Deforestation

Webquest for 8^th Grade Science

Designed by

Jacqueline Scales

jscales@nycteach.net

INTRODUCTION

You are a Science Major at a State University, and your professor has asked you to research Deforestation. Your method of research is to use the Internet and locate all the necessary information on the topic. Deforestation is a very controversial topic and you must find out all you can on it.

TASK

As a great scientist you will go deep undercover and uncover a world where cutting down trees is the norm. You will then present your findings to the world.

v Define and describe the problem (social conditions, players, public policy)

v Gather evidence for this problem

v Identify causes for this problem

v Describe and evaluate the existing policy for this problem

v Develop solutions/policies for the problems for this existing policy

v Select the best policy for this problem

PROCESS

1. Below you will find guidelines to follow to assist you with your research paper:

GUIDELINES:

v Research the sources listed below in order to respond to your questions

v Use the six step public policy analysis work sheets before writing your report

Define the problem

Gather evidence

Identify causes

Evaluate a policy

Develop solutions

Select best solution

v After you complete your six worksheets, begin writing a rough draft for you research paper

2. Below you will find guidelines to follow to assist you with your Power Point Presentation:

GUIDELINES:

v Use the information from your research paper for your Power Point Presentation

v Create graphs, pictures, charts, and diagrams from specific information in your research paper

RESOURCES

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/Deforestation

http://www.ciesin.org/TG/LU/defcause.html

http://www.aquapulse.net/knowledge/deforestation.html

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/7292/Deforestation.html

http://www.davison.k12.mi.us/academic/global/deforest.htm

EVALUATION

As stated above your project will be judged on a Power Point presentation you will present to the class, and a

three page research paper.

Contents of the three page research paper

1. Your research paper should be based on the six step public policy analyst format.

2. You must use the essay format learned in your communication arts class.

3. Your report must include a cover page with the title, your names, class, and date.

Rubric for Power Point Presentation and Research Paper

Excellent	Satisfactory	Minimal Satisfactory	Unsatisfactory
Organization Student’s presentation is logical, clear and fully captivates audience interest.	Organization A student presentation is logical, clear ad somehow captivates audience interest.	Organization Student’s presentation is logical and somehow clear but not captivating.	Organization Student’s presentation is illogical and distorted.
subject knowledge Students demonstrate full subject matter and beyond.	subject knowledge Students demonstrate knowledge of subject matter.	subject knowledge Students demonstrate a little knowledge of subject matter.	subject knowledge Students do not know subject matter.
accuracy No grammatical errors.	accuracy Very few grammatical errors.	accuracy Some grammatical errors.	accuracy Too many grammatical errors that distorts the meaning of the words.

Science Standards

Standard 1: Students will use science inquiry to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Communication Arts Standards

Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.

Standard 2: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis ad evaluation.

E3c: Prepare and deliver an individual presentation

CONCLUSION

Students will be able to learn about the causes of deforestation. Students will also be able to teach others how to prevent deforestation.