A WebQuest
for 4th Grade Science/Social Studies/Language Arts
Designed
by
Jessica Carroll
and
Mark Carroll
Introduction
| Task
| Process
| Evaluation
| Conclusion
| Credits
| Teacher
Page
Introduction
The governor of Nevada is desperate for your help! Telephone calls and emails have been pouring into the governor's office from concerned citizens demanding that a state insect be chosen to represent Nevada. Nevada is one of only nine states that does not have a state insect, and the public is outraged that a decision has not been made.
You are the most respected and knowledgeable entomologist in the state. He would like you to assemble a team to find an insect that would best represent Nevada.
Good luck! The citizens of Nevada and the governor are counting on you!
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The
Task
In addition to researching insects that are found in Nevada, you must also collect information about Nevada symbols to accomplish this task. It is your responsibility to choose a single insect that possesses qualities that would best represent Nevada as a state symbol. Once an insect has been selected, the governor expects you to persuade the general public of your choice.
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The
Process
Background Investigation
- First, you will need to gather some background knowledge about Nevada state symbols by visiting the following website: Nevada symbols
- Review each symbol, including the lyrics to the state song.
- Be prepared to discuss this question as a class: What qualities do state symbols possess? Print this thought organizer, and use it to write words or phrases that come to mind.
Task 1
- You will be assigned to a team of three students. You will decide who will assume the following roles:
- Leader: It is your responsibility to keep the group on task.
- Navigator: You will be in charge of navigating through the Internet.
- Note taker: You will take notes on insect data.
- As entomologists, you have decided on 4 insects that could be potential candidates, but you need further research to select just one. Work with your group to review websites on the following Nevada insects: cicadas, desert tarantulas, black widow spiders, and praying mantises.
- Take notes on the positive and negative ways these insects affect their Nevada ecosystems, and keep in mind the qualities state symbols should possess. Also, jot down any interesting facts about the insect that may help in your decision-making. Print and use this I-chart to assist you in organizing your thoughts.
Task 2
- As a group, review your insect research. Come to an agreement about which insect would best suit Nevada as its state insect.
- Prepare a two to five minute presentation supporting your choice. Include one visual aid, and be creative! Pick one of the following choices:
- A PowerPoint presentation
- A skit
- Create a mock news report and interview your entomologist regarding his/her choice
- Work with another group with a different opinion of insect and plan a debate
- A song
- Refer to these presentation requirements to understand what is expected of your group.
Remember, you must convince Nevada citizens so BE PURSUASIVE and be sure to describe why this insect best symbolizes Nevada!
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Evaluation
You will be graded using the rubric below. Groups will be evaluated in five areas including the overall presentation, your individual presentation choice, the visual aid, and teamwork and collaboration, and pursuasiveness.
| |
Beginning
1 |
Developing
2 |
Accomplished
3 |
Exemplary
4 |
Score |
Overall Presentation
|
The overall presentation included 0-1 of the requirements.
|
The overall presentation included 2-3 of the requirements.
|
The overall presentation included 4 of the requirements.
|
The overall presentation included all 5 requirements.
|
|
Individual Presentation Choice (ie. PowerPoint, Skit, etc.)
|
The individual presentation choice included none of the requirements. |
The individual presentation choice included 1 of the requirements. |
The individual presentation choice included 2 of the requirements. |
The individual presentation choice included all 3 requirements. |
|
Visual Aid
|
Not included or does not contain any of the requirements |
Included, but contains few of the requirements |
Included with most requirements |
Included with all requirements |
|
Teamwork and collaboration
|
Group did not work together and/or could not settle disagreements without teacher help. |
Some members worked together but needed a lot teacher help to settle disagreements. |
Most members worked together and settled disagreements with little help from the teacher. |
All members worked together and settled disagreements with no help from the teacher. |
|
Persuasiveness
|
Group was not persuasive in presenting information for the state insect. |
Group was somewhat persuasive in presenting information for the state insect. |
Group was persuasive in presenting information for the state insect. |
Group was very persuasive in presenting information for the state insect. |
|
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Conclusion
Congratulations! Now you know much more about symbols, insects, Nevada, and teamwork. Did another group's presentation give you second thoughts about your choice for state insect? From now on, whenever you see an insect, think of it as a symbol, rather than a nasty bug!
If you are interested in more information about these topics, here are some great links to get you started.
Symbols
Symbol Encyclopedia
Insects
Insect Pictures
Bug Bios
State Insects
Nevada
Nevada Facts
Nevada Kids
Never stop learning!
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Credits
& References
Photo Credits:
Cicada: Kolk, Melinda. cicada21.jpg. June 2004. Pics4Learning. 22 Mar 2007 http://pics.tech4learning.com
Tarantula: Peterson, Jane. tarantula1.jpg. Fall, 2002. Pics4Learning. 22 Mar 2007 http://pics.tech4learning.com
Black Widow: Kolk, Melinda. blackwidow.jpg. August 2004. Pics4Learning. 22 Mar 2007 http://pics.tech4learning.com
Praying Mantis: Jones, Jenny. praying_mantis.jpg. Fall 2004. Pics4Learning. 22 Mar 2007 http://pics.tech4learning.com
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Last
updated on
September 5, 2007
.
Based
on a template from The
WebQuest Page
|
