Download pdf - City Council Simulation: Improving Cardinal City’s ...civics.sites.unc.edu/files/2012/05/GreenCityCouncil.pdfCity Council Simulation: Improving Cardinal City’s Environment Overview

CityCouncilSimulation:ImprovingCardinalCity’sEnvironmentOverviewInthisexperientialactivity,studentswillgainanunderstandingoftheroleofcitycouncils,theresponsibilitiesofcouncilmembers,andtherelevanceofcouncildecisionstoindividualcitizens.Assumingtherolesofcitycouncilmembersorspecialinterestgroups,studentswillparticipateinacitycouncilsimulationinwhichcouncilmembersmustdecidehowtospendan$800,000grantallocatedforlocalenvironmentalimprovements.Studentscanthenapplylearnedpresentationskillsandacquiredunderstandingstoformatapresentationforalocalgoverningbody.Grade10NorthCarolinaEssentialStandardsforCivics&Economics• CE.C&G.2.1-Analyzethestructuresofnational,stateandlocalgovernmentsintermsofwaystheyare

organizedtomaintainorder,security,welfareofthepublicandtheprotectionofcitizens(e.g.,federalism,thethreebranches,courtsystem,jurisdictions,judicialprocess,agencies,etc.)

• CE.C&G.2.2-SummarizethefunctionsofNorthCarolinastateandlocalgovernmentswithinthefederalsystemofgovernment(e.g.,localcharters,maintainamilitia,passordinancesandlaws,collecttaxes,superviseelections,maintainhighways,typesoflocalgovernments,etc.).

• CE.C&G.2.6-Evaluatetheauthorityfederal,stateandlocalgovernmentshaveoverindividuals’rightsandprivileges(e.g.,BillofRights,DelegatedPowers,ReservedPowers,ConcurrentPowers,Pardons,Writofhabeascorpus,JudicialProcess,states’rights,PatriotAct,etc.)

• CE.C&G.2.7-Analyzecontemporaryissuesandgovernmentalresponsesatthelocal,state,andnationallevelsintermsofhowtheypromotethepublicinterestand/orgeneralwelfare(e.g.,taxes,immigration,naturalization,civilrights,economicdevelopment,annexation,redistricting,zoning,nationalsecurity,healthcare,etc.)

• CE.C&G.4.3-AnalyzetherolesofcitizensofNorthCarolinaandtheUnitedStatesintermsofresponsibilities,participation,civiclifeandcriteriaformembershiporadmission(e.g.,voting,juryduty,lobbying,interactingsuccessfullywithgovernmentagencies,organizingandworkingincivicgroups,volunteering,petitioning,picketing,runningforpoliticaloffice,residency,etc.)

• CE.C&G.4.4-Analyzetheobligationsofcitizensbydeterminingwhentheirpersonaldesires,interestsandinvolvementaresubordinatetothegoodofthenationorstate(e.g.,PatriotAct,HomelandSecurity,sedition,civilrights,equalrightsunderthelaw,juryduty,SelectiveServicesAct,ruleoflaw,eminentdomain,etc.)

EssentialQuestions• Whatistheroleofamunicipality’scityortowncouncil?• Whataretheresponsibilitiesofcouncilmembers?• Whatfactorsdopolicymakersconsiderwhenmakingdecisions?• Howdothedecisionsofcouncilmembersaffectindividualcitizens?• Howcanindividualcitizensplayaroleinthedecisionsmadebytheircitycouncil?Materials• CityCouncilInstructions,attached• SpecialInterestGroupsInstructions,attached• SummaryofProposals,attached

• Internetaccess(optional)• CreateaPosterandCreateaBumperSticker,optionalassignmentsandrubricsattached• Resourceperson,suchasalocalcouncilmember(optional)

o Contactthelocalgovernmentofficialofyourchoice2-4weeksinadvanceofthislessontoexplaintheactivityandtoaskforassistanceinprovidingstudentsknowledgeabouttherolesandresponsibilitiesoflocalgovernmentofficials.(Itisimportantthispersondoesnotcometogivea“speech,”butratherispreparedtoengagewiththestudentsastheyprepareforthesimulationandparticipateindialoguewiththeclassabouthis/herroleinlocalgovernmentdecisionmaking).Aftermakinganinitialcontact,followupwithane-mailorphonecallincludingthedate,time,location,parkingarrangements,schoolproceduresforguests,andacompletesetofmaterialsfortheactivity.Itishighlyrecommendedtoinvitearesourcepersonwhendoingthisactivity,notonlytoprovidevaluedassistance,butalsotogiveyourstudentsachancetointeractwithandlearnfromalocalgovernmentofficial.

DurationTwoclassperiodsProcedureDay1

WarmUp:CityCouncilsandtheEnvironment1. Asawarmup,placestudentsintogroupsof3-5andgivethemthefollowingassignment:

• Imagineyourcityhasreceivedan$800,000granttoimprovetheenvironment.Brainstormalistofthemosteffectivewaysthemoneycouldbespent.

• Afterstudentshavecreatedsubstantiallists,tellthemthat$800,000willonlycoveroneoftheirideas.Instructgroupstocollectivelychooseoneideatheyfeelwouldmakethemostpositiveimpactontheenvironmentandtobepreparedtosharethatideawiththewholeclassin3-5minutes.Tellstudentstheymustbereadytoexplainwhythisideawouldbethebestwaytospendthemoney.

