A Desertification WebQuest
 
 Who has seen my cows?  
Who has seen my goats? 
These leafless trees 
And this dry land 
Must be why they left. 
Youssou N'Dour
 
 
Introduction
Task
Resources
Topics
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
 
 
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Working in small groups of three to five students, you will focus on the causes and the consequences of desertification, as well as the solutions. You will use the WWW to conduct your research. Additionally, you will investigate books, videos, and additional resources about desertification based on research topics explained in "The Research Topics" section. Each group will research one aspect of desertification. Then you will make a presentation at the end of your investigation based on what you have learned about the specific aspect of desertification. Try to be as creative as possible when planning your presentation.

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Additional Resources  
  • Geology of Deserts 
  • HotWired: Rough Guide -The Deserts 
  • Making Deserts Bloom? 
  • OneWorld Magazine: Deserts 
  • Sonora Desert 
  • Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance 
  • The virtual Desert <caravanserai>
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    The Process
     
  • Get into groups of three to five.
  • Each group chooses a different topic from the Research Topic section.
  • Explore the suggested Internet sites and information sources for your topic
  • Discuss your findings.
  • Plan your presentation
  • Present your findings. Go to Presentation Methods for Ideas.
  • Illustrate a bulletin board with your work.

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    Evaluation

    Because each group searches for a different aspect of desertification, they are expected to make a presentation about the topic they searched. After the presentations, you will create a bulletin board by collecting all of your final products in a bulletin board. The evaluation will be based on your effort, cooperation, presentation, and contribution to the bulletin board.

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    Conclusion

    In your research you learned the different aspects of desertification. Now that you have a deeper understanding about the causes, consequences, and resolutions of the desertification process, you can put your knowledge into action in order to make a contribution to the solutions. To extend your experience with desertification you may want to try some extra activities including planting a tree, teaching someone about the consequences of desertification, or interview an expert, take an action, teach about desertification.
     
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    Last Revised: May 5, 1998