Introduction
Welcome!
All over the internet, I'm sure you've seen images and articles with supposed "health advice" - with no reference to whether the information is true or not; based on research or experience, etc..
So how do we know what is true, and what is false? Do you believe this video? Why/ Why not?
In today's webquest you will use your academic research skills to prove, or disprove, a popular theory or myth about health - you will choose to investigate a supposed healthy or unhealthy behaviour.
This webquest will let you practice the important skill of quickly sourcing and reporting on the most important information in an academic article.
You have a maximum time of 40 minutes to complete this webquest.
Task
1. Choose one of the 14 statements below of a supposed 'healthy' or 'unhealthy' behaviour and let your teacher know your choice. You will investigate the behaviour academically.
"Unhealthy" behaviours:
-
Sitting for too long is just as bad as smoking for your health
-
Brushing teeth after eating is bad for your teeth
-
night lights can cause brain damage
-
artificial sweeteners cause weight gain or diabetes (more than sugar)
-
Using smartphones in bed can destroy your ability to relax and/or sleep
-
Eating eggs is bad for your heart
-
Eating carbohydrates (bread, pasta) causes weight gain
"Healthy" habits
-
-
Breakfast should not be skipped (you should eat it every day)
-
Vitamin C is good for your health
-
Sleep routine is important
-
Exercise can relieve stress
-
Drink eight glasses of water per day
-
Having a 'digital detox' (taking away electronic devices) is good for your health
-
Learning a language or skill (e.g. dancing) can prevent dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease
-
We should exercise for 30 minutes every day
Process
1. Use Google Scholar, and NEWCAT library catalogue to find Academic Articles and information relating to your chosen health statement.
2. Find at least 2 academic articles and skim read them, concentrating on the abstract, introduction and conclusion to discover the author's perspective and the basis of their issue.
3. Collect notes and write a brief summary of your findings. In your opinion, is the popular theory true or false? What were the opinions of the 2 articles you read? Did they agree or disagree?
An example of what you must write is:
"Statement"
I found out that this statement about X.... is True/False.
A study by XXX, published in the XXXX journal (Year) says...
"Quote"
This would suggest that the statement is true/false; also another study by XXX, published in the XXXX journal (Year) states that....
"Quote"
Both of these articles agree/disagree that it is true/false that "statement."
Evaluation
Did you find a definitive conclusion on whether your behaviour really is healthy or unhealthy?
Write a reflective paragraph describing your research process and if you found it easy or not.