Group Topic's 1000 word essay: Samantha Castillo

       In this group project we each had to pick a controversial topic and dive into what it is and how it's affecting us and the world. Each group did an exceptional job at providing information and teaching the class about issues that are very common right now. 

     Firstly, Group 3 started the presentation with their topic of climate change. I was a part of this group and was glad to have this topic. We decided to split the research into five subtopics: what is climate change, what causes it, how it affects us technology around us, and solutions to resolve climate change as well as organizations that step up to reduce it. I believe each of us did a great job at providing information that isn't surface level. We went really deep in the information about climate change and provided many visual aids. What I enjoyed most is that each team member had a video related to their topic. Although, we took up two classes because of it, I feel as though climate change is such a complex issue, one class would've not sufficed for how much there is to learn. I enjoyed this presentation because while researching for my information I was able to learn a lot about climate change and how its affecting our world. I never realized how big of an issue it was until I saw the statistics and how great the effects would be to not only the earth but everything around us. Another aspect I enjoyed of this presentation is that some of my team members included parts that appealed to people our age. I feel as though showing celebrities and big brands stepping up to help change the climate change issue, will encourage the youth to care more about it and participate in the movement. Overall, I think all my team members did a phenomenal job in putting their parts together and making a presentation that not only went smoothly, but also informed the class in every way. 

    Secondly, Group two went after with the topic of gender inequality. I was glad to see this topic part of the presentation topics. I feel as though it is very necessary to speak about. I have to say, group two did an excellent job at introducing this controversial topic with ease. They touched every aspect of what gender inequality is and how it affects race, sexuality, and gender. They talked about the discrimination some may receive based on those certain things. Group two did a great job at showing statistics and case studies to truly show what goes on. They showed a few cases that showed how discrimination can happen anywhere, even the workplace. I enjoyed how they included the wage gap that is occurring in the workplace between men and women, but even more specifically men and women in different races as well. They also shined a very necessary light on the LGBTQ community and how hard it may be for them in different areas in their life including education, work, and dealing with sexual harassment. Group two also did very well at giving visual aids to better convey the issue of gender inequality that men and women face everyday. Lastly, I liked how they include that gender inequality is a major barrier to human development and how there will never really be growth until men and women are all treated equally. In the end group two provided some ways we can make a change regarding this issue. Overall, I believe group two did a very great job at working together cohesively and making their presentation flow. They provided exceptional research and I felt very educated after their presentation. 

    Lastly. Group 1 presented last with the issue of infrastructure. Group 1 did a great job at keeping their information very organized and precise. I could tell they practiced their presentation before, because they all spoke very well and confidently. They provided a lot of interesting research and included visual aids, that personally are my favorite since I am more of a visual learner. They kept the class engaged with pictures and graphs that conveyed their research phenomenally. They incorporated recent news like bills that are being passed and funds that are being used to build that help the audience better understand the issue that is happening now. They spoke on the importance of transportation  and made sure the audience understood how everything is made. They did a great job at talking about how it affects our small communities and environment. I believe group one did the same and group three and touched every aspect of this topic to really educate the class on the issue. I also enjoy how they included the topic of crypto currency while speaking about infrastructure. This has caused a shortage of cars and computers, which I was able to learn during this presentation. I honestly didn't know much about this topic until this presentation, but I am glad to say I do now. Overall, Group 1 did a great job at finishing the presentations off with a lasting impression. They spoke very well and made an informative presentation about a controversial topic many people may not know much about. 

    In conclusion, each group did a great job with their controversial topic presentations. I could tell each group is starting to work much more smoother together and the information that is being provided has become much more detailed. I believe there is still some things we can work on not only as a group but individually as well, but overall the presentations visually were appealing, the speaking and presenters were eloquent and confident, and the research and information was exceptional. I feel as though these topics were so intricate that it wasn't that difficult to provide information on and speak passionately about. I enjoyed finding research and presenting on my climate change topic and also seeing and learning the other topics that my classmates presented as well. Overall it was a great assignment and presentations in general.