Global Warming WebQuest & Movie Project
An Internet WebQuest on Global Warming

created by Mr. A

Introduction | The Task | The Process | Conclusion |


Introduction
Global Warming is a 'Hot' topic in the news today. Many theories exist today that try to prove global warming exists and is fueled by humans. Other people discredit or are opponents of the fact that global warming is caused by humans and is a natural cycle of the Earth .

Task
Your task is to research ideas about global warming and the impact on the world. Once you have a good ideas about global warming, your group will come to a concensus about if you believe global warming is caused by humans, or if you think this topic is blown out of proportion by the media and is just a natural cycle of the Earth.

After reading and researching, you will develop your opinion about global warming and express it to the class by developing a short movie that illustrates your stance on global warming.

By completing this WebQuest & Project, you should achieve the following goals: 1) develop an interest in the study of Global Warming; 2) use the power of the Internet for advanced exploration; 3) learn information about key aspects of Global Warming; 4) realize that complex topics can be looked at from various perspectives; 5) formulate and support an opinion based on your research; and 6) work with teammates to determine a combined action plan.

Process
Step 1: What is Global Warming? What are the opinions, evidence, and research for and against the causes of Global Warming? Read these websites provided (or any additional websites found)to gain an understand of the issues and opinions.

Step 2: Group forms stance--believer or skeptic about Global Warming caused by humans.

Step 3: Provide evidence to back up your belief. This must be typed out in bulleted format or outline format. Your group must provide a list of sources for the information used--where did you find the information?

Step 4: Create a movie displaying your group's opinion (Specifics can be found in Phase 3 section)--use provided websites for information in movie.

Step 5: Presentation of movie and ideas to class.

Phase 1 - Background Information
These sites are important because they will provide basic information about the topic as a whole. Everyone should explore these sites before starting your Task.


Phase 2 - Roles
Your group may develop into one of the two roles below: advocate or opponent. This is your chance to show the world your ideas about Global Warming. Scientists and politicians have squabbled for years about Global Warming. Use the links provided to find information, you may search the web for other links as well.

Advocate:

Are you a believer in the theory that humans are causing Global Warming? If you would like to take on this role in your movie, provide specific details or examples by completing an outline of your evidence for the harmful effects of Global Warming.

Opponent:

Are you a critic or skeptic about humans causing Global Warming and the mass media hype about the harmful effects to come in the future? If an opponent of Global Warming is your role, provide specific details or examples by completing an outline of your evidence against Global Warming.

Movie Maker Tips:

When creating your movie in Movie Maker, you may want to visit this site for some quick tips on using the software.


Phase 3 - Reaching Consensus
You have all learned about different parts of Global Warming. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from two perspectives--advocates or opponents.

You must all now complete the movie as a group. Each group will bring a certain viewpoint to the Global Warming question: some of you will be advocates that something must be done to stop Global Warming and others will disagree with the theories today and conclude Global Warming is a natural cycle. Use information, pictures, quotes, facts, opinions, video clips etc. from the web sites you explored to convince your class that your viewpoint is important.

You will receive a rubric with specific expectations for the outline, movie, and presentation.

Conclusion
Humans causing Global Warming, is it true or false based on your research and findings? The class will see which movie illustrates the best argument for or against Global Warming's impact on Earth.

created by Filamentality Content by Mr. A, seth_anderson08@hotmail.com
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/webglobalwmr2.html
Last revised Thu Jul 31 5:53:09 US/Pacific 2008