The Process
Phase 1 - Background: Something for
Everyone
Download this PowerPoint Presentation
on Dolphins to gain background knowledge to help you with your WebQuest.
Use other resources that you have access to so that you can explore the
dolphin-safe tuna issue on your own. Click on the icon below to receive
a presentation suitable for use on both Macintosh and PC platforms.
Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different
Perspectives
The WebQuest groups will take on one
of the following roles: Tuna Fishermen, Dolphin Activists, and Lobbyists
for Dolphin Protection Legislation. The links below will help you learn
more about your group's role.
Dolphin
Activists
Lobbyists
Tuna Fishermen
Read through the sites linked to
your role. These sites will provide information that will help you
understand your position. Because these are real web pages you will be
using, not sites made just for schools, the reading level might challenge
you. Use a dictionary to help you with words you might not know.
A link is provided in the navigation bar to an online dictionary.
Clicking on it will open the dictionary in a new window.
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If you print out the files, highlight
the passages that you feel relate to your role. If you look at the files
on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse
across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other
writing software.
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Remember to write down or copy/paste
the URL address of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly
go back to it if you need to to prove your point.
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Please read through ALL of the
information in the sites, rather than simply looking for the answers to
the questions. You have the freedom to integrate the points that you find
interesting. Use this information to strengthen your individual and your
group's viewpoint.
Be prepared to remember what you've
learned and try to make a summary of all of the information pertinent to
your role. Use your view(s) to answer the questions in the task based on
what you have learned from the links for your role.
Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and
Reaching Consensus
Each WebQuest team has learned about
a different role in the dolphin-safe tuna issue, and has gained expertise
on their perspective. Now you will apply your expertise to create a presentation
that will explain your conclusion based on your role's view of the "dolphin-safe
tuna" issue.
Using information, pictures, facts,
opinions, etc. from the web sites you've explored, you will attempt to
convince your classmates that your viewpoint is important. This presentation
should include a multimedia aspect, such as PowerPoint or HyperStudio.
Be sure to fully develop your role, including vital facts and opinions,
in order to validate your perspective. (And be creative!)
After each group has given their
presentation, the class will discuss each viewpoint, allowing everyone
to form their own opinion(s). More than likely, everyone will have different
views because there is no right or wrong solution.
Remember to keep an open mind as
you listen to each side of the issue.
Phase 4 - Real World Feedback
You and your classmates have learned
a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now is the time to put your
learning into a letter that you will send out for real world feedback.
Each of you will write a letter that contains opinions, information, and
perspectives that you have gained. Here is the process:
Begin your letter with a statement of
who you are and why you are writing your message to your Congressman, Tuna
Cannery (BumbleBee or Starkist, for example), or Dolphin (marine life)
Conservation Organization (Earth Island, for example).
Give background information that shows
you understand the topic of dolphin-safe tuna.
STATE THE TASK/QUESTION AND YOUR CONCLUSION.
In your letter, try to include several
good reasons which support your opinion. Make sure to be specific in both
the information (like where you got it from on the Web) and the reasoning
(why the information proves your point).
Be sure to proofread the letter. Make
sure the teacher gets a copy before you mail your letter.