ADAPTING PROJECT LEGAL

A WebQuest

 

LANDMINE CLEARANCE: Creating a Safer World

The High School for Math, Science & Engineering @ CCNY

Model United Nations Club

Ms. Boylan:  jboylan2@schools.nyc.gov

Ms. Florian:  rflorian@schools.nyc.gov

 

Clickable World Map of Mine Affected Countries

Image from E-Mine website

 

The Introduction

 

Landmines are prevalent throughout the world.  According to Adopt-A-Minefield statistics, there are 70 to 80 million landmines in the ground in one-third of the world’s nations.  15,000-20,000 civilians are killed each year because of these explosive devices.  While conflicts and civil wars plague and ravage nations, the lasting effects of explosive devices are still felt long after a conflict subsides. 

 

 

The Task

 

As delegates to the United Nations, you will be expected to:

·         Write 3-5 paragraphs, single-spaced, providing a brief history of the use of landmines, your country’s position and existing policy;

·         Deliver a 1-minute speech presenting this information in an engaging manner;

·         Participate in an unmoderated caucus in preparation to consolidate support and

·         Write a resolution which will be submitted to the Chairs (Ms. Florian and Ms. Boylan). 

 

 

The Process

In order to complete your task, you need to first become public policy analysts and go through the following six steps, which will give you the foundational information required to write a resolution, from which you will draw for the content of your speech and the unmoderated caucus.

 

Research

Step 1. Define the Problem; Worksheet #1

Step 2. Gather Evidence; Worksheet #2

Step 3. Identify Causes; Worksheet #3

 

Analysis

Step 4. Evaluate a Policy; Worksheet #4

Step 5. Develop Solutions; Worksheet #5

Step 6. Select Best Solutions; Worksheet #6

 

The Paper

Using the research and analysis tools, you will write your 3-5 paragraph, single-spaced paper documenting the background of the issue, position and existing policies of your assigned country.

 

Resolution Writing

Once you have done your initial research and your worksheets, you will write a draft resolution which should include the heading, the preamble and the operative section. Remember, a resolution is the document which can compel a nation to act.  Be thoughtful and critical as you write.  Click here for tips for writing a resolution. 

 

The Speech

Now you will synthesize the research you have done into a one-minute speech.  Work on creating a sharp opener to grab the attention of your audience.  Use statistics (but not too many)!  You will practice the delivery of your speech with a presentation coach to make it sound more natural.  Your speech will be presented during a group meeting that is moderated by a peer chairperson. Click here for tips on writing a speech!

 

The Unmoderated Caucus

During the class session, you will break from formal parliamentary proceedings to discuss your resolutions with other delegates.  At this point, you will attempt to garner support and consolidate your ideas from your individual resolution to co-sponsor a unified resolution which will be presented for a vote.  Click here for tips on caucusing.

 

 

The Resources

Make sure to track and cite resources!

 

Adopt-A-Minefield : A UNA-USA campaign

E-Mine : Electric Mine Information Network

The United Nations

Landmine Action

U.S. Landmine Policy

Landmine Free World: Veterans for America

Rand Corporation

 

 

The Evaluation

 

Background and Resolution Rubric

Category

4

3

2

1

Research

Incorporates relevant outside information.  Includes relevant facts, examples and details, but discussion may be more descriptive than analytical.

Incorporates limited or no relevant outside information.  Uses some facts, examples and details, but discussion is more descriptive than analytical.

Presents no relevant outside information.  Presents few facts, examples and details; simply restates contents of the documents.

Presents no relevant outside information.  Attempts to complete the task, but essay demonstrates a major weakness in organization.

Mechanics

Communicates with full control and understanding of the conventions of English grammar and usage.  Experiments with sophisticated language and varied sentence structures.

Writes a satisfactory developed essay, demonstrating  a general plan of organization.  Restates the theme in the introduction and concludes with a simple restatement of the theme.

Communicates with partial control and understanding of the conventions of English grammar and usage.  Uses familiar language and simple sentence structure.

Communicates with a lack of control and understanding of the conventions of English grammar and usage.  Uses inappropriate and/or incorrect language and sentence structure.

Purpose

Establishes and maintains clear focus: evidence of distinctive voice and appropriate tone.

Focuses on a purpose, evidence of voice and suitable tone.

Attempts to establish and maintain purpose and communicate with the audience.

Limited awareness of audience and purpose.

Policy Development

Depth and complexity of policies supported by rich, engaging and pertinent details; evidence of analysis, negotiation, reflection and insight.

Depth of policy development and success of negotiation supported by elaborate, relevant details.

Lack of elaborated policy development, unelaborated or repetitious details, little evidence of successful negotiation.

Minimal policy development, limited or unrelated details, no evidence of successful negotiation.

Real World Reference

Frequent reference to international treaties, international organizations and real-world stakeholders.

Numerous references to international treaties, international organizations, and real-world stakeholders.

Some references to international treaties, international organizations, and real world stakeholders.

Few references to international treaties, international organizations and real-world stakeholders.

Source for Position Paper Rubric: UNAUSAMUN

 

Oral Presentation Rubric

Category

4

3

2

1

Content

Shows a full understanding of the topic and uses many examples.

Shows a good understanding of the topic and uses some examples.

Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic and uses few examples.

Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Speaks Clearly

Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time, and mispronounces no words.

Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time, but mispronounces one word.

Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time. Mispronounces a few words.

Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces many words.

 

Individual Rubric

Category

4

3

2

1

Individual Work in a Team

Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Tries to keep people working well together.

Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Does not cause "waves" in the group.

Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group but sometimes is not a good team member.

Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Often is not a good team member.

 

 

The Standards

This Webquest adheres to the NYS ELA STANDARD 4 and NYS SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARD 5

 

The Conclusion

This project marks the beginning of your training to represent the High School for Math, Science & Engineering as a Model United Nations Delegate.  At a conference, it is MOST important for you to understand your issue and be able to speak comfortably with others about it.  You should now have a basic understanding of how landmines are a menacing and destructive part of so many people’s everyday lives.    At this point, you are going to create an outreach project through the Adopt-A-Minefield program.  As a group, we are going to raise money to
”adopt” a field by participating in one of their student outreach opportunities: Night of A Thousand Dinners, That Landmine Thing or The One campaign.