WebQuest  by JoAnn  Floyd

 

Introduction

As part of our social studies unit on the regions of the world, we read The Great Kapok Tree. It takes place in the rain forest, one of the regions we've been studying. In this story a young man is sent into the rain forest to cut down a large tree. However, shortly after he gets started, he grows tired and sits down to rest. While he naps, several animals stop by to persuade the man not to cut down the tree.  Each visitor has his own  reason for wanting the tree to be left alone.

Task

Students will work in groups of two or three to learn more about the animals of the rain forest featured in this story. Each group will be assigned an animal to research on the Web. Then, the group will work together to design and illustrate a poster that displays a picture of their animal and information about it. Each group will present their poster to the class. Every student is also expected to complete and turn in his/her own copy of the Animal Worksheet.

Process

1.    Print your copy of the Animal Worksheet.

2.    Click on the animal's name below to visit a Website with information about that animal.

3.    Complete the worksheet.

4.    Design and illustrate your group's poster.

5.   Participate in your group's presentation to the class.

 Resources

      Boa Constrictor                      Toucan                 Tree Frog                   Jaguar

                                  Monkeys                                Anteater                    Three-toed Sloth         

Visit the following Websites for additional information.

Yahooligans for Kids

Ask Jeeves Kids

KidsClick

Evaluation

You will be evaluated on this assignment with the following 3 point rubric.

	1	2	3
Worksheet	Incomplete and/or much of the information is inaccurate	Complete and most of the information is accurate	Complete and all of the information is accurate
Cooperation	Frequently off task and not engaged in the project, and/or not respectful of other group members	Usually actively engaged in the group project and always respectful of  other group members	Always actively engaged in the group project and always respectful of other group members
Poster	Missing two or more of the required elements (see description for score of 3)	Missing one of the required elements (see description for score of 3)	Contains each element listed below: 1.  picture/illustration of the animal is included 2. accurate information is displayed 3. poster is neat and attractive
Presentation	Student is not prepared  and/or demonstrates  minimal understanding of the information  presented	Student is well prepared  and   demonstrates an understanding of the information presented.	Student is well prepared and demonstrates a complete understanding of the information presented

Conclusion

The rain forest is a natural region that is home to thousands of animals and plants. Each living thing is an integral part of the delicate balance that exists in the rain forest. This region is also a  valuable  resource which provides food and medicine for people all over the world. However, the rain forest is endangered. We need to understand and appreciate the importance of the rain forest, especially if we are going to help the efforts being made to preserve it.

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