Earth Expedition Webquest
Congratulations! You and your team of scientists have been given a grant to do an extended research study in either the Sahara Desert, Amazon Rainforest or Antarctica. Your assignment is to create an essay and photo journal on the area in which you choose to do your research. Since we have just started to study varying climates of the world from a naturalist’s perspective, your research will help your classmates in their studies. Completed projects will be used by all of us as a study guide for future assessments.
Your first task
is to determine which area you would like to explore. You should base your decision on the climate, geography, flaura
and fauna of the area. To star the
decision making process you should build a grid similar to the one below. Based on the data you should select the area
that interests you the most and that you think will be of interest to your
readers.
Area |
Climate |
Geographical
Features |
Plants |
Animals |
Environmental
Issues |
|
Sahara |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amazon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antarctica |
|
|
|
|
|
The following websites
should be used for your initial investigations:
www.terraquest.com/va/index.html
www.ontheline.org.uk/explore/nature/deserts/sahara.htm
Once you have made your
decision you should submit a proposal to me.
In your proposal you should include basic facts about the area,
potential areas of research and what resources you will need to live in the
area during your research, given the terrain, climate and areas of research you
may pursue.
After your proposal has
been approved, each member of your group will need to accept a research
role. Each group will have a geologist,
botanist, zoologist, meteorologist and environmentalist. Each member of the group will conduct
research in his/her area of expertise.
You are now ready to
embark on your exploration. The
following sites will take you on your virtual research expidition. Remember , each person in your group has a specific job to do. Good luck.
For your journey into
Antarctica you should start your research at the following sites:
http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761565002
www.nationalgeographic.com/sealab/antarctica
www.aad.gov.au/stations/liveasp
www.quest.arc.nasa.gov/antarctica2/main/s_index.html
Many scientists record
their research with data in grids along with notes and photographs. You should begin to collect your information
in the same way. Once you have gathered
your information plan on meeting with your editor (me) to talk about organization
and content. Once you are done with
your research we will begin the writing of your essay and your photojournal
together, using Frontpage.
The concluding activity
for your team will be to look at the environmental issues facing
Antarctica. You will need to decide on
a course of action to rectify any environmental concerns. Each member should bring what they have
learned to the discussion. Solutions
come with consequences so you must come to a decision that is satisfactory to
the entire group. Be sure to explain
likely benefits and any potential negative impact you’re your solution may
have. Once you have decided on a solution you should write an essay on your
chosen solution and why you have agreed to the solution you chose.