Week 01: How Do We Become Wise Stewards?

In Week 01, we will be learning about how science and revelation work together to
reveal truth and how to evaluate the reliability of a source. We will also be learning
about climate and how to improve the soil for plant growth and what it means to be a
wise steward over the earth. In our preparation activities, we will be discussing how
urbanization impacts life and health and how we can create more sustainable cities.

Week 01 Study Plan

Due by Midweek
 Log into I-Learn to submit the following:
o Syllabus Quiz
o W01 Workbook Setup & Introduction Activity
o Join the GESCI 110 WhatsApp Community and introduce yourself
to our class. (Instructions W01 Discussion: Joining WhatsApp in i-
Learn)
 W01 Study A: Ways of Knowing Truth. Read and watch the videos
provided in our workbook and take notes answering the study questions.
 W01 Activity A: Three Rs of Credible Information (Complete in workbook
only)
 W01 Quiz A: Ways of Knowing Truth (I-Learn)
Due by the End of the Week
 W01 Study B: Where can and should we grow our food?
 Complete the following items in your workbook and submit in I-Learn:
o W01 Activity B: Soil Degradation Activity
W01 Forum Preparation: Urbanization and Sustainability
 Optional: Review the W1 Practice Forum Information in this workbook to
prepare for forums next week.
W01 Study A: Ways of Knowing Truth

Study Objectives
Introduction
1. Introduction to our course and weekly assignments.
2. Understand the problem: How do you feed and care for 10 billion people
by 2060?
Ways of Knowing
1. Identify revelation and the scientific method as methods for accessing
truth.
2. Understand the scientific process.
3. Identify valid applications of the scientific process.
4. Explain how we can use the scientific method to solve problems.
The goal this first week is to introduce you to the primary question that will be
addressed in this class: How do we feed and care for a growing population? We will
also set the foundation of how to evaluate difficult questions.
You can type the answers to the questions in the spaces provided below if desired.
Some students also like to type their answers in a different color to make them easier to
review later.
1. Watch "The Big Questions" video (10:46 minutes) or read "The Big
Questions" transcript and answer the related study questions. As needed, you
can review this slideshow: The Big Questions.
 What is projected to happen to the world’s population in the next 50
years?
 Why is population growth an important issue that needs
consideration?
 Why is it important that we focus on people as individuals (“the
one”) rather than as numbers as the population continues growing?
 What is stewardship and what are our responsibilities?
 The course is split into two parts that help answer two big
questions. What are those questions?
2. Read the “Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions” talk by Elder
Richard G. Scott from the October 2007 general conference and answer the
related study questions.
 What are the strengths and limitations of the scientific method as
outlined by Elder Scott?
 How are the processes of finding truth through the scientific method
and revelation similar? How are they different?
 What types of questions are best answered through science? What
types of questions are best answered by revelation?
 What blessings have come to us through using the scientific
method?
3. Read the following excerpts from Understanding Science 101, which was
written by the University of California, Berkeley, and answer the related study
guide questions:
 What is Science? (first page only)
 Discovery: The Spark for Science (first page only)
 A Science Checklist (first page only)
 Science Has Limits (first page only)
 What most often motivates scientists?
 What is the process of scientific discovery?
 What does science typically ask questions about?
 What kinds of questions can science not answer?
4. Watch the "How Science Works" video (5:54 minutes) or read the "How
Science Works" transcript and answer the related study questions:
 How does the scientific process work?
 What do scientists do when they are stumped?
 How do scientists evaluate their hypothesis?