Afterstudentshaveshared,discuss:

• Ifourcityreallydidreceivemoneyforenvironmentalimprovements,whowouldberesponsiblefordecidinghowthemoneywouldbespent?(city/towncouncil,ideallywithcitizeninput)

• Whataretherolesofourcitycouncil?(Thecityortowncouncilmakesdecisionsforthemunicipality,carriesoutthosedecisions,managesabudget,andhasauthoritytolevytaxes.Inmostcitiesandtownswithpopulationsover1,000,thecouncilhiresaCityManager,whooverseesthemunicipality’sday-to-dayoperations.)

• Whatdecisionsdoesacitycouncilmakethatcandirectlyorindirectlyaffecttheenvironment?• Whataretheresponsibilitiesofcitycouncilmembersastheymakesuchadecisionastheoneyoujust

brainstormed?• Whattypesofthingsdoyouthinkinfluenceacouncil’sfinaldecision?

IntroducingtheCityCouncilSimulation

2. Tellstudentsthattheywillbelearningabouttheseveryissuesbyparticipatinginacitycouncilsimulation.TellstudentsthattheycurrentlyliveinthefictitiousCardinalCity,andhandoutorprojectthefollowinginformationwhileexplaining:

NorthCarolina’sGeneralAssemblyhaspassedtheEnvironmentalImprovementAct,whichappropriated$7millionstatewideforNorthCarolinamunicipalitiestoimprovetheirlocalenvironmentandairquality.Toensurethatmoneywouldbespentonlocalneeds,fundingwasallocatedtolocalgovernmentsthroughafederalgrantprocess.CardinalCityappliedforfunds,andwasapprovedfor$800,000undertheEnvironmentalImprovementAct.

ItisnowuptotheCardinalCityCounciltodeterminehowbesttospendthemoney.Ahearingisscheduledforvariouscommunitymembers,stakeholders,andspecialinterestgroupstoexpresstheiropinionstotheCouncilonhowtheythinkthefundsshouldbeallocated.

3. Explaintostudentsthattheywilleitherbeparticipatingasacitycouncilmemberoracitizen.Divide

studentsintosixevengroups.

4. Oncestudentsareintheirgroups,givethemsomebackgroundinformationonCardinalCitybyhandingoutthefollowinginformationorprojectingwhileexplaining:

FactsAboutCardinalCity

• CardinalCityPopulation:§ 2015-44,500§ 2017-48,900

• ThemedianageofCardinalCity’sresidentsis24yearsoldandthemedianhouseholdincomeis$40,600.• CardinalCityishometoUNC-Cardinal,a600acrecampushosting8,800fulltimestudents,and2,000

commuter/parttimestudents.• CardinalCityishometoarenownedhospital,CardinalMemorial.• Aninternationalairportislocated17milesawayfromCardinalCitylimits.AnAmtrakstationislocatedon

theoutskirtsofCardinalCity’sdowntown.• Cardinalhasapproximately700acresofnaturalareaandgreenspace,andone170-acrelake.• TheDowntownDevelopmentInitiativehasincreasedbusiness,tourism,andresidencyinCardinalCity’s

downtownoverthelasttwoyears.• CardinalCitywasoneofNorthCarolina’sareasdesignated“nonattainment”fortheEPA’shealthbased

standardsfor8-hourozonepollution. PreparingfortheSimulation5. Givegroupstheappropriateattachedinstructionhandoutsandallowthem5minutestoreviewtheir

sheets.Then,explainthefollowingtosummarizethecitycouncilmeetingprocess,acceptinganyquestionsstudentsmayhave:

• CityCouncil:(ProvideonegroupwithCityCouncilInstructionsandSummaryofProposals,attached;

selectonestudentinthisgrouptoserveastheMayor)UndertheMayor’sleadership,youwillspendthenext30ormoreminutespreparingforyourcitycouncilmeeting.ReviewtheSummaryofProposalsofallthespecialinterestgroupswhowillbepresentingtoyoutoday.Asagroup,discussyourfirstimpressionsoftheprogramsyouthinkmightbemostbeneficialtoCardinalCity.Asyoualldiscusseachproposalsummary,asacouncilyoumustcreate2-3follow-upquestionsforeachproposalthatyouwillaskafterthepresentation.

• SpecialInterestGroups:(ProvidethesestudentswithSpecialInterestGroupsInstructionsandSummaryofProposals,attached)Youwillspendthenext30ormoreminutesdevelopingapresentationtothecitycouncilonyourgreenproposal;yourgoalisfortheCounciltosupportandfundyourproposal.Youmustresearchinformationaboutthegreentechnologyyouarepresentingon*andfigureouthowtoprepareanorganized,creative,andmotivationalpresentation.Also,youshouldspendsometimereviewingtheotherpresentationsthatareontheagenda(usetheSummaryofProposals)sothatyouarepreparedtoshowwhyyourproposalwillhavethegreatestpositiveimpactonCardinalCity.

