Introduction
This webquest is devoted to Scientific discoveries.
Science is a source of progress. It develops the world we live in. Our century is an epoch of great discoveries in science and engineering. It is epoch of scientific and technological revolution, when new ideas are being born and new discoveries, inventions are being made at an ever increasing rate.
Today science has become the most important factor in the development of national economy in the whole world. Scientific progress serves the interests of society, helps to increase the well-being of people and develops public education.
Task
What do you know about scientific discoveries?
To answer this question you will need to work in small groups and complete the tasks and assignments designed by your instructor.
Process
For the seminar on the scientific discoveries the whole class will be divided into several groups. Each group will get one aspect of some scientific discoveries. Your task will include the following:
A. PRE-CLASS PREPARATION:
– study Web-based materials using the links suggested;
– do additional Internet search for information on the target issue, if necessary;
– answer the questions;
–(equally) divide the material between all team members for presentation in class for the members of other groups;
– prepare your presentations (reports).
B. IN-CLASS ACTIVITY:
– report to the whole class what you have learned on the topic for your group activity.
Evaluation
Phase 1 – Background Information
For this seminar I decided to break scientific discoveries into three parts. Each group will need to study only one part and inform the whole class about it.
Phase 2 – Roles
You will be working in teams. It will be up to you to divide roles in each team. For efficiency, there should be a team leader, who will organize the work and divide the issues with in each topic to make sure everything is covered and there is no overlap. However, all team members are responsible for presenting information in class, regardless their role in pre-class preparation process.
Group 1: Advantages of scientific progress
http://www.onlineeducation.net/2009/05/20/15-scientific-discoveries-that-developed-the-modern-world
http://www.lerntippsammlung.de/Advantages-and-disadvantages-of-science.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgDcS31EtCo
http://www.tv.com/shows/cosmos-a-space-time-odyssey/
QUESTIONS:
What have you learned about scientific discoveries?
What can you say about the benefits of scientific discoveries?
What can you say about scientific discoveries in our time?
Group 2: Negative aspects of scientific progress
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/33968/title/Opinion--Publish-Negative-Results/
http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-ozone-layer-importance-and-the-harmful-effects-of-thinning.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution
QUESTIONS:
Scientific discoveries. Is it dangerous?
Are there problems because of scientific progress?
Group 3: Scientific discoveries in our life
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0932440.html
http://www.smashinglists.com/10-discoveries-that-have-changed-the-history/
http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/greatest-discoveries/
QUESTIONS:
How do we use scientific progress in our life?
What interesting facts did you learn about scientific discoveries?
What can you tell about the greatest discoveries?
Conclusion
Great! You have learned lots of information about some scientific discoveries.
Now you have in store: extensive vocabulary on the topic, good skills of public speech, presentation and Internet competence.
Now that you have learned about scientific discoveries, what seemed the most interesting for you? What topic would you choose for additional in-depth study? Why?