Digging Deeper: Truth and Reliable Sources

When evaluating scientific resources, it is important to validate that you are seeking
information from reliable sources. Below are the Three Rs of credible information, which
are questions to ask yourself as you evaluate sources.
Reliable
1. Does the author or organization writing the material have good
credentials relating to the topic that is being written about?
2. Are good references cited (preferably from peer-reviewed
sources)?
3. If the material is an article, is it peer-reviewed or, if you are looking
at a website, does the domain name indicate credibility?
Reproducible
1. Is the information based on data and research?
2. Have the conclusions stated in the material been reproduced and
are they supported by the majority of the research in this area?
Rational
1. Is the information presented in a balanced way (or does it sound
too good to be true)?
2. Are the authors free of a conflict of interest?
3. Is the content well-written and free from an emotional agenda?
4. Is the information consistent with revealed truth that may be
available on the topic?
The video below will help you understand more about identifying truth.
1. Watch the “What is Truth and Where Do I Find It?” video (15:25 minutes)
or read the "What is Truth" transcript” and answer the related study questions.
As needed, you can review this slideshow: What is Truth?
 Why is it important to discuss how truth is discovered?
 How is the process of finding truth through the scientific method
and revelation similar and different?
 What questions are best answered through science? What
questions are best answered through revelation?
 How can science and religion be used together to discover truth?
 Define the Three Rs of analyzing scientific claims.

Gospel Connections: Truth and the Plan

 Read or watch "Truth and the Plan" by President Dallin H. Oaks.
 Reasoning requires having sound information from reliable sources and
using the Holy Ghost to guide us to truth, light, and understanding.
o Contrast these two examples from the scriptures:
 Doctrine and Covenants 50:10
 Helaman 16:17–18
 How did both groups differ in their conclusions and how they
reasoned through what was truth?
Optional Additional Resources
The following are not required but may add to your understanding when evaluating
research studies:
 Watch "The Placebo Effect" video (3:35 minutes).
 Watch the "Correlation vs. Causation" video (4:17 minutes).

W01 Activity A: The Three Rs of Credible Information

Overview
 Purpose: Learning to evaluate the credibility of scientific sources is the
first step in applying scientific evidence to practice. This activity allows you to
apply what you have learned in your study about evaluating sources.
 Task: Complete the following activity evaluating how reliable,
reproducible, and rational the following sources are. Check your responses
with feedback below the assignment.
Two of the key learning objectives for students who take this course are as follows:
 Explain the strengths and limitations of the scientific process as a source
of knowledge.
 Analyze compelling and important questions using scientific evidence.
The Three Rs Evaluation Tool
An important exercise to achieve these learning objectives is to analyze information that
is being presented as scientific truth. You will use the Three Rs Evaluation Tool on a
weekly basis to analyze assigned readings and sources you find on your own. This
continuous practice will allow you to learn how to find good sources of information when
faced with hard questions in the future. Answer the questions below, then check your
evaluation with the feedback provided at the end of this activity.
1. Evaluate the website, The Medical Medium: Celery Juice by Anthony
William, using the Three Rs Evaluation Tool below.
2. Enter answers on a scale of 1–5.
3. Review the posted information about the author, Anthony William.

The Three Rs of Credible Information: Part 1—The Medical Medium (Rate on a

scale of 1–5.)
Reliable Rating
1. The author or organization has good credentials relating to
the topic.
_1 _
1 = No credentials and/or expertise 5 = Has credentials and/or expertise
2. Good references are cited.
_1
1 = No references 5 = Many valid, credible references
3. The material is sufficiently recent.
_1_
1 = More than 10 years old 5 = Within 1–3 years old
4. Article is peer-reviewed or the website is from a reliable _1_
source (.gov, .edu, and so on).
1 = Not reviewed or accredited 5 = Reviewed and/or accredited
Reproducible
5. The information is based on data and research.
_1 _
1 = No data or research given 5 = Data-driven and research-based
6. The conclusion is reproduced and supported by the
majority of studies on topic.
_ 1_
1 = Neither reproduced or supported 5 = Data-driven and researched-
based
Rational
7. The information is presented in a balanced way (not too
good to be true).
_ 1_
1 = All one-sided or too good to be true 5 = Balanced, rational
information
8. The authors are free of hidden motives (conflict of
interest).
_ 1_
1 = Biased or conflict of interest 5 = Unbiased or impartial
9. The content is well-written and not focused on an
emotional agenda.
_1 _
1 = Poorly written or emotional 5 = Well-written, rational
10. Information is consistent with revealed truth that is
available on the topic.
_1 _
1 =Contradicts revealed truth 5 = Consistent with revealed truth