*Ideally,Internetaccesswillbeavailablesothatstudentsrepresentingspecialinterestgroupscanfurtherresearchanddeveloptheirgreenproposals.IfInternetaccessisnotanoption,teachersmaychoosetoprintoutrelevantinformationforeachofthegroups.Ø Note:Ifaresourcepersonisjoiningyourclassforthisactivity,introducehim/hertotheclassandallow

him/hertospeakbrieflyabouttheiroccupation.Letstudentsknowthatthispersonisheretoserveasa

resourceforthemintermsoflocalgovernmentandcanalsooffertipsonhowtoprepareforasuccessfulmeeting.

6. Reviewyourexpectationsforrespectfulgroupworkandallowstudentstoprepareforthesimulationin

theirgroups.Circulatearoundtheroomtoassistgroupsastheyprepare,givingperiodictimewarnings.Thissimulationisdesignedtobeentirelystudentlead,withthestudentplayingtheMayortoleadthesimulation.Duringthepreparationphase,theteacherand/orresourcepersonshoulddiscussappropriateprocedurewiththeMayorsohe/sheknowshowtocallthemeetingtoorder,makeintroductions,summarizethepurposeofthemeeting,etc.

Theteacherand/orresourcepersonshouldalsoworkwiththecouncilmembersandcoachthemonrealisticprocedureandcouncilmemberbehavior,aswellasspendtimewitheachspecialinterestgroupofferingadviceonthepresentationstheyarepreparingandthetypesofthingscouncilmembersliketohearandsee.(*ManyNorthCarolinacitiesandtownstelevisetheircouncilmeetings,ormakethemavailableforonlineviewing.Teachersmaywanttoshowsuchacliptostudentssothattheyhaveasenseoftruecouncilprocedure.)

7. Instructstudentstoassigneachgroupmemberhomework,whetheritisconductingfurtherresearch,refiningthepresentation,preparingvisualaids,etc.Teachersmayalsowanttoencouragestudentstodresstheirpartsthefollowingday(i.e.professionaldress).

Day2ConductingtheSimulation

8. Allowstudentstimeatthebeginningofclasstomeetwiththeirgroupsoncemoreforafinalreviewofthepresentation.

9. Onceallgroupsareready,arrangetheroomsothattheMayorandCouncilmembersarefacingthegroupsofpresenters.ProjectorhandoutandexplainwhattheCityCouncilmeetingformatwillbe:

Mayorcallsmeetingtoorderandgivesoverview 1-2minutesPresentationfromtheCardinalCityTransportationDepartment 5minutesFollow-upquestionsfromCityCouncil 2minutesPresentationfromZeroWasteRecycling 5minutesFollow-upquestionsfromCityCouncil 2minutesPresentationfromBiodieselGenerations 5minutesFollow-upquestionsfromCityCouncil 2minutesPresentationfromCitizenCoalitionforC-Red 5minutesFollow-upquestionsfromCityCouncil 2minutesPresentationfromLittleGreenSchoolHouse 5minutesFollow-upquestionsfromCityCouncil 2minutesMayorcancallforanyfinalcommentsorquestionsfrompresentinggroupsandCouncilmembers(iftimepermits)

5minutes

MayorleadsopendeliberationofCityCouncil 10minutes*Remember,thissimulationisdesignedtobeentirelystudentlead,withthestudentplayingtheMayorleadingthesimulation.Duringthesimulation,assistthisstudentinmovingthingsalongwhenneeded,buttrytoallowthestudentstohavecontrolofthesimulationasmuchaspossible.10. Theteachershouldreviewexpectedbehaviorforthesimulation,notingexpectationssuchas:

• Remainrespectfulatalltimesandencourageoneanother.• Tryyourbestandtakethesimulationseriously.• Listenwhenothersarespeaking.Donotdiscussyourpresentationorrebuttalswhileother

groupsarepresenting.

• Maintainorderandprofessionalismthroughoutthehearing,whetheryouagreewithwhatisbeingsaidornot.

• Nonamecalling,eyerolling,smackingteeth,disruptivecomments,etc.• Havefun!

11. Oncetheexpectationsareclearlydefined,asktheMayortocallthemeetingtoorderandconductthe

simulation.12. Afterallgroupshavepresentedandbeenquestionedbycouncilmembers,andiftimepermits,theMayor

cancallabrief3minutebreak,inwhichpresentinggroupscandiscussandpreparea1-2minuteclosingstatement/summary.

Iftimedoesnotpermit,theMayorshouldthankallpresentersfortheirtimeandbegintheopendeliberationprocessofCityCouncil.Forthepurposesofthissimulation,citycouncilparticipatesinanopendeliberationandattemptstomakeanimmediatedecision.Ensurestudentsunderstandthatinarealisticsituation,thiswouldnotnecessarilybethecase.Ideally,CityCouncilwillreachaconsensus.However,ifaconsensuscannotbemet,theMayorcan“tablethediscussionuntilCouncilmeetsagain,”sothattheclasscanmoveontodebriefthesimulation.Duringthedebriefing,ifconsensuswasnotmet,addressthedifficultystudentsplayingcouncilmembersexperiencedinreachingconsensus.

