Hello students and families!
This exciting environmental education unit on squid will be done via a WebQuest. “A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the internet” (Levin & Schrum, 2009, p. 63). Although I will provide guidance and assistance, as well as all necessary components of the WebQuest, students will conduct their own self-paced learning. Additionally, the nature of the WebQuest allows students to engage in the unit while exercising and developing their digital citizenship skills.
Students will work through a set of tasks involving activities such as:
- selecting and going on virtual field trips
- measuring their carbon footprint
- connecting with other 3rd grade environmental stewards around the globe
- dissecting squid (with the option to do it in your own home!)
- analyzing data trends on global warming to identify possible relationships in animal population changes
- sharing creative aspects of learning via the class blog
A rubric will accompany the WebQuest, so that students and families know what is expected of them, and how they will be assessed. Please take some time to explore the WebQuest as a family. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email.
I look forward to our upcoming adventure!
Warmly,
Mr. Kelly
Levin, B. Barbara & Schrum, Lynne. (2009). Leading 21st Century School: Harnessing Technology for Engagement and Achievement. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.