Share Your Reasoning

Overall, how reliable, reproducible, and rational did you feel this webpage by the
Medical Medium was and why? (Write at least 3–4 sentences.)
While some individuals may report positive experiences following the Medical
Medium's advice, the lack of scientific evidence, reproducibility, and reliance on
unconventional methods raise concerns about the reliability and rationality of his
approach within the broader medical and scientific community. It's essential to
approach his teachings with critical thinking and consult with qualified
healthcare professionals for evidence-based medical advice

4. Evaluate the article, “Why Celery Juice is Not the Miracle Some Claim,”
by Carrie Dennett using the Three Rs Evaluation Tool below.
5. Enter answers on a scale of 1–5.
6. Review the author, Carrie Dennett.
The Three Rs of Credible Information: Part 2—“Celery Juice is Not the Miracle”
Reliable Rating
1. The author or organization has good credentials relating to
the topic.
_5 _
1 = No credentials and/or expertise 5 = Has credentials and/or expertise
2. Good references are cited.

1 = No references 5 = Many valid, credible

_ 5_
references
3. The material is sufficiently recent.
_ 5_
1 = More than 10 years old 5 = Within 1–3 years old
4. Article is peer-reviewed or the website is from a reliable
source (.gov, .edu, and so on).
_ 5_
1 = Not reviewed or accredited 5 = Reviewed and/or accredited
Reproducible
5. The information is based on data and research.
_ 5_
1 = No data or research given 5 = Data-driven and research-based
6. The conclusion is reproduced and supported by the
majority of studies on topic.
_ 5_
1 = Neither reproduced or supported 5 = Data-driven and researched-
based
Rational
7. The information is presented in a balanced way (not too
good to be true).
_5 _
1 = All one-sided or too good to be true 5 = Balanced, rational information
8. The authors are free of hidden motives (conflict of
interest).
_ 5_
1 = Biased or conflict of interest 5 = Unbiased or impartial
9. The content is well-written and not focused on an
emotional agenda.
_ 5_
1 = Poorly written or emotional 5 = Well-written, rational
10. Information is consistent with revealed truth that is
available on the topic.
_ 5_
1 = Contradicts revealed truth 5 = Consistent with revealed truth
Share Your Reasoning. Overall, how reliable, reproducible, and rational did you feel
this webpage by Carrie Dennett was and why? (Write at least 3–4 sentences.)

7. Compare the two articles.

Compare and Contrast the two articles. Which one was more credible to you and
why?
Enter your response here:

Thank you for completing this activity! You will use these skills of evaluating sources on
the Forum Preparation activities as you evaluate articles that are presented to you and
sources you find on your own.

We hope you learned this from the Three Rs Activity:

