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Teacher Page

"The Kyoto Accord"

Adopt or Reject?

Designed by

Stephanie Ford

 

Introduction
This WebQuest was developed for an assignment for an Information Technologies Course as part of my Masters Degree.   Creating such a product also fit one of our school technology plan requirements of creating three technology infused units of instruction for the school year.  The subject matter builds on prior knowledge that the students had constructed earlier in the school  year in the area of current events, geography and government.

Students will have the opportunity to explore a very  important world-wide issue--global warming.  After researching the issue, they will be asked to form an opinion about the severity of this phenomenon.  Students will also investigate the "Kyoto Accord" and decide whether this is a viable and fair agreement between nations. Finally, they will need to take an overall stance on both these issues and present their opinion in a persuasive, oral presentation.   

Content Area and Grade Level

This lesson has been designed for grade seven.  It focuses on current events, government, and climate which fall into the seventh grade social studies and science curriculum (American).  

Curriculum Standards
Essential Understandings
Social Studies:
  • Know that ways of living change over time and understand why and how these changes occur.
  • Know that problems of common concern often elicit international cooperation or conflict.
  • Identify and define problems and suggest ways of solving them.
  • Locate and gather information.
  • Organize and analyze information.
  • Evaluate information and draw conclusions.
  • Participate effectively in groups.
  • Demonstrate growth in self-management
Science:
  • The difference in heating of the earth's surface produces the planet's seasons and weather patterns.
  • Different phenomena play a role in sculpting the earth's surface.
Technology:
  • Use technology to communicate effectively and creatively
  • Use technology for thinking and learning
  • Use technology for research, problem solving and decision making

Credits & References

I wish to thank the following individuals for their great help and inspiration.  Without them I would never have been able to create my first WebQuest:

*Professor Joanne De Groot, from the University of Alberta, who designed this assignment for our class. I appreciated her continued support and enthusiasm while we worked through this on-line course.

*Mr. Mike McGann, our T-L, who spent many hours with me while I struggled to learn Microsoft FrontPage and lots more about the Internet.  I appreciated his time and patience, and lastly, his sense of humor throughout the whole process.

*Special "Thanks" also goes out to our principal, Mr. Mike Hobbs who spent many, many hours with me deciding on a topic and teaching me how to use tables, along with the Microsoft Frontpage program.  I very much appreciate his dedication to the professional development of teachers, especially in the area of technology.

 References
I made use of the following sources to create this WebQuest:
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

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