Introduction
In today's world, we are confronted with several challenges that have profound implications for both our environment and our health. Climate change is reshaping weather patterns and impacting public health in various ways, from increasing the frequency of extreme weather events to altering disease patterns. Pollution- whether it’s air, water or soil - poses serious health risks, leading to a range of diseases and conditions that affect millions globally. Resource depletion is another critical issue, with the overuse of essential resources like water, threatening food security and overall human well-being. Finally, the emergence of new infectious diseases highlights the need for robust health systems and global cooperation to manage and prevent such outbreaks. Understanding and addressing these interconnected challenges is crucial for fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Task
In this WebQuest, students collaborate in international groups, research key environmental and health issues and create digital presentations. They share their work and also explore the findings of peers through a Gallery Walk, discuss different perspectives and finally reflect on the most important insight gained.
Process
Step 1: Group Formation and assignments
Students divide in four transnational groups with the assignment to make research and digital presentations on the following topics:
Group 1: Climate Change and Public Health
Group 2: Pollution and Health Risks
Group 3: Resource Depletion and Human Health
Group 4: Emerging Health Threats from Infectious Diseases
To choose a group and see more instructions they visit this Shared Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fGZ527hM2TV5myneP4MSPHuYfD7yNBxF4u6SSya5xCU/edit?usp=sharing
Step 2: Research
Each group will use the guiding questions and provided resources to conduct online research and collaborate on a shared Google Slides presentation, accessible through Padlet:
Step 3: Presentations
Once the presentations are ready, they will be upnoaded to the designated Padlet board. Each group will have a specific column to post their work.
Step 4: Gallery Walk
Students participate in a Padlet Gallery Walk to explore and engage with the findings of other groups, compare insights and contribute to a class discussion on comprehensive strategies to address these future health challenges. They will review the other groups presentations and engage with the content by leaving thoughtful comments and questions.
Step 5: Reflection
Students leave a comment on the related Twinspace forum or have a discussion in the classroom answering to the question "What was the most impactful piece of information you learned?"
Evaluation
- WebQuest's evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPjqwx8ksem-rWnM9qxumAXBNrTrKi88k2MkvwB1VjS2NVMQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Students' evaluation: gathered data from the presentations they will create, their responses to the forum discussion and the meeting of the criteria of the following rubric:
|
Criteria |
1 - Needs Improvement |
2 - Developing |
3 - Satisfactory |
4 - Proficient |
5 - Exemplary |
|
Group Formation |
Group is incomplete or disorganized. Members are unclear about their roles. |
Group is formed but roles are not clearly defined. Some members are less engaged. |
Group is formed with all members present. Roles are assigned but may not be optimal. |
Group is well-formed with clear roles. Members show engagement. |
Group is cohesively formed with strategically assigned roles. All members are fully engaged and collaborative. |
|
Topic Understanding |
Little to no understanding of the assigned environmental health topic is demonstrated. |
Basic understanding of the topic is shown, but lacks depth or contains misconceptions. |
Adequate understanding of the topic is demonstrated. Key concepts are identified. |
Good understanding of the topic is evident. Connections between concepts are made. |
Excellent, in-depth understanding of the topic. Complex relationships within the subject are explored and explained. |
|
Research Quality |
Minimal research conducted. Sources are unreliable or not cited. |
Some research conducted but relies heavily on provided resources. Few additional sources used. |
Adequate research conducted using provided resources and some additional credible sources. |
Thorough research conducted using a variety of credible sources beyond those provided. |
Extensive, high-quality research conducted. Diverse, scholarly sources are used and critically evaluated. |
|
Use of Guiding Questions |
Guiding questions are largely ignored or misunderstood. |
Some guiding questions are addressed, but responses lack depth or accuracy. |
Most guiding questions are addressed with adequate responses. |
All guiding questions are thoroughly addressed with well-researched responses. |
Guiding questions are comprehensively answered with insightful analysis and connections to broader implications. |
|
Collaboration in Google Slides |
Little to no evidence of collaboration. Slides are disjointed or incomplete. |
Some collaboration evident, but work is unevenly distributed or lacks cohesion. |
Satisfactory collaboration. Slides show consistent effort and some integration of ideas. |
Good collaboration evident. Slides are cohesive and show equal contribution from members. |
Excellent collaboration. Slides demonstrate seamless integration of ideas and exceptional teamwork. |
Conclusion
This WebQuest provides a comprehensive framework for addressing some of the most pressing health and environmental challenges of our time. Through collaborative research and digital presentations, students will explore the impacts of climate change on public health, the risks posed by pollution, the consequences of resource depletion and the emergence of new infectious diseases. By engaging in a Padlet Gallery Walk, they will have the opportunity to share their findings, gain insights from their peers and participate in meaningful discussions. This reflective process not only enhances their learning experience but also equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Credits
https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change
https://health2016.globalchange.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/climate-health/php/effects/air-pollution.html
https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
https://www.fao.org/4/y4252e/y4252e14.htm
https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
Teacher Page
This WebQuest was edited by team of teachers of 2o Esperino EPAL Acharnon (Greece) as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).
By engaging in these activities students develop various skills crucial for their future careers in food technology, health and nutrition. They strengthen research and digital literacy by working with shared online tools, enhance critical thinking through analyzing environmental and health challenges and build communication skills by preparing and presenting findings. Collaboration across transnational teams further develops intercultural competence, while reflective tasks foster deeper understanding and the ability to connect knowledge to real-world health and environmental issues.
This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.