Introduction
Have you noticed changes in the weather, hotter days, or unusual rainfall in your community? Climate change is a global issue that affects people, animals, plants, and the environment. In this WebQuest, you will become an environmental investigator and explore the causes and effects of climate change. You will use reliable online resources to discover how people contribute to this problem and what we can do to protect our planet.
Task
Your task is to work in a small group to create an environmental awareness poster or digital presentation about climate change. Your output must explain at least three causes or contributing factors, three effects, and five practical actions that students and their communities can take to protect the environment. Use information from the provided resources to support your ideas.
Process
- Explore the topic. Read the NASA article about climate change for students in Grades 5–8. Identify the meaning of climate change and the difference between weather and climate.
- Investigate the evidence. Visit NASA's climate change evidence page. Write down at least three observations that show how Earth's climate is changing.
- Identify causes and effects. Research how human activities contribute to climate change and list possible effects on people and the environment.
- Develop solutions. Discuss practical ways your school, family, and community can reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect natural resources.
- Create your output. Prepare a poster or digital presentation with your findings. Include a title, key facts, causes, effects, solutions, and sources.
- Present and reflect. Share your group's output with the class and explain which environmental action you believe is most important.
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NASA: What Are Climate and Climate Change? — student-friendly introduction to climate change.
NASA
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NASA: Evidence of Climate Change — scientific observations of climate change.
NASA Science
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NASA: Causes of Climate Change — information about greenhouse gases and human activities.
NASA Science
- United Nations: Climate Action — information about climate change and possible actions.
Evaluation
Your work will be graded using the following rubric.
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Accuracy of information about climate change | 30 |
| Explanation of causes and effects | 25 |
| Practical environmental solutions | 20 |
| Creativity and organization of the output | 15 |
| Group participation and presentation | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Conclusion
ongratulations! You have completed your investigation into climate change. Through this WebQuest, you learned about the causes and effects of climate change and explored practical ways to protect the environment. You also developed your research, critical-thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills by gathering information and working with your group. Remember that protecting our planet requires everyone's participation, and even small actions can make a difference when practiced consistently. As you finish this activity, reflect on the following question: What is the most important thing you learned about climate change, and what specific action can you take to help protect the environment in your home, school, or community?