Web+Quest

=Animal Habitats= toc

Introduction
You are a member of a team of scientists from Central Dauphin University exploring habitats and animals around the world. Your mission is to research each habitat, summarizing the characteristics of each habitat, and documenting the ways in which the structures and behaviors of living organisms within the habitat help it to survive.

The Task
As the team's lead scientist, you are responsible for exploring the habitats and the animals found within each habitat. As you research each habitat you'll write a summary of the characteristics of the habitat as well as gather facts about some of the animals that inhabit each area. Upon completing the habitat research, you will choose one animal on which you will complete a more extensive research report. At the end of the study, you will have a completed research project to share with your team of scientists.

The Process
Scientists keep organized notes, complete all of the required research in a timely manner, and work cooperatively with colleagues. The following steps outline the mission for each group of scientists:

Group research:
 * Answer the question, What is a habitat? in your Animal Habitat Folder;
 * Complete the [|Habitats Around the World Glossary.doc]
 * Work with your team to explore each habitat by reviewing the web links and videos found within the Resource section below and along the left hand side of the wiki. In addition, you'll find library resources to help you complete this task. As you explore each habitat, be sure to complete the [|Habitat Graphic Organizer.kid]. This will be your guide to completing the summaries for each habitat.
 * Each group will work together to create six illustrations - one illustration to represent each habitat. These illustrations will be used to share your project with your colleagues upon completing the first part of the project;

Independent research:
 * Use a separate [|tchart.pdf] to create a fact and opinion sheet for at least 3 but not more than 5 different animals that inhabit each habitat. Be sure to write the name of the animal on the top of the t-chart. On the left side of your t-chart write the word FACT and on the right side of the t-chart write the word OPINION. Through your research find and record 3 - 5 facts and 3-5 opinions about //each// animal on the t-chart;
 * Use the [|Animal Habitats Content Web.doc] to record detailed notes on ONE animal of your choice. You will use these notes to complete your animal research project;
 * Create a Blabber (more details to follow) based on your animal research in order to share your research findings with your colleagues.

Resources
You will use a variety of text and multi-media resources for this project. These resources can be found on the left hand side of the wiki as well as through library text resources. Please speak with the librarian if you need help finding a specific book. In addition, you will find a variety of note taking resources throughout the wiki. These can be printed and picked up in the computer lab. Text with an underline is a link - either to a note taking resource or a link to a web resource. You will need to use the browsers back button to return to the wiki after reviewing the web links.

To get started, it's important to understand what is meant by the term research. Below is a video clip which will review some of the important aspects of research. Please feel free to review this video clip as needed.

media type="file" key="Research.asf"

Evaluation
You will be evaluated on your finished project as well as on your participation in the group research sessions. Students will be given a rubric to guide them in completing this project. A successful project includes:
 * Successful group work. Group members will evaluate the work of each member using the [|Group Work Rubric.doc]
 * A final written research paper on each of the habitats and one specific animal of your choice; [|Animal Habitats Research Report Rubric.doc]
 * A 'Blabber' to share your animal information - more details on what this is will be provided later in the project as we get closer to sharing our animal research.

Conclusion
Throughout this web quest you have had the opportunity to learn more about animals and their habitats. By comparing and contrasting these habitats what similarities and differences can you find? Do any animals live in more than one habitat? Are there any similarities between animals from the same habitat? How can comparing and contrasting animal habitats help us to better understand the habitat we live in? How can this understanding help us to better recognize the impact that humans have on the environment?