DebriefingtheSimulation

13. Afterthesimulationhasended,havestudentsapplaudthemselvesfortheirhardworkanddebriefusingtheattachedworksheet,DebriefingtheCardinalCityCouncilSimulation,and/orthediscussionquestionsbelow:• WhatisyouropinionoftheCouncil’sdecision?Explain.• ImaginethisdecisionwasmadebyyourownCityCouncil.Wouldyousupportit?Whyorwhynot?• Whatfactorsmaymakesomeproposalsmoresuccessfulthanothers?• ThoseofyouwhopresentedtoCityCouncil,whatdoyouthinkthebestpartofyourpresentationwas

andwhy?Howwouldyouchangeyourpresentationtoimproveitfornexttime?• WhatskillsareimportantwhenpresentingtoCityCouncilmembers?(Discusspresentationskillssuch

asbeingprepared,speakingclearly,beingbriefandconcise,etc.)• Whatroledidscience/scientificdataplayinthepresentationsanddecision?• ConsidertheprocessyouwentthroughtoprepareapresentationforCityCouncil.Whyisitimportant

toresearchmembersofCityCouncilandtohaveanunderstandingoftheirbackgroundsandareasofinterest?

• Whyisitimportantwhenpreparingapresentationforcitycounciltoconsiderwhattheoppositeviewmightbe?

• CityCouncil,whatleadyoutomakethedecisionsyoumade?Whatfactorsinfluencedyou?Isthereanythinganyonecouldhavedonedifferentlythatwouldhavechangedyourmind(regardingproposalsthatwerenotfunded)?

• WereyouactuallyservingonaCityCouncil,whatotherfactorsmightinfluenceyouthatwerenotnecessarilyrepresentedinthisactivity?

• Inwhatwaysmightindividualcitizensoutsideofthesespecialinterestgroupshaveinfluencedthisprocess?Howcanyouletyouropinionbeknown?

• Whatisyouropinionofthevariousgreenstrategiesthatwerepresentedtoday?Arethereenvironmentalconcernsthatyouhaveinregardstoourowncommunity?Explain.

• WhichoftheseproposalsdoyouthinkwecouldstillrealisticallyconvinceourownCityCounciltoadopt,evenwithoutthegrantfundsavailable,andwhy?Explain.

• Doyouthinkitisimportantthatindividualcitizenslobbytheirlocalgoverningbodiestoadoptenvironmentalpoliciesregardingcarbonreduction?Whyorwhynot?

• Ifyourlocalgoverningbodyadoptedacarbonreductionpledge,howmighttheenvironmentalqualityofyourcitychange?Howwouldsuchadecisionaffectyouasanindividual?

CulminatingActivities

• Developapresentationtodelivertoyourlocalgoverningbodythataddressesanissueyoucareabout,suchasenergyconservation,carbonreduction,etc.(SeeCarolinaK-12’slessonMakingaSuccessfulPresentationtoCityCouncil.)

• Choosethegreenproposalyoumostfavorandcreateabumperstickerorposteradvocatingforyourcity/countytoadoptthisgreenpractice.(Seetheattachedprojectdescriptionsandrubrics.)

• Writealettertoyourlocalgoverningentityrequestingtheadoptionofanenvironmentalpledge,suchascarbonreduction,oraspecificchangeinenvironmentalpolicy.SeeCarolinaK-12’sHowtoWriteaLetterforPolicyChange.

• AttendaCityCouncilmeetingorwatchatapingofameeting.DifferentiationStudentswithspecialneeds

• Ensurethatstudentsareplacedinmixedabilitygroups.• Studentswhodonotworkwellinsmallgroupsmayworkalone.GivethemtheSummaryOfProposals,

andtellthemthattheyareaCityCouncilmemberwhomustdecidewhichproposal(s)tofundwiththe$800,000environmentalgrant.Havethemwriteouttheirresponseandreasoning.

AIG• Ratherthanprovidingapresentationguideline,havestudentsdeveloptheirownidea.• Researchenvironmentalconcernssuchascarbondioxideemissions,energyconsumption,etc.inyour

owncity/county.Prepareanevaluationoftheenvironmentalpracticesofyourarea,makingsuggestionsonwhatneedstobeimprovedandwaystoimproveit.

• Researchthemembersofyourlocalgoverningentity(citycouncil,countycommissioners,etc.)todeterminetheirstanceand/orinitiativesinvolvingenvironmentalissues.

CityCouncilInstructions

Congratulations!YouhavebeenelectedtotheCardinalCityCouncil!Youandyourfellowcouncilmembershaveaveryimportantdecisiontomaketoday.Youmustdecidehowtospendthe$800,000CardinalCityreceivedforimprovingthecity’senvironment.Today,citizenswillpresenttheirideasonhowtheythinkyoushoulddistributethemoney.Yourresponsibilityistofundtheprograms(infullorpartially)thatyouthinkwillmostimprovelifeinCardinalCity.Followthesesteps:1. SpendtimereviewingtheSummaryofProposalsofallgroupswhohavesigneduptopresent.Consider

whichprogramsyouthinkmightbemostbeneficialtoimprovingtheenvironmentalqualitiesofCardinalCity.DiscussyourfirstimpressionsoftheseproposalswithyourfellowCouncilmembers,andshareyourideasofwhichprogramsyouthinkwouldbebest(intermsofimpactandcost).Together,theCouncilshouldcreateatleasttwoquestionsabouteachproposaltobeaskedaftereachpresentation.Thesequestionsmaychangebasedonwhatyouhearinthepresentations.Youwillhaveapproximately30minutestoprepareforyourmeeting.

