Created by

Fred Ende

frende@chappaqua.k12.ny.us

INTRODUCTION

“Ring, Ring.”

The sound of your phone wakes you from a deep sleep. Groggily you answer.

“Hello. . .”

The voice on the other end identifies herself as Dee Forestation. She explains that you along with a group of other community members have been asked to decide the future of the Temperate Rainforest land along the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on your previous environmental experience you agree. Dee explains that you will collect evidence, share details, and as a group will determine whether the rainforest stays or goes. Before hanging up the phone, she ends with a statement that will be the focus of your work: “Who really needs a rainforest?”

You collect your thoughts as you return the phone to its cradle. What is the purpose of the rainforest? Which is more important: the environment, or the economy? Why? As you ponder this, you log onto your computer. An email is waiting for you. Click here to read your email.

TASK

For this webquest, your task will be to decide the fate of the Temperate Rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. You will then present your decision to the general public (the class) during a “press conference.” Your presentation must be one of the three types below. You may:

· Create a five-minute video spot depicting your evidence for your decision and why it is the right decision for our society.

· Create a series of posters describing what will be done (or not done) to the Temperate Rainforest and why the committee has chosen these actions.

· Create a brochure or pamphlet showing the steps the committee went through to arrive at its present answer, and what the fate of the Temperate Rainforest will be and why.

Regardless of which method of presentation you choose, you must prepare yourselves to answer questions posed by the general public. After your presentation, the public will have a few minutes to ask questions about your decisions. Remember, besides sharing your decision, Slash N. Burns expects you to convince them that your choices are correct!

PROCESS

The procedure for this WebQuest will result in you taking a number of steps.

Step 1. First, you will be assigned to a group of four. Once your group has formed, you will each need to pick a role. Click on the name of each role to access a description. Once all roles have been picked, proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Once you have chosen your role, begin to visit the sites contained in your role description. These are just starter sites. Feel free to visit more sites to gain even more in-depth information. Take notes to help develop your position. Questions to consider when researching your role can be found here.

Step 3. After collecting data, sit down with your group members to discuss your positions and ideas. You should structure your discussion based on the questions provided to you and any other questions that you came up with. Discussion will take the shape of a mini-debate. Remember the importance of making sure that all group members’ ideas are heard. A decision cannot be arrived at unless all members participate!

Step 4. After discussion, come to a conclusion about what position you will adopt, and how you will go about it. Group members must agree on a position before proceeding to Step 5.

Step 5. Begin to brainstorm and then work on your project(s). For a quick review of your project options, click here.

Step 6. After completing your project, sign your group up for a presentation date and time. Come prepared to share your decision, your reasons why, and how your decision will better society. Also be prepared to answer the questions posed by the public.

Step 7. Look back at your hard work, and consider what you’ve learned! Write a one-page reflective writing on how you think the project went, what you learned, and how you worked as a group.

EVALUATION

Your group grade will be based on the following evaluation rubric:

	No Evidence 0	Beginning 5	Good 10	Excellent 15	Score
Timeliness	Group project is not completed within two days of the presentation date.	Group project is completed on presentation date, but shows that the project was rushed.	Group project is completed on presentation date, and shows that time was well taken to complete it.	Group project is completed on presentation date, shows time was taken to complete it, and extra items are added in addition to requirements!
Spoken Presentation	There was no evidence of a previously thought out presentation.	Presentation takes place, however only one or two students are involved.	All members are involved, however there is little collaboration between members.	All members are involved, and show an understanding and knowledge of all parts of the presentation.
Projects Created	There is no evidence of any project being created for the presentation.	Project is created, but exhibit the fact that only one or two group members worked on it.	Project is created by all members and shows time was well spent in creating it.	Project is created by all members, shows time was well spent in creating it, and shows excellent usage of group discussion materials
Group Togetherness	Group shows no evidence of ever having worked together.	Group work exists in class, but no effort is made to work as a group outside of the classroom.	Group works well together, and no problems arise.	Group works extremely well together, no problems arise, and members show an understanding of and interest in other members ideas and feelings.

CONCLUSION

“Ring, Ring.”

You leave your dining room table to answer the phone.

“Hello. . .”

The voice on the other line introduces himself as Slash N. Burns. He thanks you for your hard work and for your expertise in making a well-thought out decision. He invites you to serve as a permanent member of the Committee on Temperate Rainforest Management and informs you that he’ll be looking for your input in the future.

As you hang up the phone, you know that you’ve made the right decision. After all, a well thought out plan sure beats a quick decision, even if there will be some people who don’t agree with you. While you don’t know what the future will hold for all of the rainforests out there, you can be sure that if people think as a group and consider the consequences and benefits, good things will almost definitely be the result.

By completing this WebQuest you have learned the importance of independent research and group collaboration. Often, we believe that our ideas are totally correct. However, with input from others, we can learn how to make our ideas even better! In addition, you discovered ways to work effectively as a group to create a product and methods to use to persuade others to see your views!

Congratulations again, and before exiting visit this site.