WebQuest

Global Warming

Process

Introduction:

For this Webquest you will be working in teams of no more than four people. You will complete a Learning Contract as a team, where you will outline your support questions to help guide your investigation and your proposed presentation method (please be creative with this).

You have been engaged by an independant community group, Environment For a Future, to investigate the Global Warming issue and report back to them on
1) Whether Global Warming is fact or fiction,
2) If Global Warming is a fact, is man actually contributing or is it a natural phenominon that has occurred before and will again, and
3) If Global Warming is a fact and man is contributing, what is the most appropriate way of stopping the impact we are having.

Detective Work:

1. Using the list of websites (and others you may find), it is time to take the roll of a "researcher." You will visit websites published by different organizations to collect data on their position concerning Global Warming. As you read their positions, you will need to record data on a data chart. It will be important for you to research the person or group creating the site as well. As you read through the website ask yourself the following questions and record this information on your data chart also:

What is the name of their organization?
What is their purpose of the author or website?
How is the organization funded? Is it non-profit or for profit? Do they accept donations and from whom? Is it sponsored by the government, privately funded or unknown sources?

Keeping these questions in mind will allow you to evaluate their data more honestly and more openly. You are also allowed to research other websites not listed here. It is very important that you evaluate both sides of the argument during your "investigation". This information will be used to complete your final WebQuest activity.

2. Investigate the proposed solutions of both the Government and Opposition to lessen the impact man is having on the environment. Again record this on a data chart.

Report:

Environment For a Future would like you to assist them to put a submission to Federal Parliament outlining the results of your investigation.

Please be creative with your presentation, you want to capture the attention of the politicians who are making decisions that will effect the whole community for many years to come - so you want to make sure your opinion is heard.

Websites:

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html

http://globalwarmingkids.net/

http://www.clean-air-kids.org.uk/globalwarming.html

http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-basics/kidspage.cfm

http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/globalwarmingforkids.html

http://tiki.oneworld.net/global_warming/climate_home.html

http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMZ3LXJD1E_Earth_0.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/global_warming.htm

http://www.alligatorboogaloo.com/kids/features/globey/index.html

http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/gl/Global_warming

http://science.pppst.com/globalwarming.html

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/