Introduction| Curriculum Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation

Conclusion | References

 

Introduction

This WebQuest is designed for students in grade 5, to fulfill Science Standards of Learning in Virginia, however because of the persuasive writing and oral presentation it also fulfills a number of English and Technology Standards as well.

Throughout this WebQuest students will be exploring the different ecological regions of Australia in order to learn more about some of the animals that inhabit that area. They will log the information they discover on the Individual Animal Log Chart which will be assessed at the end of the Quest. Students will then discuss their findings and decide upon a final three animals for which they will create an television episode. Then they will organize a persuasive argument for their episode to present to the directors of The Crocodile Hunter.

In order to complete this WebQuest, students should have a basic understanding of computer skills like word processing, Power Point, and how to navigate the Internet.

Curriculum Standards

Many types of thinking and communication skills are implemented during this WebQuest including critical thinking, creative production, organization, compromising, and good teamwork. This WebQuest also covers a variety of elementary level Virginia Standards of Learning. These standards are listed below.

English
5.1 The student will listen, draw conclusions, and share responses in subject-related group learning activities.

• Participate in and contribute to discussions across content areas.
  
• Organize information to present reports of group activities.
  
• Summarize information gathered in group activities.

5.3 The student will make planned oral presentations.

• Determine appropriate content for audience.
  
• Organize content sequentially or around major ideas.
  
• Summarize main points before or after presentation.
  
• Incorporate visual aids to support the presentation.

5.7 The student will write for a variety of purposes to describe, to inform, to entertain, and to explain.

• Choose planning strategies for various writing purposes.
  
• Organize information.
  
• Use vocabulary effectively.
  
• Vary sentence structure.
  
• Revise writing for clarity.
  
• Edit final copies for grammar, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation, especially the use of possessives and quotation marks.

5.8 The student will synthesize information from a variety of resources.

• Skim materials to develop a general overview of content or to locate specific information.
  
• Develop notes that include important concepts, paraphrases, summaries, and identification of information sources.
  
• Organize and record information on charts, maps, and graphs. · Use available electronic databases to access information.
  
• Credit secondary reference sources.

Science

5.5 The student will investigate and understand that organisms are made of cells and have distinguishing characteristics. Key concepts include:

• Vertebrates and invertebrates

Technology

C/T5.4 The student will communicate through application software.

• Create a 1-2 page document using word processing skills, writing process steps, and publishing programs.
  
• Use simple computer graphics and integrate graphics into word-processed documents.
  
• Create simple databases and spreadsheets to manage information and create reports.
  
• Use local and worldwide network communication systems.

Process

In order to complete this WebQuest a substantial amount of time will need to be set aside. Please plan for about five weeks to successfully complete this WebQuest. Students should have clear standards set for each day's activities and make sure your students adhere to those standards. Click here to see some tips on Time Management. Groups of four should be assigned by the teacher and expert roles can be picked out of a hat at random. Below is a suggested weekly schedule to implement within your classroom that will help you guide your students' progress.

• Week 1: Students should explore the Power Point on The Vertebrates and Invertebrates of Australia to learn some background information. Each group member should be assigned an expert role which they can begin to research.
• Week 2: Students will begin to navigate and research the sites listed on their expert pages while completing their individual logs (12 animals total).
• Week 3: Students will finish researching the animals in their ecological region, then choose three animals to bring back to the group discussion.
• Week 4: Groups will create the Power Point proposal and organize their persuasive oral presentation.
• Week 5: Groups will show their Power Points and give their oral presentations to the class and "directors" (previously chosen staff, i.e. librarian, guidance counselor, etc.)

The Individual Animal Log Chart will help your students organize their information about each animal they research.

Resources

It may be useful to watch footage of the Crocodile Hunter series. Explore the series information and then scroll down to find a link to the Episode Guide so you can pick out a fun and appropriate show to watch.

Some books that will be helpful during this WebQuest are:

• Keneally, Thomas. (1984). Outback. Chicago: Rand McNally.
• Fodor's Australia. (1996) New York: Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc.
• Thorpe, Bill. (1996). Colonial Queensland: Perspectives on a Frontier Society. St. Lucia, Qld: University of Queensland Press.
• Ed. Jacobson, Susan K. (1995). Conserving Wildlife: International Education and Communication Approaches. New York: Columbia University Press.
• Australia: A Travelers Survival Kit. (1977-1989). South Yarra Vic.: Lonely Planet.
• Doing Business in Australia. (1978) New York: Price, Waterhouse & Co.

Evaluation

The work throughout this WebQuest will be graded on both a group and individual level. The individual work will equal 20% of the final grade while the group work will total 80%. The individual animal log each group member completes, will be worth 20% (20 points) of the final grade. The Power Point proposal will be worth 40% (40 points) of the final grade and the oral presentation will also be worth 40% (also 40 points). Below are the evaluation charts that you will use to asses your students' work.

Power Point Proposal Evaluation

Oral Presentation Evaluation

Individual Animal Log Evaluation

Conclusion

This WebQuest has many educational benefits. Not only will your students learn interesting (and exciting!) information about vertebrates and invertebrates but they will learn to work well in groups, use technology, develop persuasive abilities, and improve their oral presentation skills.

We had a lot of fun making this WebQuest and we hope you have just as much fun using this in the classroom.

References

Many sites were used throughout the creation of this WebQuest. Please take the time to view our credits to see where our images and information came from!

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