Introduction
As an animal lover you have always wondered about how animals are treated in zoos and how it must feel for them. Recently, you joined an animal rights group who is strongly against the existance of zoos. After hearing what the other members have to say about zoos, and the stories they share - like these for example: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/02/11/zoos-gone-wild-10-zoo-controversie…;- you begin to feel more and more strongly that zoos are unfair and cruel to animals. The group has arranged a media event to share their views with the people of Calgary in the hopes of starting a movement to have the Calgary zoo closed. A representative from the Calgary Zoo will also be at the event to argue the benefits of the zoo. The group has asked you to be their spokesperson at the media event - the fate of their cause, and the lives of the animals, is in your hands!
Task
Your task throughout this WebQuest is to research information about the treatment and quality of care for animals who live in zoos, as well whether or not the zoo's existance is beneficial to the city and it's people (ex. are the educational benefits of the zoo proven? How much money does the zoo cost the city? etc). Information regarding the Calgary Zoo would be particularly helpful. You will use this information as evidence to support your opinion that the zoo should be close for good when you present at the media event.
Process
Follow these steps to complete your research and find evidence to support your opinion in each of the categories that will be presented during the media event.
Step 1:
Decide among your group who will be taking on each category. Group members will be in charge of researching and recording evidence for the category that they have chosen. Your group members may work in pairs to complete a category if they wish.
Step 2:
Use the following websites to find the information and evidence you need to prove that the zoo should be closed down. Read through the websites and record jot notes with the evidence you find (make sure you take note of which article you get the information from):
http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-animals-be-kept-in-zoos - This website shows other peoples' opinions regarding the zoo debate. You may read through their opinions to get some ideas for your argument.
http://animal-facts.org/animals-kept-in-zoos/ - This website describes some pros and cons of zoos. You can use this website for ideas, as well as to get some ideas as to the points that the zoo representative may argument at the event.
http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsinentertainment/a/Arguments-For… - This site describes more pros and cons of zoos, but directly from an animal rights perspective
http://www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/zoos.htm - This website describes some of the animals rights issues within zoos
http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2010/03/10-facts-about-zoos - This article shows a very strong opinion against zoos and provides 10 reasons why
Step 3:
Come back together as a group to discuss the evidence and points you collected through your research. You may work as a group to organize this information into the categories if needed and plan how you will present your information during the media event. Remember that during the debate, the zoo representative will be there to try and convince the audience to agree with their side as well - make sure your group members are prepared to respond to the arguments of the other side of the debate.
Step 4:
Each group member will have an opportunity to speak during the media event. Make sure each member knows which topic they will be speaking on, and which points they are to address. Take the time to practice your arguments on each other and make notes for yourself if you would like.
Step 5:
It's time to attend the media event! Remember to speak loud and clear so that the audience can hear you. Know which topic you are addressing, and which points you are arguing. Also remember that during a debate, it is important to listen to the opinions and evidence presented by the other side so that you may respond apporpriately.
Step 6:
Await further instructions!