Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of the 2003 WIT class for teachers on using the web in the classroom.

This is a webquest for third grade students.  They will use the internet to learn how real animals are adapted to surviving in their environment.  They will analyze  information gathered during their webquest and use it to create their own creature giving it features that will help it survive. 

Learners

Curriculum Standards

Students will work together in groups and share the information they have gathered from the web.  They will analyze and transform this information to show that they understand adaptation. Students will present a finished product to the class.

Illinois Curriculum Standards

12.A.1b Categorize living organisms using a variety of observable features (e.g., size, color, shape, backbone).

12.A.1a Identify and describe the component parts of living things (e.g., birds have feathers; people have bones, blood, hair, skin) and their major functions.

3.B.1a Use prewriting strategies to generate and organize ideas e.g., focus on one topic; organize writing to include a beginning, middle and end; use descriptive words when writing about people, places, things, events.

3.C.1a Write for a variety of purposes including description, information, explanation, persuasion and narration.

 5.B.1b Cite sources used.

4.B.1a Present brief oral reports, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the message and audience (e.g., show and tell).

4.B.1b Participate in discussions around a common topic.

5.C.1b Use print, nonprint, human and technological resources to acquire and use information.

 26.B.1d Visual Arts: Demonstrate knowledge and skills to create visual works of art using manipulation, eye-hand coordination, building and imagination.

This webquest also covers the following Chicago objectives (taken from the Chicago Academic Standards & Frameworks, 1997)

Science standard - 12B4 Describe characteristics of plants and animals that allow them to live in specific environments.

Writing - 3B3 Create paragraphs that establish and support a central idea with concrete details, example, or experiences to explain or clarify information.

Process

Teacher divides the students into groups.  Each group will consist of students with different ability levels.  The groups are in place so that students can help and suppport each other.  There will be no group project grade.  If two students want to work together to create their illustration and composition that would be allowed.

Access to a computer lab would be ideal but it is possible in a classroom with only one computer.  It could be done as a learning center activity.

The students will follow the process described below.

1. The teacher will assign you to a group of 3 to 4 students.

2. Click on the definition page to make sure you understand the vocabulary needed to complete all of your tasks.

3. Then you will choose 4 or 5 animals that you want to know more about.  You may choose them from this list by clicking on it or choose some on your own.

4. Get a research worksheet from the teacher and go to some of the sites listed below.  To complete the worksheet you need to include the name of each animal, a brief description of its environment, some physical or behavioral adaptations it uses to survive.  Remember to write the name of which web site you used. Please ask someone if there is something you do not understand when you are reading about your animals.  The adults or other students in the room may be able to help you.  You may work with other members of your group when you do your web quest on the computer.  Help each other.

Sites to visit:
enchantedlearning 
http://library.thinkquest.org/J001644F/default.htm
http://www.yahooligans.com/content/animals/.htm
http://www.ajkids.com/ 
 

The two sites below are interactive sites from the Shedd Aquarium.
The first one is 'Squish the Fish' and the next one is'Build a Fish'.  You may do these sites in the classroom when you have extra computer time.
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/SEA/interactive_module.cfm?id=8
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/SEA/interactive_module.cfm?id=7#

5.  After getting all your information meet with your group. Share what you have learned about animal adaptations.

6.  Next, you need to create a creature and give it a habitat and adaptations to help it survive.  Your creature is something you make up and it does not have to look like a real animal. You should include at least two physical features that help it get food or protect itself. You can only give your creature characteristics that real animals have, for example, you can not make your creature invisible.  You must use adaptations or characteristics/features that you have learned about in your web quest.

7. Make a rough sketch.  Have the teacher okay it and then get the art paper to do your good copy. You may use crayons, markers, or colored pencils. You should draw with pencil first and then trace over and color in all the parts.  Make sure you include part of its habitat so we can see where it lives. Put the drawing somewhere to keep it safe when you are not using it.

8.  After the drawing is complete you can begin work on your composition. Get a graphic organizer from the teacher so that you can organize your ideas.

