Project URL:

http://teachersnetwork.org/everywhere/
solano/WebquestNew/index.html

How it works:
This WebQuest is designed to help students learn about the kingdoms of life. The students are given five tasks to complete including vocabulary-building and Internet research to find information about the five kingdoms of life. Students must also complete a concept map, complete a characteristics table, and a writing assignment as part of this WebQuest. By the end of this WebQuest, students will have a better understanding of how different organisms are grouped based on their physical characteristics and what role they play here on Earth.

Standards addressed:  
By completeing this project, students will be able to meet the following science standards: Demonstrate understanding of structure and function in living systems; Demonstrate understanding of reproduction and heredity and the role of genes and environment on trait expression; Demonstrate understanding of regulation and behavior and response to environmental stimuli; Demonstrate understanding of populations and ecosystems and the effects of resources and energy transfer on populations; Demonstrate understanding of evolution, diversity, and adaptation of organisms; Demonstrate understanding of big ideas and unifying concepts; Use concepts to explain a variety of observations and phenomena; Use evidence from reliable sources to develop descriptions, explanations, and models; Identify problems; proposes and implements solutions; and evaluates the accuracy,design, and outcomes of investigations; Work individually and in teams to collect and share information and ideas; Record and store data using a variety of formats; Acquire information from multiple sources; Represent data and results in multiple ways; Explain a scientific concept or procedure to other students; Communicate in a form suited to the purpose and the audience; Demonstrate scientific competence by completing secondary research.

Assessment:
An assessment rubric is included in the evaluation area of the WebQuest where students and other teachers can clearly see the criteria required to complete the tasks.

Overall value:
This project contributes to student learning by causing them to be critical thinkers. It is adaptive to the multiple intelligences, and helps students meet many of the required standards across the board.
 
Tips: 
I think teachers would want to adapt this approach of incorporating technology for the same reasons I do. It's a fun, and interesting way for kids to learn that's motivating and self-paced.      

Teacher: Geraldine E. Solano

About the teacher:
Geraldine E. Solano created this webquest while teaching 6th grade Life Science at MS 206B in the Bronx, NY. Geraldine is currently a is a 10th grade Sports Medicine instructor at the Academy for Careers in Sports in the Bronx, New York City.

E-mail: 
jiggychic811@aol.com

Subject Areas:        
Science
Technology                   

Grade Levels: 
6th - 9th grades