Table of Contents 
Knowledge of Content


Created by
Gayle Bortnem

WEBQUEST EXAMPLE


Introduction 
Task 
 Resources  Process Evaluation Conclusion
State Standards 

INTRODUCTION


     The state of South Dakota is experiencing a dry spell after two years of very little rain.  The Governor has asked for you, as research scientists, to find out how the ecosystems of the area will react.  Your mission is to research about one ecosystem and to make a report and then present your findings at a governor’s meeting.  Good luck.

 

THE TASK


You will work with a group of 3 students researching the same type of ecosystem. 
Each team will choose from grasslands, forest, freshwater or pond areas, and croplands.  Each team will determine who will research the animals in the area, the plant life, and the weather.  You will write the information into a written report and design a presentation.  This could be any or all of these;
  •   a power point presentation of 3 or more slides
  •  a diorama or 3-D map 
  •  a skit or play
  •  a poem or song

    •  

     

    Information to look for:

What is this ecosystem? Please give a definition and description.
Where is this ecosystem located?
What kind of plants and animals live there? 
What is the weather like? 
 
 

THE PROCESS


1. You will be assigned an ecosystem.  Each person in your group will have an area to study.
2. You will research information on the internet, using classroom and library books, and other materials. 
3. You will take notes as you research.  Be sure that you save all your work in the same place each day, whether it is in a folder, notebook or on a computer disk.
4. Meet with your group and exchange ideas and findings.  You will write an informative report of your data. 
5. Be sure to include these things, the name of the ecosystem, where it is in South Dakota, landforms, animal life, plant life, climate, ecological concerns, conservation efforts, and what a drought will do to it.  Make a chart that lists ten similarities and ten differences among the characteristics of each ecosystem.
6. You will create a presentation of your information.


INTERNET RESOURCES
Wetlands   nationalgeographic.com
Forests        teachtheteachers.org
Grasslands    eduscapes.com
River        mbgnet.mobot.org
Prairies        eduscapes.com
 

EVALUATION

Information report Rubric:

Points 40 30 20  10
Report is written legibly, uses some elaborate vocabulary for a 3rd grader, uses correct grammar, stays on task, gives complete information of the Subject.Explains how a drought effect ecosystem? Report is written legibly, uses few elaborate vocabulary for a 3rd grader, uses correct grammar half of the time, stays on task, gives information, but could leave extra details out. Explains about drought.  Report is written legibly, uses no elaborate vocabulary, makes many grammar mistakes, stays on task, skips from fact to fact with no sequence, and gives random information with no details. Explains drought.  Report is not written legibly, uses simple sentences with no elaborate vocabulary, makes many grammar mistakes, does not stick to subject, facts are random with no sequencing or details. Partially explains drought.
Points      40 30 20 10
At least 3 facts about ecosystems are presented in an interesting way.  Presentation involves all members equally. Creative and factual presentation.Explained in depth.
At least 3 facts about ecosystems are presented in an interesting way.  Presentation involves members in some way. Interesting and factual presentation.Explained somewhat in depth. 2 facts about ecosystems are presented. 		  Presentation involves members. Factual presentation.Explained simply. Facts about ecosystems are presented.   Presentation involves some members. Presentation was lacking in depth.

 

CONCLUSION

 

You have learned about some ecosystems in South Dakota. Isn’t it amazing? Thank you for learning about them and informing the governor and people of our state.
 

National standards
Content standard A –Understanding about scientific inquiry
Content Standard C- The characteristics of organisms 
    Organisms and environments.
Content Standard F- Changes in environments.

State Standards 
Nature of Science-Students will use investigations in science to serve different purposes.
     Students will gather, chart and graph data.
Make specific predictions and observations concerning a situation or phenomenon. 
Life Science – Students will explain how behavioral and physical adaptations allow     animals to respond to life needs. 
Students will describe how species depend on one another and on the environment for survival.
Investigate and understand how environments support a diversity of plants   and animals that share limited resources.
Investigate how natural events can affect the survival of species.

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