Introduction
This WebQuest will guide you through researching climate change, its causes, and its impacts on the environment. You will explore how human activities contribute to climate change, investigate the effects on ecosystems, and propose potential solutions to mitigate these impacts.
Task
You will complete the following tasks in this WebQuest:
- Research Climate Change
- Investigate the Causes of Climate Change
- Examine the Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystems
- Propose Solutions to Mitigate Climate Change
- Create a Presentation
You will work independently to gather information and present your findings in a digital format, such as a PowerPoint presentation, Google Slides, or a short video.
Process
1. Research Climate Change
- Begin by reading articles and watching videos to understand the basic concepts of climate change.
- Read NASA’s Climate Change Overview.
- Visit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for more in-depth information and the latest reports on climate science.
- Read the article "What is Climate Change?" from the United Nations Climate Change..
2. Investigate the Causes of Climate Change
- Climate change is driven by natural and human activities. You need to distinguish between them.
- Research the Greenhouse Effect and how it contributes to global warming.
- Look into human activities such as deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and agriculture. Visit EPA: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
3. Examine the Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystems
- Learn about the effects of climate change on weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity.
- Explore National Geographic: Effects of Climate Change.
- Research the Impacts on Ocean Life, including coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
- Investigate how extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, droughts, and floods) are linked to climate change.
4. Propose Solutions to Mitigate Climate Change
- Consider the efforts being made to combat climate change, both globally and locally.
- Investigate international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
- Research renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. Look into Renewable Energy Sources.
- Learn about energy conservation strategies and lifestyle changes that can reduce carbon footprints. See EPA: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint.
5. Create a Presentation
- After gathering your information, create a presentation that:
- Summarizes the causes and effects of climate change.
- Illustrates its impacts on ecosystems and weather.
- Proposes realistic solutions to mitigate the problem.
Design your presentation using Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva. To make your points clear, your presentation should include visuals such as graphs, images, and charts. You will present this to the class at the end of the WebQuest.
Evaluation
Your final presentation will be graded based on the following criteria:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Research & Information | 40 |
| - Accuracy and depth of research. A clear understanding of climate change, its causes, and its effects. | |
| Presentation Design | 20 |
| - Creativity, clarity, and use of visuals. | |
| Solutions Proposed | 20 |
| - Realistic and practical solutions. | |
| Presentation Skills | 20 |
| - Clear, organized, and engaging delivery. |
Conclusion
By the end of this WebQuest, you will have a deeper understanding of the science behind climate change and its global implications. You will have learned about both the challenges and potential solutions, which will prepare you to contribute to discussions on climate action and sustainability in your community.
Credits
- NASA's Climate Change Site: https://climate.nasa.gov/
- EPA Climate Change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change
- National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change