| The Big Rainforest Debate A
Webquest Designed for Sixth Grade |
 |
| The Big Rainforest Debate A
Webquest Designed for Sixth Grade |
|
Quiz /Point of View/ TheProcess/Resources/Notetaking Worksheet/DebateTips/rubric/ Teacher tips
Introduction
The destruction of the rainforest is an ongoing debate that has been going on for years. There are many points of view as to whether the rainforest should continue to be cut down in such large numbers. All people on earth are directly effected by any decisions made. One of the best ways to understand complex environmental issues is to take an in-depth look at all sides and points of view of the problem.
In this webquest, you will be asked to take on the role of an individual who is directly effected by the destruction of the tropical rainforests of South America. You will be asked to gather information that will support your point of view and that of your opponents. You will prepare an argument to bring to a debate.
Bob- A representative for
Corporate America.
He states: "The global population has more than tripled this century,
and will continue to grow for the next 50 years, particularly in developing
countries. world population is expected to reach ten billion by 2040.Because
the number of people living on the planet increases each year, the number
of forest products needed also increases, forcing tropical forest to be
cut down."
Sue- A scientist that is assigned
to the tropical rainforest in South America
She states: "The rainforests are the 'lungs of the planet' but
these vital organs are everywhere under attack by human greed. The Earth
is sick, and the patients days are few. There is little time left to save
the rainforest ecosystem and the people who live within it. Corporate greed
will consume the last remaining rainforests in less than 40 years. Rainforests
once covered 14% of the earth's surface; now they cover a mere 6%."
Jose- An indigenous rainforest
person
He states: "I can hardly hear the howler monkeys scream and the
sound of the singing birds anymore. The hum of the giant bulldozers and
logging trucks are the only sounds I can hear. The rainforest is my home.
I use the land without doing harm to the plants and animals that also call
the rainforest their home.As a wise Indigenous man once said, The earth
is our historian, our educator, the provider of food, medicine, clothing
and protection. If you destroy the Rainforest, you destroy my people."
Carlos- An indigenous rainforest
worker employed by an oil company
He states: " I have recently been employed by an oil company.
The company has trained me to use a bulldozer to create a road. I am so
happy to be making money to help support my wife and five children. The
oil company has begun to supply medical and dental care, educational materials,
school rooms and health clinics to my village. How could this be bad for
my family and my people?"
The Process
1. Test your knowledge
of rainforest destruction by taking the rainforest quiz.(Click on quiz
)
2. Read the point of view of the four individuals that are directly effected
by the destruction of the rainforest.(Click on
point of view )
3. You will be assigned to one person.
4. Use the resources (under the person you are assigned) to gather as much
information as you can to support the point of view of the person you are
representing in the debate.(Click on resources
)
5. Print out a hard copy of the student's notetaking
worksheet.
6. Use the worksheet to help you prepare for the debate.
7. You will be evaluated on the information that you retrieve from your
resources and oral presentation techniques. Print out a hard copy of the
rubric for a more detailed explanation. (Click on rubric
)
top
The Corporation
The Scientist
The Indigenous Person
The Worker
Use the following site to help you prepare for the debate:
The Three R's of Debating: Reasoning, Refutation, Rebuttal
Evaluation
Print out a hard copy of the rubric. It will give you insight as to how you are being graded for this project. You will be evaluated on how well organized you are, your persuasiveness, and your teamwork.