2. OnceitistimefortheCityCouncilmeeting,theMayorwillcallthemeetingtoorderbyreviewingthe

purposeofthemeeting.Then,followingtheorderofproposaloverviewsthatyoureceived,theMayorwillcalleachgroupuptopresent.Eachgroupwillhaveupto5minutestopresenttheirenvironmentalproposaltotheCouncil.Listencarefullytotheirideas,theirreasoning,andtheamountofmoneytheyrequiretoimplementtheirproposal.

3. Aftereachpresentation,theMayorwillopenthefloorforquestionsfromCouncilmembersaboutthe

proposal.Youallmayrefertothequestionsyoupreviouslycreated,oraskquestionsbasedonnewinformationyouheard.Remember,youneedtogatheralloftheinformationyoucaninordertomakeaninformeddecision.

4. Onceallgroupshavepresented,theMayorwillthankallpresentersfortheirtime,andthecouncilwill

thendiscusswhichproposalstofund.Itisimportantyouconsidertheimpactoftheproposal,thecostoftheproposal,andhowthecitizensinyourcitywouldwantyoutovote.Remember,youcannotexceed$800,000,butyoucanpartiallyfundproposals.AsCouncilmembers,youmayhavedifferentideasregardingtheproposalstosupportandtheamountofmoneytoallocatetotheproposals.Youmustworkthroughthisusingrespectfuldebate,negotiation,andcompromise.

5. Finally,onceyouhavereachedadecisiononhowtospendthe$800,000,theMayorwillcallforamotion

toapprovethebudgetinwhicheachCouncilmembervotes.Afterthefinaldecision,theMayorwillclosethemeetingandthankeveryoneforcoming.

Notes:

CardinalCityTransportationDepartment

YourgrouprepresentstheCardinalCityTransportationDepartment,andyourgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltouse$500,000ofEnvironmentalImprovementActFundstobuyonehybridbus.

1.Researchinformationabouthybridbuses(youwillfindafewpointsofinformationbelow)andworktogethertodevelopapresentationtoCityCouncilthatwillconvincethemtopurchaseahybridbustointegrateintoCardinalCity’stransitsystem.Yourpresentationcanbeupto5minutesand:

a...Beginwithanintroductionandoverviewofyourproposalb…Educatecouncilmembersonthegreentechnologybehindyourproposalc…Answerthefollowingquestions…~HowwillyourproposalimprovetheenvironmentofCardinalCity?~Whowillbenefitfromyourproposal,andspecificallyhowwilltheybenefit?~Whatwillyourproposalcost,andwhyisthiscosteffective?~WhyisyourproposalbetterthantheotherproposalsCityCouncilwillbehearingtoday?d…Endwithaconvincingconclusion

2.AnticipatewhatquestionsCityCouncilmembersmighthaveofyousothatyouarepreparedtoanswer.Alsoconsiderwhattheotherproposalswillberequesting,andbepreparedtoarguewhyyourproposalwillhavemoreofapositiveenvironmentalimpact,andwhyitismorecosteffective.

3.Select1-2groupmemberstopresentyourproposaltoCityCouncilmembers.TherestofthegroupwillberesponsibleforassistinginansweringquestionstheCityCouncilwillaskyouafteryourpresentationisfinished.Remember,yourgoalistogettheCityCounciltofundyourproposalentirely.Goodluck!

InformationaboutHybridBuses

~EstimatedCostforaHybridBus:$500,000~EstimatedCostforaDieselBus:$300,000

• Hybridbustechnologyoffersbenefitsrangingfromcuttingthecostsofoperationandmaintenanceofbusoperators,

toimprovingairquality,especiallyinurban/suburbanareasthatareexperiencingnon-attainmentofEPAairqualitystandards,toimprovingthehealthofschoolchildrenwhopresentlyridedieselpoweredschoolbuses.

• Hybridbustechnologyissimilartothatusedinhybridcarsandtrucks.Thesebusesemploysimilartechnology

includingregenerativebraking,electricmotors,andbatterystorage.Onemaindifferenceisthatmosthybridbusesarecouplingdiesel-fueledengineswithelectricmotorsinsteadofthetypicalgasoline-electrichybridconfigurationsavailableinlightdutyvehicles.Thehybridbusrunsonelectricityandanultra-lowsulfurdieselfuelandcanget50%bettermileagepergallonoffuelthanaregulardieselbus.

• Thehybridbusoffers90%lessemissionsthandieselbusesandrunsmorequietlyandsmoothly.Also,thebuslacksa

transmissionandhasregenerativebrakes,whichreducespowertotheenginetoslowthebusbeforeapplyingtheactualbrakes.

• Recentmedicalstudieshighlightthedangersofparticulatepollutionofthesortproducedbydieselbusengines.

