Climate Change Detectives | Create WebQuest

Introduction

Our planet is sending us a warning.

Glaciers are melting. Sea levels are rising. Typhoons are becoming more intense. The Philippines, our home is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. But what exactly is causing these changes? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

Task

Working individually or in pairs, you will research the science behind climate change and produce a Climate Action Infographic using Canva (or any design tool) that includes the following:

Your infographic must contain:

    • At least 3 causes of climate change (with scientific explanation)

    • At least 3 effects on the Philippines specifically

    • At least 2 local solutions individuals or communities can take

    • One data visualization (graph, chart, or map) from a credible source

    • A proper citation/reference list (minimum 3 sources)

Process

1. Explore the basics

Visit NASA Climate Kids and the IPCC summary page. Take notes on what causes climate change and how scientists measure it. Write down at least 5 facts.

2. Investigate local impact

Read the PAGASA climate reports and news articles about typhoons, flooding, and drought in the Philippines. Find at least one data source (chart or statistic).

3. Research solutions

Visit the UN SDG Goals page and look into Goal 13 (Climate Action). Identify solutions that are realistic at the community or individual level in the Philippines.

4. Design your infographic

Open Canva and choose an infographic template. Organize your findings into clear sections: Causes, Effects, Solutions, and Data. Keep it visual and easy to read.

5. Write your reflection and submit

Write 5 sentences reflecting on what you learned and how it changed or confirmed your thinking about climate change. Submit both the infographic and reflection to Moodle.

Evaluation

Evaluation Rubric — Climate Change Detectives WebQuest

Total: 40 points

1. Scientific Accuracy (10 points)

Excellent (10): All causes and effects are correctly explained using scientific concepts.

Satisfactory (7): Most information is accurate with minor errors.

Needs Improvement (4): Several inaccuracies or vague explanations present.

2. Local Relevance (10 points)

Excellent (10): Effects are clearly connected to the Philippine context with specific examples.

Satisfactory (7): Some local examples included but not fully developed.

Needs Improvement (4): Little to no connection to the Philippine setting.

3. Design & Clarity (10 points)

Excellent (10): Infographic is visually organized, easy to read, and uses data effectively.

Satisfactory (7): Readable but somewhat cluttered or inconsistent in layout.

Needs Improvement (4): Difficult to follow; poor visual organization.

4. Sources & Reflection (10 points)

Excellent (10): 3 or more credible sources cited; reflection is thoughtful and personal.

Satisfactory (7): 2 sources cited; reflection is present but surface-level.

Needs Improvement (4): Fewer than 2 sources; reflection is missing or very brief.

Conclusion

You have now explored the science of climate change, examined its real effects on the Philippines, and identified actions that can make a difference. The research you did in this WebQuest is the same kind of work real scientists, journalists, and policymakers do every day.

Credits

Websites and resources

Science & data

NASA Climate — climate.nasa.gov IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Summary — ipcc.ch NOAA Climate Data — climate.gov/maps-data

Philippines-specific

PAGASA — pagasa.dost.gov.ph NICCDIES Climate Portal — niccdies.climate.gov.ph

Solutions & action

UN SDG Goal 13: Climate Action — sdgs.un.org Canva (design tool) — canva.com

Teacher Page

This WebQuest was designed for Grade 8 Science students and is aligned with the DepEd curriculum on Earth and Space, specifically the topic of climate change and its effects on the environment. It is intended to develop students' research skills, critical thinking, and ability to communicate scientific information creatively.

Target Learners

Grade 8 students, approximately 13–14 years old. Basic familiarity with using the internet and design tools like Canva is helpful but not required.

Curriculum Alignment

This activity supports the following DepEd Grade 8 Science competencies:

    • Explain the effects of changing climate and how it affects life on Earth

    • Analyze the impact of human activities on climate change

    • Suggest ways to mitigate the effects of climate change in the local community

Time Frame

2 to 3 class sessions of approximately 60 minutes each, or can be assigned partly as homework.

Materials Needed

    • Computers, tablets, or smartphones with internet access

    • Student accounts on Canva (free)

    • Access to Moodle or any submission platform for final output

Tips for Implementation

    • Walk students through the resources page during the first session to help them navigate credible sources.

    • Encourage students to focus on Philippine-specific data to keep the activity locally relevant and meaningful.

    • The infographic can be done individually or in pairs depending on available devices.

    • For students with limited internet access, you may download and print selected articles from the resource links in advance.

Assessment Notes

Use the provided rubric to score the infographic and reflection. A total of 40 points is divided equally across four criteria: scientific accuracy, local relevance, design and clarity, and sources and reflection. You may adjust the point values depending on your class priorities.

Credits and References

Developed as a course requirement for Science. Resources used are all freely accessible and do not require student accounts except for Canva.