Thank you for all of your effort to evaluate these sources! We will continue to use these
skills during this course in reviewing the articles given each week and in evaluating the
sources you find.
The first article on celery juice may have had you believing it was the cure to end all
problems! However, we hope after reviewing the second article from a registered
dietician, you may have a more complete understanding that celery juice alone is not
the cure, even though eating your vegetables is very important!
Neither article would have scored a five in every criteria on the Three Rs Tool,
but the article by the registered dietician was the more credible article.
Please review the analysis below on each article and compare your reasoning with the
feedback below:
Article: “Medical Medium: Celery Juice” by Anthony Willams
Reliable: Anthony Williams is unlicensed but gives medical and health advice based on claims of insight
from the Spirit. We are not discounting that the Spirit does guide and direct us and teach the truth.
However, Williams has no certifications in scientific or medical training and does not have spiritual
stewardship over those he advises. His disclaimers on his website advise that his suggestions should not
be a substitute for medical advice and that you should seek advice from a medical doctor before following
his advice. Therefore, this would be a less reliable source of information.
Recent: No specified date for when the information was published, so we do not know how recent the
information is.
Sources: No sources are given to the studies shared, but personal reviews and testimonials. We don't
know the scientific research methods used to validate the claims. The article is not peer-reviewed.
We rated this source and conclusions as less reliable and more subjective.
Reproducible: Claims are not based on research or, if it is, that research is not shared. One could test
out the claims of eating celery juice. His recommendations are to blend one bunch and drink on an empty
stomach once every morning and not blend. We could reproduce that and test it, but so far, no
independent studies have been conducted or shared for effectiveness to the stated claims.
Rational: Claims that celery juice can solve all health problems seem “too good to be true” even though it
is in keeping with the knowledge of the revealed truth that improving nutrition and consuming fruits and
vegetables is beneficial to our health. There is a conflict of interest because the author is trying to sell his
program. Several fallacies are used, including the bandwagon fallacy and the appeal to celebrity fallacy;
he shares testimonials from movie stars, sports figures, and CEOs to sell products.
For these reasons, the conclusions on this website are less rational.
Article: “Why Celery Juice is not the Miracle Some Claim” by Carrie Dennet
Reliable: Carrie Dennet is a Registered Dietician and Masters in Public Health. She is a reliable source
for nutrition information.
References cited: Dennet quotes and gives reference to Ginger Hultin and Debbie Petipain, both fellow
dieticians and members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dennet mentions recommendations
from the American Cancer Society. However, no direct links to works are cited. Dennet has her own
nutrition website: www.NutritionbyCarrie.com.
Recent: The article was published on February 25, 2019, which is moderately recent.
Peer-reviewed: Two other Registered Dieticians shared their medical opinion on the topic. The article
was published on a nutrition blog as well as in the Washington Post as an opinion article.
Overall, Ms. Dennet's article and the information provided is a fairly reliable source but could use more
references to be more strongly supported.
Reproducible: Ms. Dennet doesn’t share her resources beyond her two fellow nutrition colleagues, so it
is difficult to validate her claims. However, what is presented is consistent with conclusions given in other
research knowledge bases. Overall, it is moderately reproducible.
Rational: Dennet presents a more balanced approach by stating, “There is no one ‘superfood’ that can
meet all of our daily requirements and in fact, research continually shows that the best nutrition comes
from consuming a variety of food groups and various foods within each group.” She also cautions that
patients should not drink celery juice in place of undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatments.
She doesn’t make any money from this article, and she freely shares nutrition information on her website.
The content is well-written, free from emotional agenda, and is consistent with revealed truth.
Overall, the article is presented in a rational way.

W01 Quiz: Ways of Knowing Truth

In ILearn take the short 5 question quiz on the topics studied above.

