Climate Detectives: Investigating the Causes and Impact of Climate Change

Introduction

Welcome, Climate Detectives!

Our planet is changing, and so is the climate. You may have heard about stronger typhoons, longer droughts, or melting ice caps. In this WebQuest, you'll explore what climate change is, what causes it, how it affects our world, and what we can do about it. Get ready to become Earth’s investigators and defenders!

Task

Your mission is to create a digital presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva) that explains the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change. You will work in pairs or small groups to:

  • Research key questions using assigned websites

  • Analyze real data and case studies

  • Recommend at least three practical solutions young people can do to help fight climate change

Your final product will be presented to the class as a climate awareness campaign.

Process

1. Form a Team of 2–3 students.

2. Assign Roles: (e.g., Researcher, Designer, Presenter).

3. Visit each of the Resources listed below to gather information.

4. Organize your research into the following sections:

  • What is climate change?

  • What causes it?

  • How does it affect the Philippines and the world?

  • What can we do to stop or reduce its impact?

5. Create your campaign slides and prepare a short explanation.

6. Submit your work and prepare to present.

 

Evaluation
CRITERIA EXCELLENT (10 PTS) GOOD (7-9 PTS) FAIR (4-6 PTS)  NEEDS IMPROVEMENT (1-3 PTS)
Content Accuracy Well-researched and accurate Minor inaccuracies Some incorrect info Mostly inaccurate or missing
Organization & Clarity

Very organized and easy to follow

Mostly clear

Some confusion in flow

Hard to follow
Creativity & Design
Engaging visuals and design
Good use of visuals
Limited creativity
No visual effort
Teamwork & Participation

All members contributed equally

Most participated

Unequal contribution

Minimal participation
Presentation
Confident and well-prepared
Some nervousness
Read from slides
Did not present or unclear

 

Conclusion

Congratulations, Climate Detectives!

You’ve completed your mission and discovered how humans affect the climate—and how we can help our planet heal. Reflect on what you learned: How can your everyday actions make a difference? Remember, change starts with knowledge—and with you.

Credits
Teacher Page

Target Learners:

This WebQuest is designed for junior high school students (Grades 7–10), ideally within a science or environmental science class. It is best suited for students with basic computer and internet navigation skills.

Purpose of the WebQuest:

This activity is designed to deepen students’ understanding of climate change through guided inquiry and collaborative exploration. It encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy. Students will investigate causes and effects of climate change and apply what they learn by designing a digital awareness campaign to share with others.

Standards Alignment:

The WebQuest aligns with the K–12 Science Curriculum of the Philippines, specifically addressing content and performance standards on:

  • Earth's climate systems

  • Human impact on the environment

  • Disaster risk reduction and environmental protection

Teacher Instructions / Tips for Implementation:

  1. Introduce the Topic: Begin with a brief discussion or video to spark interest in climate change.

  2. Group Students: Assign students into small teams and explain their roles (e.g., researcher, designer, presenter).

  3. Guide Exploration: Encourage students to explore the resources provided in the WebQuest. Monitor their research and provide support as needed.

  4. Presentation Day: Allow students to present their campaigns to the class. This can be done in person or submitted digitally.

  5. Assessment: Use the provided rubric to assess each group's work based on content, collaboration, creativity, and communication.

  6. Extension: You may encourage students to publish or share their campaigns online or within the school community as part of an environmental awareness project.

Duration:

This activity can be completed in 2–3 class periods (approximately 40–60 minutes each), with an additional session for final presentations.

Additional Notes:

This WebQuest is adaptable to both face-to-face and blended learning environments. You may also integrate tools like Google Classroom, Canva, or Padlet for submissions and peer feedback.