Particulatematterhasrecentlybeenhighlightedinseveralreportsasaseriousconcernonschoolbuses,causingproblemsrangingfromincreasedcasesofillnesstolungcancer.Removingthistypeofexposureisthenumberonebenefitofhybridbustechnology.

ZeroWasteRecycling

YourgrouprepresentstheorganizationZeroWasteRecycling,andyourgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltofundyourproposaltoimplementamandatoryrecyclingprograminCardinalCityusing$350,000oftheEnvironmentalImprovementActFunds.Currently,CardinalCity’svoluntaryprogramrecycles12%ofsolidwastegeneratedannually.Youproposetoexpandtheprogramandraisetheratetoatleast35%.

1.Researchinformationaboutrecycling(youwillfindafewpointsofinformationbelow)andworktogethertodevelopapresentationtoCityCouncilthatwillconvincethemtomakerecyclingmandatoryinCardinalCity.Yourpresentationcanbeupto5minutesand:




InformationaboutRecycling

• Recyclinghasnumerouspositiveeffectsonacommunity,including:Economicgrowthandlocalincomegrowth,net

jobincreases,energysavings,wastereduction,extendsthelifeoflandfills,reducespollution,conservesnaturalresources,resultsincleanerairandwater,andhelpsreducegreenhousegases.

• Recycling1,269tonsofpaper,metals,organics,andothermaterialsinCardinalCitycansaveatotalofabout13,756

BTUsofenergy,enoughenergytopowernearly137homesforoneyear.Productsmadeusingrecoveredratherthanvirginorrawmaterialsusesignificantlylessenergy.Lessenergyusedmeanslessburningoffossilfuelssuchascoal,oilandnaturalgas.Whenburned,thesefuelsreleasepollutants,suchassulfurdioxide,nitrogenoxide,carbonmonoxide,andCO2intotheair.Recycling1,269tonsofwastecanreduceoverallairemissionsby24.9tonsandgreenhousegasemissionsby613metrictons.(Source:http://www.musc.edu/recycle/benefits.htm)

BiodieselGenerations

YourgrouprepresentstheorganizationBiodieselGenerations,andyourgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltomandatetheuseofbiodieselfuel(B20)inallpublicschoolbusesratherthanthecurrentlyuseddieselfuel.Youarerequesting$45,000ofgrantfundsfortheinitialconversioncosts.Thisincludesthepurchaseofa10,000gallontankforholdingthefuelandinitialmaintenancecosts(intheinitialchangeoverfromdieseltoB20,petroleumdepositsareoftencleanedoutandclogfilters,thusfiltersneedreplaced).

1.Researchinformationaboutrecycling(youwillfindafewpointsofinformationbelow)andworktogethertodevelopapresentationtoCityCouncilthatwillconvincethemtomakeallpublicschoolbusesusebiodieselfuelinCardinalCity.Yourpresentationcanbeupto5minutesand:




InformationAboutBiodiesel

• Abiodieselblend(B20)canbeusedinplaceofregularpetroleumfuelforcars,buses,trucks,tractorsandequipmentwithnomodificationsneededtotheengineorfuelsystem.Biodieselmadefromusedvegetableoilisblendedwithpetroleumdieseltoproduceacleanerburningfuel.ThemixisusuallyB20–20%biodieseland80%petroleumdiesel.

• Biodieselismoreexpensivethandieselfuelandcanrangeincostfrom5cents-20centsmorepergallon.• Biodieselistheonlyalternativefueltohavefullycompletedthehealtheffectstestingrequirementsofthe

CleanAirAct.B20isestimatedtoreduceCarbonMonoxideby12%,Hydrocarbonsby20%,Sulfatesby20%,Particulatesby12%,andAirToxicsby20%.Studentexposuretocarcinogensandharmfulemissionswouldthusbereduced.

LittleGreenSchoolhouse

YourgrouprepresentsLittleGreenSchoolhouse,agroupofcitizenswithapositivevisionforhealthy,sustainableschools.YourgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltoallocatetheentire$800,000ofEnvironmentalImprovementActFundstoyourcity’smostpreciouscause:thechildren.Youbelievefundsshouldbeusedtoupdatetwolocalschoolstobesustainable,greenbuildings.

1.Researchinformationaboutsustainable,greenbuildings(youwillfindafewpointsofinformationbelow)andworktogethertodevelopapresentationtoCityCouncilthatwillconvincethemtoupgradetwoCardinalCityschools.Yourpresentationcanbeupto5minutesand:




KeyPointsaboutGreenSchools

• ProponentsofGreenSchoolsbelievethatschoolscanprovideahealthyenvironmentforstudentsandstaff,whilepromotingecologicalsustainability,byusingalternativestotoxicchemicals,pursuinggreenbuildingandmaintenancepractices,changingtheirresourceconsumptionpatterns,servingnutritiousfood,andteachingstudentstobestewardsoftheircommunities,theearthanditsresources.

• Oneinfivepeoplewholiveinthiscountry—55millionchildren,teachers,administrators,nursesandjanitors—spend

their days in K–12 schools. Yet, our current school systems are threats to our children’s health, models ofunsustainability,andsignificantcontributorstosociety’sbroaderenvironmentalandhealthproblems.

