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DVDquest
This inquiry-based activity requires students to explore the contents of the DVD in search of a solution to a real-world problem. Students are placed in a scenario, posed a problem to solve within that scenario, and provided tips and clues to help them on their quest for a solution. Each DVD in the series has a unique DVDquest couched in the context of the issues and problems of the Explore More topic. The printable classroom guide for the Explore More: The Future of Energy DVDquest outlines tips to help students through the process of problem solving and finding information as they address the issue presented.
The DVDquest gives students a complex real-life situation to use their best problem-solving skills. Explore More has also successfully been used to teach students how to experiment and inquire, make a decision, present an argument, and investigate an issue. For more resources, access the Explore More Guides to Critical Thinking Skills.
There are three basic components to the Explore More DVDquest.
1. View Your Quest:
Students are placed in a scenario that uses their best problem-solving skills. Here they discover their role and situation and are provided information they’ll need to focus their search for a solution.
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| Explore More: The Future of Energy DVDquest:
You have been appointed by the governor to head up an energy task force to advise the leadership of your state. Your assignment is to research current and future energy issues and to create a plan to use the best combination of available energy resources. Keep in mind that the resources should be abundant, available, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. As you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your energy options, keep in mind that your advice to the governor must be based on facts and informed opinions.
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2. Examine the Process:
Before tackling the DVDquest, students are provided with tips for problem solving. These tips take them through the problem solving process. They are encouraged to refer to these steps throughout their DVDquest to help keep them on track and on the hunt for the best possible solution. Specific tips are provided for these problem-solving steps:
Find the problem.
- What are the current problems?
- Who does it involve?
- Where is the problem?
- What is happening?
- How is it affecting people, places, processes? What stands in the way? (individuals, groups, laws, conditions, situations, resources, …)
Explore possible solutions.
- What are some possible ways to overcome these problems? Are these possible solutions realistic? Reasonable? Workable? Feasible?
- What seems to be the most appropriate strategy or alternative for solving the problem?
- How would this solution solve the problems? What are the specific details? Is each step logical? Does each step lead to solving the problem? What are the likely consequences of putting this solution into place?
Recommend a solution.
- What is the best solution to the problem? How can this solution be defended with reasoning and facts?
- What if none of the solutions work? Are all possible solutions exhausted?
- How can the problem be rephrased, revised, reshaped, or reframed? Can reframing the problem and repeating the process help you build a better case?
3. Get Started:
Students are provided a list of video clips to help them start their DVDquest. The clips lay the groundwork for more investigation and more leads to new information.
David Hurd: Task Force Mission and Priority List
Questions to Consider
Evaluating Energy Resources
Brent Barker: Infrastructure
Senator Tom Harkin: Challenges for the Future
Mike Kappus: The Mix
Senator Tom Harkin: Hydrogen—Infrastructure
Frank Jeffrey: Fossil Fuels’ Cost
Tony Kovczek: The Mix and Keeping Fossil Fuels in the Mix
David Elschlager: Hydropower's Future
Tom Wind: Iowa's Wind Resources and Its Benefits
Brent Barker: The Mix and Nuclear Power's Role
*Students are encouraged to search other places on the DVD to find additional information about the problems, issues, and consequences of their topic and to gather support for their solution.
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