Monday, October 21 With our problem - based learning activity regarding the Euphrates River complete, I would like to pass along the results of the debate / compromise: 1st Period agreed that Turkey would develop a filtration device to use the Black Sea, leaving the Euphrates alone. Syria would do the same with the Mediterranean Sea, thus, Iraq could have the Euphrates River for their sole use. The financing of the technology was debated heavily and an agreement could not be reached. Instead of a 1/3 split, the students representing Iraq refused to help cover the cost. As a result, the class took a vote and the majority was in favor of the 1/3 split to build the new technology, turning salt water into usable fresh water. 2nd Period compromised to have Turkey remove their existing Euphrates River dam, building a new dam in Iraq to conserve the water. The citizens of Iraq agreed to allow Turkey to the rights of the hydroelectric power generated by the new dam. Since Turkey would be receiving the bulk of a new dams benefits, this class agreed to a 50% - 25% - 25% split of the entire cost, with Turkey paying 50%. 3rd Period compromised to have all three countries build a dam, and explored alternative water technology too, just like 1st Period. All three countries would continue to use the Euphrates River, however, the new dams would supplement the water levels of the river, conserving its water. The total cost was agreed on to be split three ways. 4th Period is my prep. 5th, 6th, and 8th Periods all agreed to the following terms: Turkey would take down their existing dam and explore technology to purify the Black Sea. Syria would explore technology to purify the Mediterranean Sea, leaving Iraq as the only user of the Euphrates River. The total cost, construction of the new technology and removal of the old dam in Turkey, would be split three ways equally. It was pleasing to see the students interact with each other as I mediated our class debate. They were required to think critically on the fly and work together to peacefully solve a major geographic problem. Great work, students! - Mr. Torrey
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 16:38:48 +0000
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