Introduction
A WebQuest for 8th Grade Science
{TEK 8.11D}
Designed by
Maria C. Fierro
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government-environmental agencies are seeing drastic changes in our planet. On April 22, 2014 (Earth Day) there is to be a week long convention in Galveston, Texas. The main focus of this convention is to look at the changes of the oceanic systems and human impact. During this week, the problems facing the oceans will be discussed, provide a better understanding of their impact on the planet and proposals will be presented for possible solutions for the future.
What is happening in our oceans and why?
What are the results?
What can we do to rectify the problems?
How do humans contribute to the problems?
Are the problems located in specific locations?
Task
Your group is composed of some of the top oceanographers in the country. Your team's job is to analyze and study how people's actions have affected the oceanic system via runoffs, contaminants, artificial reefs and other activities. As top experts in this field, you are to have a good understanding on the importance of our oceans. Each member of your group will take up one of the human activities, analyze the effects in the ocean via websites provided/note taking and come up with possible solutions.
After each member has completed the work, the group will rejoin and discuss the importance of the oceans, human impacts, problems and solutions. Towards the end of your discussion, you are to think of other effects the ocean can have in the planet if no action is taken. As a group, you are to present your findings in a PowerPoint presentation to other oceanographers in the room.
Process
1) As a group, pick up your ID cards (blank ID provided by teacher) and come up with the name of the research institute you work for, paste your picture and write your name. Every member should clip on their ID cards.
2) Copies of bubble map graphic organizers will be given to all the oceanographer groups.
3) As a group, view the following websites to have a better understanding of the importance of the ocean and your role as an oceanographers:
** What does an oceanographer do
oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oceanographer.html/
** Why the Ocean Matters
video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/habitats- environment/habitats-oceans-env/why-ocean-matters/
4) Within your group, designate one of the human activities to each oceanographer to analyze, become aware of the problems and propose solutions via the following websites. View the next two websites together and then breakup to view your respective topic: (Use the bubble map organizers to take notes)
Keep in mind:
How is this human action or activity affecting the ocean?
How is this action or activity getting into the ocean?
How can this be stopped or prevented?
What are the possible solutions for the future?
** Humans hit the oceans hard
www.livescience.com/15573-humans-hit-oceans-hard.html
** ocean of truth
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngrZ7r0XA7M
oceanographer #1 - natural and artificial reefs
** artificial reefs and ocean barriers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiSU0n0EFoE
** people and ecosystems
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcp3nUpbfXI&list=PL31B40B05BE7AD6A8
oceanographer #2 - marine debris
** marine debris
oceantoday.noaa.gov/marinedebris/
oceanographer #3 - chemical contaminants
** chemical contaminants
oceantoday.noaa.gov/chemicalcontaminants/
5) After becoming more of an expert in the respective human activity or action, regroup and discuss your findings, problems and proposals to solutions for the future as a group. Combine your notes and begin to gather the information into a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation has to include:
^ Title page with your group's research institution name, oceanographers' names and one picture of choice
^ 5-7 slides presenting your research and proposals
6) All oceanographer groups will present their finding to the class...please make sure you wear your ID cards and present yourselves beforehand.
Evaluation
Two grades will be given. One for each oceanographer based on observation while they worked within the group. Second grade will be based on group's overall presentation.
| Beginning 1 | Developing 2 | Accomplished 3 | Exemplary 4 | |
| Cooperative Work: Able to work as a team member | No Participation | Little Participation | Fully participated to meet lesson requirements | Fully participated engaged in full discussion at higher standards |
| Demonstrates Motivation & Personal Skills | No Participation | Little Participation | Requirements motivated and used skills to complete project | Highly motivated and used skills beyong the lesson's scope |
| Note Taking Skills | Not Completed | Partially Completed | Completed to meet all lesson requirements | Completed with logic and high standards |
| Final Presenation | Unfinished | Partially Finished | Completely finished and met all lesson requirements | Completely finished at higher standards beyond the lesson's scope |
| Demonstrates Understanding of the Lesson Material | No Indication | Partial Indication | Understood lesson | Understood lesson & provided additional information beyond the lesson's scope |