C104: From Local to Global (Part 1)

​Wahoo!  The moment has finally come.  We get to merge the local inquiry with a global context.  I’m physically and metaphorically rubbing my hands together with glee.  I can’t wait to put these ideas together to create something meaningful. 

When I think of the relationship between the local and global inquiry, the first thing that pops into my mind is the PZ visible thinking routine, Projecting Across Distance.  This amazing thinking routine helps learners to stretch their understanding about local or isolated content and make relevant and significant connections. It has become one of my favorite routines to use to explore more complex issues that humanity is universally experiencing at the same time.  In some small way, it makes it easier to realize that you are not the only one. 

Projecting Across Distance​

http://www.pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Projecting%20Across%20Distance.pdf

Pick a topic, event, or issue that might be approached differently in different parts of the world or even your own country, such as food security, population growth, or marriage practices. Then, consider it from the following perspectives. 

How is the topic, event, or issue playing out or viewed in... 
your community?
another city or town in your country?
a country east or west of your country, where people may think differently about the theme, event, or issue?
a country north or south of your country, where people may think differently about the theme, event, or issue? 

What might account for the similarities and/or differences between and within the communities and countries?

To apply this visible thinking routine, I am going to conduct a research project based on places that have a special place in my heart through personal travel and living in the country.  Sorry if I geek out, but you will get a bigger picture at the end.  I just love this stuff. 

What might account for the similarities and/or differences between and within the communities and countries?

The commonality between all the countries explored is that there is disparity of access to clean water and balanced eating opportunities based on your income level.  As expected, the majority of the issues occurred in rural areas outside of big cities due to infrastructure or easy access. 

​​In the United States and Australia, the highest population that did not have access to balanced diets were people of color.  Although, Australia is trying to put forward initiatives to teach people living in poorer conditions how to source and prepare healthy meals. 

Although India has clean water access in rural areas, most of the people do have access.  There was limited data to support unbalanced diets, rather, there was more research to support healthier eating systems.