Internet Rock Hunt
A WebQuest
Introduction | Background | Topic | Planning | Software & Hardware |
Student Role | Questions | Rock Links

Introduction:
I plan to create a WebQuest for my fourth grade students.  A WebQuest is an Internet Activity that is designed to keep the user focused rather than allowing him/her to surf everywhere on the Web.

Background:
This summer I attended an eight day workshop about integrating technology into the classroom.  The instructors had the class participate in a WebQuest on American Dreams.  As a class we looked at many examples of Quests.  This gave me an opportunity to mentally evaluate the lessons and collect ideas for a worthwhile activity.

Topic:
Since grade school, I have been interested rocks & minerals, and now the chapter is one of my preferred to teach in science.  I plan to have rocks and the rock cycle as the main topic for my WebQuest.  Depending on the amount of information and significant connections to rocks available, I may include other aspects of earth science.

Planning:
I am using The WebQuest Page to help me learn to make a beneficial WebQuest.  The site now includes examples, a template, and many other suggestions.  I will include these “musts” as sections of my WebQuest

1.  Introduction,   2.  Task,   3.  Resources,
4.  Process,   5.  Evaluation,   6.  Conclusion
As I have been looking at the site, I realize that there is a lot involved in making a worthwhile Quest.

I also want to include a teacher section which will give lesson objectives, point out the Illinois Standards that will be covered, and list any extra materials that students will need to complete any projects.

I would also like to include a hot link glossary.
 
Possible Software:
  • Netscape Navigator & Composer
  • MS Paint or similar drawing program
  • Compton’s Encyclopedia
  • Clip Art Program
  • Other software on rocks
 Possible Hardware:
  • Digital camera
  • Scanner
  • My 35mm camera

Student Role:
Students will work in groups when the WebQuest is complete.  They will chose roles (they may be able to switch throughout the project to obtain different experiences).  The roles may include geologist (Internet Navigator), map maker/illustrator, research assistant (for other information sources), and data recorder.

My Questions & Concerns:
1.  Currently, there is only one Internet hookup in the school library.  We should be getting hookups in our rooms sometime soon.  Should I wait to have my students complete the WebQuest in my room, or should I send them to the library where supervision is limited?

2.  I teach science to both fourth grade classes in my building.  Should I use the WebQuest for both classes?  If I do use the WebQuest for both classes, what about limited class time - and sending the other students to the library?  Maybe the whole class can do the WebQuest on the LCD panel and take turns navigating.

3.  How long should my WebQuest take for my students to complete?

4.  What about frames?  I like them, but many people don't.  I think frames will be okay to use because my students are the number one audience.  Any comments?

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(or jump my list of Rock Related Sites)