Consciousness is perhaps the biggest riddle in nature. Stripped to its core meaning,consciousness is what allows us to be aware both of our surroundings and of our own inner state. But thinking about consciousness has this habit of taking us round in circles. And not just us, philosophers and scientists struggle to define it.
So it’s unsettling to realise that we don’t understand what makes us aware of ourselves and the world. In this webquest, you won’t simply find one fixed definition or explanation of consciousness. Instead, you’ll discover a range of ideas and theories, each offering a unique perspectiveon how it works. Through this process, you will get closer to grasping what it truly means, even if its full meaning remains elusive.
Before diving into the tasks,it’s essential to understand that Consciousnedd is a tough topic that has puzzled scientists and philosophers for centuries. Hence, in this webquest you’re expected to explore different theories and perspectives, gradually piecing together a deeper understanding of consciousness. While you may not arrive at a single definitive answer, the insights you gain will bring you closer to grasping this mysterious concept.
By the end of this WebQuest, you will complete two tasks:
1- PowerPoint Presentation:
Create an in-depth presentation that explores consciousness from various anges. Start by covering its biological basis, including brain functions, neural networks, and the latest scientific research. After, explore key philosophical theories like dualism,materialism, and panpsychim.Conclude with a case study that examines a groundbreaking theory or experiement that contributes to the understanding of how consciousness works.
2- Reflective Essay:
Write an essay reflecting on your exploration of consciousness. Discuss the different theories and perspectives you encountered, your personal thoughts on the subject, and how your understanding evolved through the WebQuest. Conclude with your perspective on what consciousness means and why exploring it is important.
I) - PowerPoint Presentation:
1- What Is Consciousness?
2- What Is the Biological Basis Of Consciousness?
3- What Are The Major Theories Of Consciousness?
SOURCES:
4- What Does Current Scientific Research Say About Consciousness?
5- What Is Your Selected Case Study?
SOURCES:
II) Reflective Essay:
1- Introduction:
2- Body: ( 3 Paragraphs )
3- Conclusion:
SOURCES:
** Don’t forget to seek feedback: If you’d like, share your essay with a peer for constructive feedback to improve your work, revise it, edit it and submit the final draft.
The total Assignment is worth 100 points, with 50 points for the PowerPoint and 50 Points for the Reflective Essay.
This way, both your visual and written efforts in exploring consciousness get equal attention and recognition!
1- PowerPoint Evaluation:
| TASK | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Title Slide | 5 |
| Content Organization | 10 |
| Comprehensive Understanding | 15 |
| Visual Design | 10 |
| References | 10 |
| TOTAL | 50 |
2- Essay Evaluation:
| TASK | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Content Understanding | 10 |
| Research Depth | 10 |
| Writing Style | 10 |
| Clarity And Cohesion | 10 |
| Conclusion | 10 |
| TOTAL | 50 |
Keep these criteria in mind as you create your presentations, as they will influence how I evaluate your work. Good luck, and I’m excited to see your creativity and knowledge shine through!
Congratulations on completing this WebQuest!
You’ve delved into one of the most intricate and thought-provoking topics - Human Consciousness.
By exploring this complex topic, you have uncovered how consciousness shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions, providing a deeper insight into the reasons behind our behaviors. The knowledge gained through this journey is not just academic; it has real-world implications for fields like psychology, neuroscience, and education. As you reflect on what you’ve learned, remember that understanding consciousness is crucial for fostering empathy, improving communication, and enhancing our interactions with others. This exploration not only enriches your understanding of yourself and those around you but also empowers you to apply these insights in meaningful ways in your everyday lives.
Together, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of our understanding and apply what we’ve learned about consciousness to make a great impact in our world.
Youtube:
- Closer To Truth. (2020, November 22). Donald Hoffman - What is Consciousness? --> --> -->. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynTqCFBhRmw
- TED-Ed. (2019, February 11). What is consciousness? - Michael S. A. Graziano --> --> -->. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MASBIB7zPo4
- Whiteboard Biology. (2018, October 19). What Is The Biology of Consciousness? --> --> -->. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u7kNq3jmXk
- After Skool. (2024, June 11). Evidence That Your Mind is NOT Just In Your Brain - Rupert Sheldrake --> --> -->. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9pTbMoufp4
Articles:
- Panpsychism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/panpsych/#:~:text=Panpsychism%2520is%2520the%2520vi…
- Abovich, J. (2014, December 2). Dualism vs. Materialism | PH100: Problems of Philosophy.
https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/millsonph100/2014/12/02/dualism-vs-mater…
- O’Shaughnessy, B. (2003). Conclusion. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 681–696). https://doi.org/10.1093/0199256721.003.0026
- Neuroscience of Consciousness. (n.d.). Oxford Academic.https://academic.oup.com/nc
Hello ,
I’m Jana Ghamlouche, your Psychology Professor.
I designed this webquest to guide you through the world of consciousness.
This activity was meant to challenge your thinking and encourage you to investigate what makes human awareness so unique. Hope you enjoyed the process!
Stay Motivated!