Class Plans
Set the Scene:
To begin, let’s connect the story of Billy Barr to our everyday lives. Consider the following questions:
- Have you ever lived in a remote area or experienced a harsh winter environment? How did you adapt to the conditions?
- What role do you think individual actions play in addressing climate change, and how can we make a positive impact?
- How do you think Billy’s experiences and records of snow can inform our understanding of climate change and its effects on our environment?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image, and what does it tell you about Billy Barr’s life and environment?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on the image, and what topics might be covered?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the story of Billy Barr, the Snow Guardian, and learn about his unique life and experiences.
Vocabulary Review:
Review the vocabulary table below and make sure you understand the definitions and example usage of each term.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Snowpack | The amount of snow that has accumulated in a given area, often serving as a natural reservoir for water. | The snowpack in the mountains is crucial for the water supply in the Southwest. |
| Climate Change | Long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, often resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. | Billy’s records of snow have been used by researchers to study the effects of climate change. |
| Meticulous | Paying great attention to detail, being extremely careful and precise. | Billy has been keeping a meticulous record of snow in his area for over 40 winters. |
| Reservoir | A natural or artificial storage space for water or other liquids. | The snowpack serves as a natural reservoir for water in the mountains. |
| Dust | Small particles of solid matter that are blown through the air. | Billy’s observations have noted an increase in dust blowing in, which causes the snow to melt faster. |
| Harsh Environment | A setting that is difficult to survive in due to extreme conditions such as weather, terrain, or lack of resources. | Billy has learned to survive in the harsh winter environment of the mountains. |
| Crucial | Extremely important or necessary for something to happen or exist. | The snowpack is crucial for the water supply in the Southwest. |
| Reversing | To change the direction or trend of something, often making it go back to a previous state. | Billy believes that reversing the effects of climate change will be difficult. |
Video Engagement:
Watch the video He Spent 40 Years Alone in the Woods, and Now Scientists Love Him | Short Film Showcase and pause at the following points to discuss the questions:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What do you think motivates Billy to live in the woods, and how does his lifestyle contribute to his unique perspective on climate change?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: How do Billy’s records of snow support the study of climate change, and what implications do his findings have for our understanding of environmental trends?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What message do you think Billy is trying to convey through his story, and how can we apply his advice to our own lives and actions?
For more information and context, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/he-spent-40-years-alone-in-the-woods-and-now-scientists-love-him-short-film-showcase/.