webquest

Dinosaur Data Dig

                       A Webquest for Second Grade
          Designed
       by
           Barbara Gearon

bgearon@dedham.mec.edu

Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits Resources

Introduction	Task	Process	Evaluation	Conclusion	Credits	Resources

Introduction

Help! We need to find out what happened to the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs disappeared a long time ago. Their bones were found all over the world. Please tell us what you think happened to some of the dinosaurs.

After doing some research on your dinosaur and analyzing the dinosaur extinction theories, you should be able to come up with a theory as to how your dinosaur became extinct.

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The Task

First, read some general information about dinosaurs

Next, read some information on dinosaur extinction

Then, look at different species of dinosaurs to decide what dinosaur you will write about

After you have decided what dinosaur you will write about, get a complete printout of this dinosaur, including where the fossils of this dinosaur were found

Then, use the graphic writing organizers to help you put your information together

Write your report using the correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation along with good opening and closing sentences

Type your story on the computer

Finally, publish your report in our Dinosaur Data Dig big book. Make sure that you have an accompanying dinosaur picture and fossil printout to go with your dinosaur report.

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The Process

l. Go to the Zoom Dinosaurs web site Table of Contents and click on All About Dinosaurs. Then, read the information on dinosaurs.

2. Next, go to the Dinosaur Interplanetery Gazette and the Extinction Theories web sites and read about dinosaur extinction.

3. Then, go back to the Zoom Dinosaurs web site Table of Contents again and click on The Dinosaur Information Sheet and scroll down to select the dinosaur you will report on.

4. Once you have selected your dinosaur, get a complete printout of your dinosaur. This printout should include a picture that shows where the dinosaur fossils were found.

5. After acquiring these printouts and completing your reading, start organizing your information using the graphic organizer.

6. Use the information in your graphic organizer to write your report. Remember to write interesting beginning and ending sentences and to use good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Then, have your teacher proofread your writing.

7. After your article has been proofread by your teacher, you may type your article on the computer by clicking on start and going up to document. Then, find your name. Follow the directions at the top of the page and begin your typing.

8. The last thing you need to do is attach your writing to the web site picture of your dinosaur and the web site picture of your fossil map. Then, tape your completed report to one of our big book pages.

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Evaluation

How well do you think you did writing your report?
Use the Writing Rubric to assist you in writing your report and to asses your writing.

                                               Writing Rubric

    Beginning
            1        Developing
              2    Accomplished
             3          Excellent
               4          Score

    Introduction Disorganized, no information on what is to come    Gives too little      information Summarizes
report Concise, well-written introduction

     Research Does not cover all appropriate topics Covers some of the appropriate topics. Covers most of the appropriate topics. All appropriate topics covered well. Also includes interesting facts.

Spelling/Grammar
     Punctuation Many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors A few errors Only one or two errors Spelling, grammar and punctuation perfect

    Presentation Illegible, messy Almost illegible Legible writing, accompanying illustrations Well organized presentation, typed or written using a word processor, accompanying illustrations

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have just completed your first webquest. Hopefully, through this quest, you have had a chance to think about dinosaurs and their extinction.

Your report will be included in our Dinosaur Data Dig big book to be shared with others. You may want to research dinosaurs from other times and make a big book of your own to share.

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Credits

Digital Picture of a Dinosaur Mural by 2G

Digital Picture of 2G's Class Dinosaur

Graphic Organizer is an Inspiration Program adaptation

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Resources

Dinosaur Graphic
http://www.clipartgallery.com/animals/animals.html

Zoom Dinosaurs
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/index.html

Dinosaur Interplanetery Gazette
http://www.dinosaur.org/extinction.htm

Extinction Theories
http://www.dinosaur.org/extinction.htm

Books:

Brandenberg, A. (1985). Dinosaurs Are Different. New York: Harper Trophy.

Cole, J. (1994). The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs.
New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Dixon, D. (1987). Hunting the Dinosaurs. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Eastman, D. (1977). Prehistoric Animals. New York: Troll Associates.

Granowsky, A. (1992). What Happened to the Dinosaurs? New York: Steck-Vaughn Company.

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	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Excellent 4	Score
Introduction	Disorganized, no information on what is to come	Gives too little information	Summarizes report	Concise, well-written introduction
Research	Does not cover all appropriate topics	Covers some of the appropriate topics.	Covers most of the appropriate topics.	All appropriate topics covered well. Also includes interesting facts.
Spelling/Grammar Punctuation	Many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors	A few errors	Only one or two errors	Spelling, grammar and punctuation perfect
Presentation	Illegible, messy	Almost illegible	Legible writing, accompanying illustrations	Well organized presentation, typed or written using a word processor, accompanying illustrations