What makes an effective poster?

We've all seen environmental messages... posters, signs, TV ads and billboards reminding us to recycle, not litter, or turn off lights when we leave the room.

As part of our study on how public opinion can make a difference in policy and practice, our AP Environmental Science class is going to make a poster with a message about an endangered species in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem: the Delmarva Fox Squirrel. This critter has one big advantage: it's cute and fuzzy, so people will care about it!

We're going to pilot four different versions of a "Save the Delmarva Fox Squirrels" poster, with four different message themes. Take the polls (on the right) and let us know which theme you think will be most effective!

Leave a comment: (1) What is YOUR favorite of the four themes? (2) For your chosen theme: suggest a statement or message for the poster!

Offshore drilling: good or bad idea?

OK, so maybe the picture is more "complex" than good vs bad.

We want to hear your thoughts. What are the pros and cons of offshore drilling? Should we be looking for more oil, or focusing on alternative fuels? Do we even have the funds and infastructure now to begin a meaningful movement away from fossil fuels?

Offshore drilling: what are your thoughts?

Offshore drilling: Obama clears way for oil drilling off Virginia, other coasts - baltimoresun.com

Offshore drilling: Obama clears way for oil drilling off Virginia, other coasts - baltimoresun.com

We need to heat our houses, fuel our cars, and power our factories. Like it or not, we use oil for all of these purposes.

We could continue to buy much of our oil from OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Companies) while wars and scarcity cause oil prices to rise and rise. We could attempt to produce more domestic oil, and reduce our reliance on imports. Or, we could try to end our dependence on all oil, by making drastic changes in the ways we produce and use energy.

Some see offshore drilling as an answer to our energy needs. Others contend that the environmental risks are too great, and the payoff is far too small.

Offshore drilling: is this a good idea?

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