carlton webquest

Introduction: The Maryland and Virginia State Governments want a clear perspective on the popular opinion of what should be done with the Chesapeake Bay. They know that it is a fragile habitat for unique species of animals that could be protected if more regulations were implemented. They also realize the Bay is a huge resource that can be exploited to bring more money into the area if usage restrictions are reduced. You are the people who will either benefit from the extra money or have to deal with the problems that may arise from exploiting the resource so they want to hear what you think should be done about it. Should we protect it so people and animals can enjoy it for many years to come, or exploit it for fishing, crabbing, shipping, and dumping to make Maryland and Virginia more prosperous and bring more jobs to the area?

Question:. Should more or less restrictions be put on the use of the Chesapeake Bay?

Task: You will work in a jigsaw activity where you will be put into a group of four and each member will become an expert on a specific topic that affects The Bay. The groups are;

species of the Bay
the environmental stresses on the Bay
the various habitats found around the Bay
the resources found in the Bay

Your group of experts must individually research your specific aspects of the Bay and report back to your group as an expert in your specific field. You will talk in your group about what is happening in the Bay and what can be done with it. You will then individually write a persuasive letter to the governor to convince him that more or less restrictions should be put on the use of the Chesapeake Bay.

Objectives:

By the end of the Webquest students will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of a controversial aspect of the Chesapeake Bay
demonstrate internet research abilities
create a persuasive statement of their opinion about an environmental issue based on research about an issue and debate with peers

Daily Agenda
Day1.	Day2.	Day3 .	Day4.	Day 5	Day 6

For more information about our Bay Studies Program or this project, contact Bay Studies Coordinator, Jay Foster.