W01 Study B: Climate, Weather, Soils, and Stewardship

Study Objectives
Climate and Weather
1. Define climate and weather.
2. Describe the conditions necessary for plants to grow and be productive.
3. Describe the factors that impact the likelihood of plants being grown in
certain geographical areas (rain, temperature, economics, transportation,
marketability, and so on).
Soil
1. Define soil and what soils are composed of.
2. Understand soil forming factors and how humans impact soil formation.
Where Can or Should We Grow Our Food?
Cities are spreading, and new houses are filling the surrounding areas. Farms are
further from city centers, and many are being converted to non-productive land. Also,
some regions of the earth are growing hotter, and are not suitable for their historic
crops. Modern agriculture uses more resources and produces more waste. With the
changes taking place around the world, where can or should we grow our food?
Climate and Weather
1. Watch the "Climate and Plant Production” video (10:*-38 minutes) or read
the "Climate and Plant Production" transcript and answer the questions
below. As needed, you can review this slideshow: Climate and Plant
Production Slides.
 What is the difference between weather and climate?
 How do weather and climate affect plant growth?
 What are the basic principles that account for differences in climate
around the world?
 How would changes in our atmosphere affect long-term crop
production?
 How do our choices affect our atmosphere?
 What do plants need to grow?
 What factors affect where plants are grown?
2. Watch the "How Does the Climate System Work" video (03:52 minutes) or
read the "How Does the Climate System Work" transcript and answer the
questions below.
 What are the main drivers of our climate?
 What factors does the video mention that contribute to the variety of
climates found throughout the earth?
3. Watch the "How Do Greenhouse Gases Work?" video (03:08 minutes) or
read the "How Do Greenhouse Gases Work” transcript and answer the
questions below:
 What factors allow the earth’s surface to maintain livable
temperatures?
 What are the greenhouse gasses? (List a few of the most common
by name.)
 How do greenhouse gasses affect the earth’s temperature?
4. Read the "UN Report Identifies Where Global Harvests Will Rise and Fall
by 2050" article by David Reid addressing the potential effect of climate
change on crop production, and answer the questions below:
 Generally, where is crop production expected to decline and
increase?
 What is the primary concern associated with the proposed changes
in crop production?
 What is responsible for the proposed changes in production?
5. Read the "Soils Overview" article from Soil Science Society of America.
Use this article and the soil dynamics video to answer the questions below.
 What is soil and how is it formed?
 What is the difference between soil and dirt?
 What functions does soil perform?
 Why do soils differ from place to place?
 List the soil particles from smallest to largest.
 Horizon A is the most important for plant growth. According to the
reading, why do you think this is the case?
 Why is it important to care for our soil?
 How does salinization destroy our soil?

Optional Resources
Watch the "Soils and Soil Dynamics" video (09:21 minutes) or read the "Soil and Soil
Dynamics" transcript.

Digging Deeper: Climate, Soils, and Stewardship

1. Watch the "Soils" video (14:39 minutes) or read the "Soil" transcript and
answer the related study questions. As needed, review this slideshow: Soils.
NOTE: At the three-minute mark, the correct percentages for the soil composition of the
"red dot" are 35% Clay, 25% Silt, and 40% Sand—totaling 100%.
 What factors shape soil composition differences, and why are these
differences important?
 What is the best soil composition?
 What are soil horizons?
 What is the most important soil horizon for plant growth?
 For what purposes is soil used?
 How are good soils tied to food security?
 Briefly define and explain the significance of the following:
o Salinization
o Desertification
o Erosion
o Contamination
o Urbanization

Gospel Connection: Environmental Stewardship

 Watch the "Our Earth, Our Home—God Created the Earth" video (1:34
minutes) or read the "Our Earth, Our Home" transcript.
 Read or watch “Our Earthly Stewardship,” the October 2022 general
conference talk given by Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé.
 What are the principles of stewardship?
 What are the most important ways we can be stewards?

W01B Optional Application Challenges: Soils

For each topic we study, several ideas will be presented for optional personal
application of what we are learning. These optional challenges are invitations to you to
use inspiration, reasoning and problem solving, as well as further research, to know
how to apply what you are learning right now to bless yourself and others in sustaining
life. If interested and able, consider selecting one idea and taking action on it or creating
a plan for future action.
The final culminating project for our course will include selecting one topic of interest to
you, researching it using reliable sources, and making a plan of action to do something
related to that topic. You may use these optional personal application challenges at the
end of each study section to help guide you in selecting a topic for your final project.
Consider exploring new ways to improve the soil where you live.
 Climate and Plants: What fruits and vegetables grow best in your
climate? Are there certain varieties of different crops that work better than
others?
 Growing Season: Are there ways you could extend your growing
season? Explore methods such as using a ‘hot box,’ row covers,
greenhouses, grow lights, hydroponics, and so on.
 Improving Soil: How could you improve the soil you have available to
grow your own food? (See “Basic Physical Health with Limited Resources.”)
What additives would your soil need? Explore methods to improve your soil
through composting, container gardens, layered or lasagna gardens, testing
the pH of the soil and adding needed additives, and so on.
 Soil Conservation: Could your land benefit from planting a windbreak,
cover crop, using no-till drilling methods, or other methods to stabilize the
soil?
 Water Conservation: What improvements could you make to your water
irrigation system or watering methods to get water to the plants you would like
to grow?
 Improving Housing Options with Urbanization: What could be done in
your community to improve the housing situation as the population
increases?
o Feel free to share any optional challenges you complete or related
helpful resources you find with your WhatsApp Team Chats!
W01 Activity B: Top Soil Degradation