• Taxpayersspend$6billionayearonenergyforschoolsbutcouldreducethatamountby$1.5billionthroughenergy

efficiencymeasuresalone,suchassolarandwindpower.• Schoolsarefarbehindmanyothersectorsofsocietyinrecycling.Wastefromschools—primarilyfoodandpaper—

representsabout4percentofthemunicipalwastestream.Manyschoolsdonotrecycleandfewerstillpurchaserecycledor“green”products.Foreachtonofnon–recycledofficepaperthataschooldistrictreplaceswith30percentpost–consumercontent,ituses2,400poundslesswood(about7trees),therebyhelpingsavecriticalforestecosystems.

• Agrowingnumberofdistrictsarefollowing“Healthy,HighPerformanceSchoolGuidelines”whenbuildingor

renovating.Thesecriteriarecommendenvironmentallysoundbuildingmaterials,andtheefficientuseofenergyandwater.Benefitsincludeahealthierlearningandworkingenvironmentforchildrenandteachers,highertestscores,improvedattendance,reducedoperatingcosts,andreducedenvironmentalimpacts.

CitizenCoalitionforCarbonReduction

YourgrouprepresentstheCitizenCoalitionforCarbonReduction,andyourgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltopledgetoparticipateinaCommunityCarbonReductionprogram.Youfeelitisyourcouncilmembers’responsibilitytorecognizelocal,state-wide,andglobalenvironmentalissuesandcommit,asothercommunitieshavealreadydone,todecreaseCardinalCity’scarbonemissions60%by2050.Adoptingthepledgewillnotrequireanymoney,butstrategiesforcarbonreductionwillneedfutureallocationsfromtheCity.1.Researchinformationaboutsustainable,greenbuildings(youwillfindafewpointsofinformationbelow)andworktogethertodevelopapresentationtoCityCouncilthatwillconvincethemtoupgradetwoCardinalCityschools.Yourpresentationcanbeupto5minutesand:




SummaryofProposals

1.CardinalCityTransportationDepartment- AmountRequested:$500,000TheCardinalCityTransportationDepartmentseekstoconvinceCityCounciltouseEnvironmentalImprovementActfundstobuyonehybridbusfromGeneralMotorsforintegrationintotheCardinalCitytransitsystem.2.ZeroWasteRecycling- AmountRequested:$350,000ZeroWasteRecyclingseekstoconvinceCityCounciltofundaproposalforimplementationofamandatoryrecyclingprograminCardinalCity.Currently,CardinalCity’svoluntaryprogramrecycles12%ofsolidwastegeneratedannually.ZeroWasteRecyclingproposestoexpandtheprogramandraisetheratetoatleast35%.3.BiodieselGenerations- AmountRequested:$45,000BiodieselGenerationsseekstoconvinceCityCounciltomandatetheuseofbiodieselfuel(B20)inallpublicschoolbusesratherthanthecurrentlyuseddieselfuel.Theirproposalincludesthepurchaseofa10,000gallontankforholdingthefuelandinitialmaintenancecosts(intheinitialchangeoverfromdieseltoB20,petroleumdepositsareoftencleanedoutandclogfilters,thusfiltersneedreplaced).4.LittleGreenSchoolHouse- AmountRequested:$800,000TheLittleGreenSchoolhouseisagroupofcitizenswithapositivevisionforhealthy,sustainableschools.TheirgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltoallocateEnvironmentalImprovementActFundstoupdatetwolocalschoolstobesustainable,greenbuildings.5.CitizenCoalitionforCarbonReduction- AmountRequested:$0upfront,TheCitizenCoalitionforCarbonReductionseekstoconvinceCityCounciltopledgetoparticipateinaCommunityCarbonReductionprogram.BysupportingtheCitizenCoalition’spresentation,CouncilmemberswouldbepledgingtodecreaseCardinal’scarbonemissions60%by2050.Adoptingthepledgewillnotrequireanymoneyupfront,butstrategiesforcarbonreductionwillrequirefutureallocationsfromthecity."

SummaryofProposals

1.CardinalCityTransportationDepartment- AmountRequested:$500,000TheCardinalCityTransportationDepartmentseekstoconvinceCityCounciltouseEnvironmentalImprovementActfundstobuyonehybridbusfromGeneralMotorsforintegrationintotheCardinalCitytransitsystem.2.ZeroWasteRecycling- AmountRequested:$350,000ZeroWasteRecyclingseekstoconvinceCityCounciltofundaproposalforimplementationofamandatoryrecyclingprograminCardinalCity.Currently,CardinalCity’svoluntaryprogramrecycles12%ofsolidwastegeneratedannually.ZeroWasteRecyclingproposestoexpandtheprogramandraisetheratetoatleast35%.3.BidieselGenerations- AmountRequested:$45,000BiodieselGenerationsseekstoconvinceCityCounciltomandatetheuseofbiodieselfuel(B20)inallpublicschoolbusesratherthanthecurrentlyuseddieselfuel.Theirproposalincludesthepurchaseofa10,000gallontankforholdingthefuelandinitialmaintenancecosts(intheinitialchangeoverfromdieseltoB20,petroleumdepositsareoftencleanedoutandclogfilters,thusfiltersneedreplaced).4.LittleGreenSchoolHouse- AmountRequested:$800,000TheLittleGreenSchoolhouseisagroupofcitizenswithapositivevisionforhealthy,sustainableschools.TheirgoalistoconvinceCityCounciltoallocateEnvironmentalImprovementActFundstoupdatetwolocalschoolstobesustainable,greenbuildings.5.CitizenCoalitionforCarbonReduction- AmountRequested:$0upfront,TheCitizenCoalitionforCarbonReductionseekstoconvinceCityCounciltopledgetoparticipateinaCommunityCarbonReductionprogram.BysupportingtheCitizenCoalition’spresentation,CouncilmemberswouldbepledgingtodecreaseCardinal’scarbonemissions60%by2050.Adoptingthepledgewillnotrequireanymoneyupfront,butstrategiesforcarbonreductionwillrequirefutureallocationsfromthecity.

