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INTRODUCTION
Habitat Hangouts is a WebQuest that was created for Grade 6 students. This lesson was developed as part of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Computers In The Classroom course, July 2004.
Students will assume the role of an Animal Researcher who has been hired to help create a new biodôme called Habitat Hangouts! Their responsibility is to design five different habitats for each group of vertebrates and choose two animals to put in the biodôme. They will achieve this task by visiting websites about vertebrates, their habitats and adaptations, and examining relationships with other animals, and exploring the environments that are necessary for animal survival.
CONTENT AREA AND GRADE LEVEL
The focus of this lesson is for students to describe the specific characteristics of each group of vertebrates, which is appropriate for the sixth grade curriculum, as outlined in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8 "Science and Technology document by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
Relating Science and Technology to the World Outside the School
Students will:
[6s21] describe specific characteristics or adaptations that enable each group of vertebrates to live in its particular habitat (e.g., fish in water), and explain the importance of maintaining that habitat for the survival of the species;
[6s16]communicate the procedures and results of investigations for specific purposes and to specific audiences, using media works, oral presentations, written notes and descriptions, charts, graphs, and drawings (e.g., create a clearly labelled chart of organisms observed and identified during a pond study).
Source:
The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 "Science and Technology":
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/scientec/scientec.html
Tasks Students (Groups) will complete:
- Research and present findings on the characteristics of all vertebrate groups (answers can be typed using a word processor, or published in the form of a pamphlet etc.);
- Research and present findings on the characteristics of one species in each of the vertebrate groups (answers can be typed using a word processor, or published in the form of a pamphlet etc.);
- Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast two animals.
- Create a habitat for ONE animal and create a multimedia presentation (using Corel Presentation, Hyperstudio, MS Power Point) outlining the characteristics of the habitat.
PROCESS
- Divide the class into groups of five.
- Groups will consist of up to five members.
- Each group will choose a different vertebrate group to research first. Students can use this concept map to help them organize their research.
- Each member of the group will work together to create habitats for each of the five vertebrate groups.
- Each member of the group will choose ONE vertebrate group to research. Report outlines are included below:
- Groups will design ONE habitat for the "Habitat Hangout", based on the information that they learned about the natural environment of one of the group of vertebrates.
- Together, group members will choose ONE animal to place at the Habitat Hangout.
- They will be required to create a presentation using a software program (Corel Presentation, Power Point, Hyperstudio etc.) to present your findings.
Variations
Accomodations
- Habitat Designer Checklist is intended to be a self-checking tool to be used when students prepare to create their habitats.
- Create a portable Word Wall to feature vocabulary that you want the students to be familiar with. [WordWall.xls] OR [WordWall.pdf]
RESOURCES NEEDED
Internet Resources:
A chart has been provided on this page for students to narrow their searches, based on the vertebrate group they they choose to research.
Specific Software:
Word processor
Presentation software such as: Hyperstudio (Ministry Licensed), Corel Presentations, MS Powerpoint
Specific Hardware:
At least 5 Computers with reliable internet access
Human Resources:
One teacher;
Special needs considerations on needs basis.
EVALUATION
A set of four rubrics were designed specifically to support the curriculum expectations and correspond with the above tasks. They include:
CONCLUSION
Through this WebQuest your students will discover more about vertebrates and their habitats. Encourage them to share what they learn with others to increase their awareness of vertebrates, and realize the importance of respecting and preserving natural habitats.
CREDITS & REFERENCES
Thank-you to . . .
CalPhotos
Dynamic Drive Scripts
The WebQuest Page WebQuest Template
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