecosystem Explorers report, identify the most pressing environmental challenges your eco-tourism business will face in your chosen location.

2. Research and brainstorm innovative strategies for minimizing your business's environmental footprint. Consider renewable energy sources, waste reduction programs, water conservation techniques, and sustainable transportation options.

3. Develop a detailed plan for educating tourists about responsible travel practices and environmental conservation. Include ideas for informative signage, guided tours, and interactive workshops.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive sustainability plan that outlines specific strategies for minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, promoting responsible travel practices, and educating tourists.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsBuilds upon W.G. 1.2 by requiring students to apply their understanding of ecosystems to develop practical strategies for sustainable interaction, addressing the 'how humans interact with them' component.

Activity 3

Community Benefits Proposal

Students will design a plan to ensure that their eco-tourism business provides tangible economic and social benefits to the local community. This includes creating job opportunities, supporting local businesses, and respecting cultural traditions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the socio-economic conditions of the local community in your chosen location. Identify potential needs and opportunities for economic development.

2. Brainstorm ways your eco-tourism business can create job opportunities for local residents. Consider roles in guiding, hospitality, transportation, and handicrafts.

3. Develop a plan for partnering with local businesses to source goods and services for your eco-tourism operation. This could include food, supplies, and cultural experiences.

4. Outline strategies for respecting and preserving local cultural traditions. Ensure that your business activities do not disrupt or exploit cultural heritage.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed proposal outlining how the eco-tourism business will provide economic and social benefits to the local community, including job creation, support for local businesses, and preservation of cultural traditions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsExtends W.G. 1.2 by emphasizing the social dimension of human interaction with ecosystems, demonstrating how sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and local communities.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Eco-Tourism Business Design Rubric

Category 1

Geographic Knowledge and Application

Assessment of students' understanding of the ecosystems and geographic features associated with their chosen location, as well as their impact analysis.

Criterion 1

Ecosystem Identification

Ability to identify and describe the ecosystems and biomes of the chosen geographic location.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the ecosystems and biomes with accurate identification of key species and geographic features.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough description of the ecosystems and biomes, accurately identifying most key species and geographic features.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a basic description with identification of some key species and geographic features, but contains minor inaccuracies.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides limited or inaccurate description with minimal identification of species and features.

Criterion 2

Impact Analysis

Ability to analyze human interactions, particularly tourism impacts, on chosen ecosystems.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts an in-depth analysis demonstrating clear connections between tourism activities and ecological impacts, supported by evidence.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts a thorough analysis with clear connections, mostly supported by evidence.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some analysis of human impact but lacks depth and consistent evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited analysis with unclear connections and minimal evidence.

Category 2

Sustainability Strategy Development

Evaluation of the comprehensiveness and innovation in strategies developed for minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Criterion 1

Environmental Footprint Reduction

Effectiveness of strategies for reducing environmental impacts of the eco-tourism venture.

Exemplary

4 Points

Proposes innovative, well-researched and feasible strategies for significantly reducing environmental impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Proposes suitable and feasible strategies with a clear focus on reducing environmental impact.

Developing

2 Points

Proposes some strategies but lacks comprehensive feasibility or clear focus on impact reduction.

Beginning

1 Points

Proposes minimal or undeveloped strategies with limited focus or feasibility.

Criterion 2

Tourist Education Plans

Quality and detail of plans for educating tourists on responsible travel and conservation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops comprehensive, engaging, and well-integrated tourist education plans using diverse methods.

Proficient

3 Points

Develops effective tourist education plans with appropriate methods and details.

Developing

2 Points

Offers basic education plans with some methods, but lacks depth and engagement.

Beginning

1 Points

Offers minimal education plans with limited depth and variety.

Category 3

Community Engagement and Benefit Design

Overall quality of plans for community involvement and the benefits provided by the eco-tourism business.

Criterion 1

Economic and Social Benefit Planning

Design and feasibility of plans to provide economic and social benefits to the local community.

Exemplary

4 Points

Designs comprehensive and culturally responsive plans that demonstrate innovative solutions for community benefits.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs viable plans that clearly outline benefits to the local community.

Developing

2 Points

Designs plans with some benefits outlined but lacks depth or feasibility.

Beginning

1 Points

Designs minimal plans with vague or unsupported benefit strategies.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How did your understanding of the relationship between ecosystems and human activities evolve during this project?

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Required

Question 2

To what extent do you believe your eco-tourism business plan effectively balances economic benefits with environmental sustainability?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which aspect of designing a sustainable eco-tourism business was the most challenging for you, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection

Engaging and benefiting the local community

Minimizing the environmental impact of tourism activities

Educating tourists about responsible travel practices

Measuring the success of the eco-tourism venture

Question 4

What is one specific change you would make to your eco-tourism business plan based on what you learned during this project?

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Required

Question 5

How can the principles of sustainable eco-tourism you explored in this project be applied to other areas of your life or community?

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Required