| 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: Genetic Engineering 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: Genetic Engineering DVDquest:
You are a lobbyist representing citizens who want the government to create laws about genetic engineering. Explore the issues and problems of current and proposed uses of GE and make a recommendation for legislators to develop into policy. Be sure you have enough evidence to support your recommendation and reliable sources to confirm the need for the proposed law. In short, what role should the government play in creating laws about genetic engineering? Why?
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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.
Ethics and Technology
Labeling as Consumer Right?
GE and Hunger: Limitations
Ethics and Human Cloning
Technology and Responsibility
Question and Debate Before Deciding
Rod Townsend: Regulatory Process
Tom Vilsack: Regulatory Process and State's Role
Cliff Mulder: Safety
Steve Druker: Government Investment
*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. |