Overview
 Purpose: Soil is needed to sustain life. Identifying causes and solutions of
soil degradation can help to protect this valuable resource. This activity
applies knowledge gained through this week’s study.
 Task: Research an event of soil degradation that has happened in the last
100 years. Answer the questions below and submit completed activity in I-
Learn.
 Due: This is due at the end of the week in I-Learn.
Top soil degradation is an issue from all around the world that affects our ability to grow
the crops that are needed to feed the world’s growing population. In this activity, you will
investigate a top soil degradation event that has happened anywhere in the world in the
last 100 years.
Soil degradation includes soil contamination, erosion, desertification, and
urbanization.
Soil contamination happens when hazardous substances are spilled or buried
in the soil (such as metals, minerals, chemicals, pesticide, fertilizer and pests or
pathogens).
Erosion happens when there is a loss of topsoil through water (rain, rivers,
ocean), wind, chemicals or physical excavation. Erosion can also be caused by
lack of plant materials or soil compaction or eroding away of the landscape.
Desertification happens when land becomes increasingly arid or dry. This can
be caused by climate change, deforestation, over-cultivation or removal of
vegetation.
Urbanization causes increased human pressure on the land and can reduce
vegetation cover and green spaces and increase the soil to varying degrees of
urban contaminants.
Instructions
1. Search online for a specific event that has happened in the last 100 years
related to one of the different types of soil degradation.
2. Complete the following chart with answers about the event:
Top Soil Degradation Event
1.Type of Soil Degradation Dust Bowl: The Dust Bowl was a period of severe soil
(Erosion, Contamination, erosion and drought
Desertification, Urbanization)
2. Link to Information Source https://www.britannica.com/place/Dust-Bowl
https://www.earthdate.org/episodes/the-dust-bowl-3-
resolution
3.When the Event Occurred 1930 - 1940
4.Where the Event Occurred . United States, primarily Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas,
Colorado, and New Mexico
5.What Caused the Soil It was primarily caused by a combination of natural
Degradation factors, including prolonged drought, high winds, and
poor farming practices. The region had experienced
excessive plowing and cultivation of grasslands, which
left the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.
6. Impact on Human Health The Dust Bowl had significant and detrimental impacts
What has been or could be on human health. The combination of prolonged drought,
the impact on human health severe dust storms, and economic hardships created a
from this event? (Include range of health-related problems for the people living in
economic loss and damages the affected areas during the 1930s: It was a
or any human casualties.) humanitarian crisis that brought about severe health
challenges for those who lived through it. It serves as a
historical reminder of the interconnectedness of
environmental factors, economic conditions, and public
health, highlighting the need for proactive measures to
mitigate such crises in the future.
7. How To Fix This Type of Providing the supplies, technology, and technical advice
Event necessary to research, implement, and promote
Answering this question may appropriate land management strategies. Removing
require research on your dead trees and planting new trees to alleviate
part. psychological stress and create shelter belts.
8. What has already been As early as 1933, the government established soil
done so far to fix this problem erosion camps in the region. They dispatched thousands
in the place where the event of workers to rehabilitate millions of acres and began to
occurred? teach farmers how to protect their soils.
In 1937, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) launched
extensive programs to retain topsoil, including strip
cropping, terracing, irrigation, crop rotation, contour
plowing, no-till farming, and the use of cover crops.
Farmers were paid to practice these methods. Within a
year, the massive effort had reduced soil loss by 65%,
but farmers still struggled.

