Introduction
An animal rights group has been protesting the Calgary Zoo. They are threatening to have the zoo shut down and their cause is gaining some interest from the public and the media. You have been asked by the Calgary Zoo to represent them as a spokesperson during a media event. A representative of the animal rights group will be speaking at this event as well. The fate of the zoo is in your hands!
Task
Your task throughout this WebQuest is to research information about the treatment and quality of care for animals who live in zoos, as well as the benefits of the zoo's existance. Information regarding the Calgary Zoo would be particularly helpful. You will use this information as evidence to support your opinion that the zoo should remain open when you present at the media event.
Process
Follow these steps to complete your research and find evidence to support your opinion in each of the categories that will be presented during the media event.
Step 1:
Decide among your group who will be taking on each category. Group members will be in charge of researching and recording evidence for the category that they have chosen. Your group members may work in pairs to complete a category if they wish.
Step 2:
Use the following websites to find the information and evidence you need to prove that the zoo should remain open. Read through the websites and record jot notes with the evidence you find (make sure you take note of which article you get the information from):
http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-animals-be-kept-in-zoos - This website shows other peoples' opinions regarding the zoo debate. You may read through their opinions to get some ideas for your argument.
http://animal-facts.org/animals-kept-in-zoos/ - This website describes some pros and cons of zoos. You can use this website for ideas, as well as to get some ideas as to the points that the animal rights group may argument at the event.
http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsinentertainment/a/Arguments-For-And-Against-Zoos.htm - This site describes more pros and cons of zoos, but directly from an animal rights perspective
http://www.escapehere.com/inspiration/10-of-the-best-most-fascinating-zoos-in-… - This article lists the 10 best zoos in the world based on their treatment of animals and their dedication to animal preservation. Google some of the zoos from the list to find out what they are doing that makes their facility so well-respected. Perhaps you could suggest some of their ideas and programs for Calgary Zoo in order to make it more animal-friendly.
http://www.theguardian.com/science/lost-worlds/2014/aug/19/why-zoos-are-good - An article with some evidence regarding the benefits of zoos
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-zoos-help-endangered-animals/ - An article describing how zoos help endanger species to survive
Step 3:
Come back together as a group to discuss the evidence and points you collected through your research. You may work as a group to organize this information into the categories if needed and plan how you will present your information during the media event. Remember that during the debate, the animal rights group will be there to try and convince the audience to agree with their side as well - make sure your group members are prepared to respond to the arguments of the other side of the debate.
Step 4:
Each group member will have an opportunity to speak during the media event. Make sure each member knows which topic they will be speaking on, and which points they are to address. Take the time to practice your arguments on each other and make notes for yourself if you would like.
Step 5:
It's time to attend the media event! Remember to speak loud and clear so that the audience can hear you. Know which topic you are addressing, and which points you are arguing. Also remember that during a debate, it is important to listen to the opinions and evidence presented by the other side so that you may respond apporpriately.
Step 6:
Await further instructions!