9.  Write your first draft.  Describe your creature (you probably want to look at your picture when you do this).  Include the following ideas in your writing:

• name of the creature
• its habitat
• at least two physical features (remember it must be something that real animals have)
• at least one behavioral feature (remember it must be something that real animals do)
• other interesting facts about your creature
• You might want to compare your creature to one of the animals that you have learned about.  For example, you might say that the creature has talons like an eagle.

10. Have someone in your group read your first draft and help you edit it and make it better.

11.  Then have the teacher read your revised draft.

12.  Make corrections and write your final draft.  You may use Microsoft Word.

13.  Decide what you want to say to the class when you give your presentation.  You might want to practice your presentation in front of your group. You should include the following:

• show the picture
• tell the creature's name
• tell where it lives
• tell about  two adaptations it uses to survive.
• add more detail for a better grade
  

 
Resources Needed

To complete this lesson students will need the following:

• computer 
• pictures of animals
• a worksheet to organize their the research
• a graphic organizer for prewriting activity
• the web site enchantedlearning 
• other web sites linked to in the process section
  
• paper and drawing materials
• Microsoft Word for typing compositions
• a computer lab would be nice but not necessary
• another adult in the classroom or the lab would be helpful

Rubric - here is what you will be graded on for this project.  You will receive a research, writing, art, and science grade for this project. To do your best you should look at the rubric below before you begin so you know what is expected of you if you want to get the best grade possible.

Beginning D Developing C Accomplished B Exemplary A Score   research You have tried.  You have written about 2 or 3 animals and have found at least 1 adaptation for each. You have researched  3 or 4 animals and have written at least 2 adaptations for most of the animals. You have researched 4 animals and have written about 2 or more adaptations  for most of the animals. You have researched  more that 5 animals and written at least 2 adaptations for each. illustration   Your illustration may be sloppy, or lack color, it may not match your composition. But it does show a physical feature. Your illustration lacks color, it could be neater, or it doesn't look like what you described in your composition. It does show at least 1 physical feature. Your illustration is neat, has color, shows two physical features, it matches your composition Your illustration is neat, has color, shows something about the habitat, shows two of the physical features, and it matches your composition.   composition   You have tried.  You have written about your creature and told something about it. You have included the parts listed in the process. You have stayed on topic. You have done two drafts. You have included all the parts listed in the process. You have done a prewrite and all the drafts.  It is well written using Standard English. You have stayed on topic. It includes few errors in capitalization,and punctuation. It matches the illustration. It includes all the part listed in the process. You have done a prewriting activity and all the drafts. It has more detail that required.  It shows creativity. You have stayed on topic. It has been edited and uses Standard English, correct  capitalization and punctuation. It matches the illustration.   content of oral presentation  You showed the illustration and told something about your creature. You stated the name and told about an adaptation,  and have shown the illustration. You have stated the name, described the habitat, talked about two adaptations and have shown the illustration. You have stated the name, told about the  habitat, talked about two adaptations and some interesting facts about your creature. You have  shown the illustration.   speaking skills You talked about your illustration. You may not have spoken clearly or used Standard English. You spoke about your illustration. You may have spoken too quietly, or held your paper in front of your face. You spoke loudly, clearly, and used Standard English. You spoke loudly, clearly, looked at the audience, and used Standard English.

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Conclusion

This web quest will allow third graders to do some beginning research using the internet.  It is multidisciplinary and covers a number of Illinois standards.  Students are expected to use what they have learned to create something new.  I think they will enjoy this web quest and will really understand how animals need and use different adaptations to survive.

Credits & References

enchantedlearning
http://library.thinkquest.org/J001644F/default.htm
http://www.yahooligans.com//content/animals    
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/SEA/interactive_module.cfm?id=8
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/SEA/interactive_module.cfm?id=7#
image Yahooligans
clip art http://school.discovery.com/clipart/

The address for AIMS Education Foundation
                         P.O. Box 8120
                          Fresno, California 93747

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