3. After answering the questions above, copy your work and paste it in the
W01 Activity B: Top Soil Degradation assignment in I-Learn.
W01 Forum Preparation: Urbanization and Sustainability

Overview
Purpose: A major purpose of GESCI 110 is to teach students how to find and evaluate
good sources of scientific information when faced with difficult or ethical situations. This
preparation activity introduces students to the way they will prepare for forums
beginning next week.
Task: Study the topic below and evaluate the given article. Search out two additional
resources related to urbanization and sustainability.
Due: This is due at the end of the week in I-Learn.

Forum Topic: Challenges and Benefits of Urbanization

How can we create sustainable cities and communities?
NOTE: In future weeks, the Forum Preparation activities will help you prepare for the
forum discussion in your team.
Introduction to Urbanization
Urbanization is the shifting of the population from rural areas to urban areas. It is the
process by which towns and cities are formed and continue to grow as more people
begin living and moving there.
1. Read the “Pathways to Sustainable Cities: Lessons from 50 years of UN
Sustainable Development”article on urbanization.
o Please take time to watch the short videos contained in the article
as they give a world view to the challenges of urbanization.
2. Evaluate the article using the Three Rs Evaluation Tool using a scale from
1–5 with five being most reliable and one being least reliable.
Three Rs Evaluation Tool: Pathways to Sustainable Cities (Rate on a scale of 1–
5.)
Reliable Rating
1. The author or organization has good credentials relating to
the topic.
__
1 = No credentials and/or expertise 5 = Has credentials and/or expertise
2. Good references are cited.
__
1 = No references 5 = Many valid, credible references
3. The material is sufficiently recent.
__
1 = More than 10 years old 5 = Within 1–3 years old
4. Article is peer-reviewed or the website is from a reliable
source (.gov, .edu, and so on).
__
1 = Not reviewed or accredited 5 = Reviewed or accredited
Reproducible
5. The information is based on data and research.
__
1 = No data or research given 5 = Data-driven and research-based
6. The conclusion is reproduced and supported by the
majority of studies on topic.
__
1 = Neither reproduced or supported 5 = Data-driven and researched-
based
Rational
7. The information is presented in a balanced way (not too
good to be true).
__
1 = All one-sided or too good to be true 5 = Balanced, rational
information
8. The authors are free of hidden motives (conflict of __
interest).
1 = Biased or conflict of interest 5 = Unbiased or impartial
9. The content is well-written and not focused on an
emotional agenda.
__
1 = Poorly written or emotional 5 = Well-written, rational
10. Information is consistent with revealed truth that is
available on the topic.
__
1 = Contradicts revealed truth 5 = Consistent with revealed truth

3. Additional Research: Research online the topic of urbanization and

building sustainable cities. Find two other credible sources that deepen your
understanding of this topic. Focus your research on the benefits and
challenges of urbanization and factors that impact food production and
meeting the needs of a growing population. Be prepared to post the hyperlink
to these sources when you submit your work in I-Learn.
Source 1 Link: https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8649538_benefits-challenges-
urbanization.html
Source 2 Link: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-
urbanization.php
Describe the three greatest benefits and challenges of urbanization.

Benefits of Urbanization Challenges of Urbanization

Benefit 1: The convenience of Challenge 1: The rapidity of growth in
goods and services is one of the urbanized areas is a challenge.
benefits of urbanization
Challenge 2: The development of more
Benefit 2: There is more social areas to build houses and businesses
integration in urbanized areas. negatively affects the environment.