Name:__________________________________

DebriefingtheCardinalCityCouncilSimulation1. Basedonpreviousknowledgeandthisexperience,whataretherolesandresponsibilitiesofaCity

Council?Howaresuchlocalgoverningbodiesrelevanttoyou?2. WhatisyouropinionofthedecisiontheCardinalCityCouncilmaderegardingtheenvironmental

grantfunds?Explain.3. Whatfactorsmakesomeproposalsmoresuccessfulthanothers?Whatskillsareimportantwhen

presentingtoCityCouncilmembers?4. WhyisitimportanttoresearchmembersofCityCouncilandtohaveanunderstandingoftheir

backgroundsandareasofinterestbeforepresentingtothem?5. WhyisitimportantwhenpreparingapresentationforCityCounciltoconsiderpossible

opposition?6. WhatfactorsactuallyinfluenceaCityCouncilinthedecisionstheymake?7. Inwhatwayscanindividualcitizensparticipateinlocalgovernment?Whyitimportanttoletyour

opinionbeknown?8. Doyoufeelitisimportantthatindividualcitizenslobbytheirlocalgoverningbodiestoadopt

greenpoliciessuchaspledgingtoreducecarbonemissions?Whyorwhynot?9. Ifyourlocalgoverningbodyadoptedacarbonreductionpledge,howmighttheenvironmental

qualityofyourcitychange?Howwouldsuchadecisionaffectyouasanindividual?

CreateaBumperStickerAssignment:BasedonyourparticipationintheCardinalCityCouncilEnvironmentalSimulation,choosethegreenproposalyoumostsupport(regardlessofwhatyoupresentedon)andcreateabumpersticker.Youmayalsochoosetocreateageneralbumperstickeraddressinglocalgovernment’sroleinenvironmentalresponsibility.Thebumperstickermustcontainthefollowing:

TheBumperStickerPossiblePoints

/20Points Thebumperstickermustcontainanoriginalslogan,word,orphrasethatexpressesanattitudeaboutoneormoreofthegreenproposalspresentedinthecitycouncilsimulationoraboutlocalgovernmentsroleinenvironmentalresponsibility.Thesloganmustbeanexpressionthatiseffectiveandconvincingtoitsintendedaudience.

/20Points Thebumperstickermustcontainanappropriatevisualimageorsymbol./10Points Theoverallworkmustbecreativeandclearlyshowtoitsviewerthatgreateffortwas

putforthincreatingandcompletingthebumpersticker.

TheParagraphYoumustalsowriteaparagraphexplainingyourbumperstickeranditsgoal/purpose.Theparagraphmust:

PossiblePoints

/20Points Theparagraphmustexplainwhyyouchosethetextyoudidaswellasthevisualimageandexactlywhatthebumperstickermeans.

/20Points Theparagraphshouldalsoexplainthetargetaudience.(Example:CityCouncil

members,localcitizens,environmentalists,apatheticteens,etc.)/10Points Theparagraphneedstobewritteninlegiblepenortyped.Youmustusecomplete

sentencesthatconnectideastoreceivefullcreditfortheassignment./100Points TotalPointsforthisAssignment

BumperStickerExample:

CreateaPosterAssignment:BasedonyourparticipationintheCardinalCityCouncilEnvironmentalSimulation,choosethegreenproposalyoumostsupport(regardlessofwhatyoupresentedon)andcreateaposteradvertisingthisgreenpractice.Postersshouldcontainclearinformationregardingthegreenpractice,acatchyslogan,avisualimage,andwhy/howthecommunityshould/cansupporttheproposal.

PosterRubricPossiblePoints

/20Points Thepostermustcontainanoriginalslogan,word,orphrasethatexpressesanattitudeaboutoneormoreofthegreenproposalspresentedinthecitycouncilsimulation.Thesloganmustbeanexpressionthatiseffectiveandconvincingtoitsintendedaudience.

/20Points Thepostermustcontainappropriatevisualimagesorsymbols.

/20Points Thepostershouldcontaintextthatoffersdetailsorasummaryofthegreen

technique/technology./20Points Thepostermustcontaintextthatexplainshowandwhythecommunity

can/shouldsupportthisgreentechnology.

/20Points Theoverallworkmustbecreativeandclearlyshowtoitsviewerthatgreateffortwasputforthincreatingandcompletingtheposter.

/100Points TotalPointsforthisAssignment

PosterSloganandImageExample: