Introduction

This webquest was designed to motivate young learners to explore selected web site and create 3 projects on the topic of rainforest animals.

Learners

These lessons are appropriate for 2nd grade learners and include the subjects of science and language arts.

Curriculum Standards

Science Standards Addressed

 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.

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

Language Arts Standards Addressed

3.B.1b Demonstrate focus, organization, elaboration and integration in written compositions (e.g., short stories, letters, essays, reports).

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.

4.A.1a Listen attentively by facing the speaker, making eye contact and paraphrasing what is said.

4.A.1b Ask questions and respond to questions from the teacher and from group members to improve comprehension.

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

Process

Students are asked to select an animal, research the web, create projects as explained on student page and share them with an audience.

Variations

The lesson many be teacher directed and whole group based or on an individual basis as an assignment or an enrichment project.

Resources Needed

• Class selection of rainforest books
• paper and art supplies
• a classroom computer with Internet access

Evaluation

	needs work 1	good work 2	excellent work 3	Score
report	•1-2 elements •few facts •lacks neatness	•3-4 elements •some facts •mostly neat	•5 elements •correct facts •neat and readable
poem	not original or complete	creative and mostly complete	very creative and complete
3-D animal	displays few animal attributes	displays some animal attributes	display most animal attributes
work habits	rarely on task	usually on task	always on task
presentation	unclear and lacks information	somewhat clear and informative	very clear and informative

Conclusion

After completing this web quest, students should demonstrate knowledge of rainforest animals as well as the experience of navigating through a web quest.

Credits & References

 Books: One Small Square Tropical Rain forest by Donald M.Silver, What about rainforests? by Joy Palmer

A special thank you to Kathy Tyler, our very own technology queen!