Benefit 3: There is access to more Challenge 3: The destruction of

educational and medical services. habitats displaces many animals.
4. Research the 17 Goals of Sustainable Cities from the United Nations.
Select three of your favorite Sustainable Development Goals for how to build
or create sustainable cities. Explore actions that can be taken to achieve
these Sustainable Development Goals. Below, write three goals and actions
to increase the sustainability of cities.
Photo Credit: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ “The content of this publication
has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United
Nations or its officials or Member States”.
Sustainable Development Goals Actions to Achieve this Goal
Goal 1 Building Sustainable and Actions to take to reach this goal:
Environmentally-friendly Cities. Governments should pass laws that plan
Why is this sustainable development goal and provide environmentally sound cities
important to you? Sustainable cities and smart growth techniques, considering
embrace improved built environmental that people should not reside in unsafe and
conditions and safe habitats for all urban polluted areas.
populations.
Goal 2 Provision of Essential Services Actions to take to reach this goal: Urban
Why is this sustainable development goal stakeholders must ensure all populations
important to you? The subsidies costs of within the urban areas have access to
basic healthcare, basic education, energy, adequate essential social services, namely
education, public transportation, education, health, sanitation and clean
communication systems, and technology. water, technology, electricity, and food.
Goal 3 Population Control Actions to take to reach this goal: Key
Why is this sustainable development goal stakeholders in urban areas must provide
important to you? The Medical health clinics campaigns and counseling for effective
oriented towards family planning options medical health clinics and family planning to
made accessible across the entire urban help reduce the high rates of population
area with the objective of controlling growth.
diseases and population growth.
5. Personal Application: Briefly summarize what you have learned and
relate what you have found in your research to your own community. Include
in your summary the answers to the following three questions.
o What are the biggest problems or challenges for the cities where
you live or have visited?
o What are possible solutions or ideas to help improve those
problems in your own community?
o How can we improve our cities to meet the needs of a growing
population?
Personal Application Summary: The biggest problems or challenges in my city are:
Rapid Population Growth, Inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and informal
Economy, and housing shortage.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including investment
in infrastructure, affordable housing, job creation, education, and healthcare services.
Effective urban planning, governance reforms, and sustainable development strategies
are essential to managing the impacts of rapid urbanization and ensuring that urban
areas are livable and prosperous for all residents.
Improving cities to meet the needs of a growing population requires long-term planning
and sustainable practices like infrastructure development, affordable housing, and
sustainability to create cities that can support a growing population while maintaining a
high quality of life.
7. Copy your completed charts above and paste them in the W01 Forum Preparation:
Urbanization and Sustainability Quiz in I-Learn.
W01 Example Forum: Urbanization and Sustainability
(Optional)

Example Forum: No required forum WhatsApp discussion is required this first week.
NOTE: Please make sure you have installed WhatsApp, joined your GESCI 110
WhatsApp Team, and introduced yourself to your team.
Please briefly review the example forum slides, then move on to Week 02.
Optional: Explore the example forum slides for Week 01 and read through the key
discussion questions to get an idea of the types of question you will be discussing each
week in your WhatsApp Teams. You do not need to discuss these questions in your
teams this week. Forum Discussions using WhatsApp will officially begin next week.
The link below takes you to an example slides of the types of questions and case
studies that may be included to guide your WhatsApp forum discussions. The slides
marked with a star have the key discussion questions on them.
Optional Example Forum Slides: GESCI 110 Week 01: Urbanization and
Sustainability
Here are the key discussion points for this example forum:
1. Discuss the following:
a. Why do we need cities and urbanization?
b. What challenges are the biggest problems for the cities where you
live or have visited?
c. Share solutions or ideas to help overcome the challenges shared.
2. What were your three favorite ideas for building sustainable cities?
3. How would you vote on the Case Study? (See slides 7–8)
4. How does this topic relate to the work that is being done all throughout the
world to build Zion?
On other weeks that we hold an official Forum Discussion in WhatsApp chat, at the end
of the week you will report back on how your forum discussion went that week on the
Forum Reflection quiz in I-Learn. We look forward to all learning from one another in our
class and gaining a larger world view of our class topics in the forum WhatsApp
discussions!