Lesson 7 WebQuests

This week we learned about webquests. These were new to me but I found them quite interesting. I think I could find some new ideas to use in my instruction. This is a great way for teachers to share ideas and use them to create their own projects.
We were instructed to go to the website QuestGarden.com and sign up for a free 30 day trial. We were then instructed to create a webquest that we could use in our classroom. The site was set up so it walked you through the process. It also gave suggestions and examples to follow. Using this tool, I created a webquest on nuclear power plants since I teach chemistry.
In the webquest I instructed the student to imagine that their community was being evaluated as a potential site for a new nuclear power plant. The idea was for them to learn about nuclear reactions and nuclear power plants. They were to evaluate the pros and cons of the plant coming to their hometown. By using this information, they were to form an opinion on whether they would be for or against the new addition to the neighborhood.
The students were instructed to look at radiation and the effect it has on the environment. They were also instructed to look at the safety precautions that these plants take to protect the surroundings. Basically, the students were instructed to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. The stakes are higher if you take the position of someone who would be living in the community. I wanted to see, if put in this situation, if they would feel protected or not.
There were several things I hoped the students would learn from this webquest. Of course the first was about the nuclear reactions. Second, I wanted them to learn the good and the bad of nuclear energy. I wanted them to be able to make informed and educated decisions based on facts. I also wanted them to look at alternative energy. With the world concerned about global warming and environmental issues, the students will be exposed to new energy sources. I hope through this webquest, they would realize the importance of learning more about a new energy source before judging it. Lastly, I wanted them to make an informed opinion based on facts and be able to defend it. This can be applied to several areas of their lives.