The Climate Crusaders: A Call to Action

Hello, Future Climate Leader!

Imagine a world with unpredictable weather, extreme heat, and rising waters. This reality is approaching fast. Our planet is changing, and the choices we make now will affect future generations.

In this WebQuest, you will act as a Climate Change Investigator. You’ll research the causes, effects, and solutions of global warming. You won’t just learn about the issue; you’ll create a plan to help your community contribute to the solution. Are you ready to make a difference? Let’s begin!

Your mission is to work as a Climate Consultant Team composed of 3-4 students. You will research the fundamental science behind climate change and its impacts. Then, your team will develop and present a Community Climate Action Plan that addresses a specific climate challenge relevant to your local area, such as reducing plastic pollution, promoting renewable energy, conserving water, or advancing sustainable transportation.

Your final project must include the following components:

1. A 10-15 minute presentation (using Google Slides, PowerPoint, or video).

2. A detailed one-page infographic or poster summarizing your proposed solution and its local impact.

3. A brief report (500 words) that outlines the problem, your proposed solution, and a realistic implementation strategy (including who will be involved, what actions will be taken, when the actions will occur, and where they will be implemented).

Steps to Complete Your Mission:

Phase 1: Research & Diagnosis

1. Understand the Basics: Research the difference between weather and climate, the Greenhouse Effect, and major human activities causing global temperature rise.

2. Summarize: Note the three primary causes of climate change.

3. Identify Impacts: Investigate the global and local effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather. Focus on one impact relevant to your area.

Phase 2: Developing a Solution

1. Select a Local Challenge: Choose one specific climate challenge to address in your school or neighborhood (e.g., reduce food waste, increase recycling, plant trees).

2. Brainstorm Solutions: Research successful initiatives from other communities and select the most feasible solution for your challenge.

3. Estimate Impact: Use online tools to calculate the potential positive impact of your proposed solution (e.g., CO₂ savings, waste reduction).

Your team's final product will be evaluated based on the quality of your research, the feasibility of your action plan, and the effectiveness of your presentation. The total score will be out of 16 points.

Grading Scale:

14–16 Points: A (Excellent)

11–13 Points: B (Good)

-8–10 Points: C (Fair)

Below 8 Points: D/F (Needs Improvement)

Rubric Breakdown (Maximum of 4 Points per Criterion):

1. Content Accuracy & Depth (4 points)**

• 4 Points: All facts are accurate, demonstrating a profound and nuanced understanding of both climate science and the specific local challenge.
• 3 Points: Most facts are accurate, showing a good overall understanding of the topics.
• 2 Points: Some factual errors are present, and the understanding is limited to surface-level concepts.
• 1 Point: Many factual errors are present, indicating little understanding of climate science or the local problem.

2. Action Plan Feasibility (4 points)

• 4 Points: The solution is highly creative, realistic, and detailed, including a clear step-by-step implementation strategy for the community.
• 3 Points: The solution is realistic and effectively addresses the local challenge, but the implementation steps could be more detailed.
• 2 Points: The solution is too general or vague and lacks a clear and practical implementation strategy.
• 1 Point: The proposed solution is unrealistic, overly expensive, or irrelevant to the identified local challenge.

3. Presentation and Infographic Quality (4 points)

• 4 Points: The presentation is engaging, professional, and clear. Visuals are effectively utilized, and all team members contribute equally to the delivery.
• 3 Points: The presentation is clear and organized, with visuals that support the content well.
• 2 Points: The presentation is understandable but lacks engagement or organization, and the visuals are minimal or unclear.
• 1 Point: The presentation is disorganized, difficult to follow, or the infographic is visually cluttered and unprofessional.  

4. Report Structure and Mechanics (4 points)

• 4 Points: The report is well-written, meets the 500-word count, and is virtually free of grammatical or spelling errors.
• 3 Points: The report is mostly well-written with only a few minor errors that do not hinder understanding.
• 2 Points: The report contains several grammatical or spelling errors, and its structure or flow is weak.
• 1 Point: The report is poorly written, full of errors, and does not meet the required length.  

Congratulations, Climate Crusaders! You have completed your mission and are now agents of change.

Take a moment to consider:

1. What surprised you most about climate change or its local effects?

2. How has this process changed your behavior or perspective on daily choices?

3. What small step will you take next to support your team’s action plan?

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about everyone doing their part. You have the knowledge and plan—now go make a difference!

1. NASA Global Climate Change. Search query: NASA climate change facts for students

2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Basics. Search query: EPA climate change basics

3. National Geographic Education. Search query: Nat Geo climate change solutions

4. Project Drawdown Solutions. Search query: Project Drawdown list