Process
Step One
You are ready to begin! First we need to learn about wetlands in general. Split into groups of two.Together click on the links below and read about what makes a wetland a wetland.
What is a Wetland? Pay special attention to the first three pages.
Step Two
Next, decide which partner will research plants in wetlands and which partner will research animals in wetlands. Many of the links below will have information on both plants and animals in wetlands. Just scroll down to the part of the page that talks about what YOU are researching.
PLANTS
Click on the links below and read about different plants found in Utah's wetlands. As you go, fill out your wetland plants fact sheet so you have information to share with your partner.
Growing Wild (Note: Look only at the first three pages)
What are Wetlands? (Note: Scroll down to the page on plants to find the information you need.)
Wetland Plants ( Note: Don't worry about listing ALL these plants, just make note of those that interest you the most.)
Click on the links below and read about different plants found in Utah's wetlands. As you go, fill out your wetland animals fact sheet so you have information to share with your partner.
Growing Wild (Note: Look only at the first three pages.)
Step Three
Now you and your partner need to find out some more information about how Utah is growing. Click on the link below to find out more about Utah's population. Make sure to take notes on what you find.
Step Four
Now you are ready to get into the meat of the issue at hand. Once again, you will split up from your partner and research arguments about putting a dam on Bear River. People want to dam Bear River so we can have more water for the growing population along the Wasatch Front. This may put some wetlands along the river and around the Great Salt Lake at risk. Decide which partner is going to research the side for building the dam and which one is going to research the side against building the dam. Make sure you fill out your information papers!
FOR building a dam on Bear River
As you research this part, fill out the information paper.
Note: The following link is a long paper on the plan. Pay attention to the following pages: Page 6-The paragraph on Water Demand, Page 14-18 -These are the proposed dam sites. There would only be one, there are just several places they can put the dam. Pay special attention to the paragraph on environmental impact on page 18. Skim the other pages, but these are the pages where you will get the information you need.
AGAINST building a dam on Bear River
As you research this part, fill out the information paper.
Note: The following link is a long paper against the plan. Each page tells a story of someone that would be hurt if they built the Bear River dam. Skim most of the document, but pay the most attention to the highlighted part.
Step Five
Now you know more about the issue. Come back together and talk about what you read. Now here is the hard part. You have to decide! Which side has a better argument? Which side are you going to vote on? Look over your notes and decide what to do. Come to an agreement together on how you are going to vote in Congress. 
Step Six
You have now decided how you are going to vote. It is time to defend your opinion.You and your partner will create a PowerPoint on what side you chose. The purpose of your PowerPoint is to try to convince the other members of congress in our class that your view is the best. Before you begin your PowerPoint you will need to have a good idea of how to structure your argument.
Make sure you use the information you found in this webquest to support your opinion.
The following Links will help you:
Persuasive Argument Process Guide This guide will help you to develop your argument. You need to include all of the things this guide tells you to in your PowerPoint.
Persuasive Argument Planning Sheet. This page will help you to plan out your argument. You will need to fill this out with your partner before you start your PowerPoint presentation.
Now you're ready to create your presentation. You will need at least six slides in your PowerPoint. Make sure the presentation explains why you chose the side you did. Be sure to use the information you have researched throughout this webquest in your presentation.
Once you are done with your presentation, you will present it to the other people of congress in our class. You and your partner need to plan out what to say to convince your peers. Make sure you are not just reading off of your presentation. Look them in the eye and CONVINCE them that you are right.
Now that we've all presented, we can put it to a vote!
