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This WebQuest is designed for fifth grade students. It can be used as an extension activity with a unit on oceans. It meets the Virginia SOL for Grade 5 Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems, as stated below.

Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems (Virginia SOL's)
5.6 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of the ocean environment . Key concepts include

geological characteristics (continental shelf, slope, rise);
physical characterists (depth, salinity, major currents);
biological characteristics (ecosystems); and
public policy decisions related to the ocean environment - (assessment of marine organism populations, pollution prevention).

This WebQuest provides students an opportunity to explore how ocean pollution impacts humans, coral reefs, and animals and search for prevention ideas. The final product of their efforts is a newsletter. This newsletter should include information on the different impacts and solutions.

Since the focus of this WebQuest does not include the basic concepts on oceans, prior knowledge will be helpful. There is a link to a website on ocean basics, but this should not to be used as a substitute for a lesson on oceans. The most important aspect for the students to previously understand for this WebQuest is the ocean's role in the eco-system. The importance of oceans to humans, weather, and other such information would assist the students in fully benefitting from this WebQuest. Other information for the students to know includes: familiartiy with computers, searching for information on web sites, using a word processor, using an online dictionary, and incorporating graphics into a word processing document (some of these areas will allow the students to practice skills that are included in the Viriginia Technology SOL's).

Extension ideas from this WebQuest include: going on a field trip to the shore to pick up trash, studying a recycling topic, or presenting the findings from this WebQuest to the class/school and passing out newsletters directed towards that audience.

In order to assist in evaluating this WebQuest, we have created an Evaluation Rubric.

Resources required beyond the Internet are minimal. They include a word processor and printer. This WebQuest maintains a focus on utilizing the computer.