A WEBQUEST ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY
FOR 3RD GRADE
SCIENCE

Designed by
MEGHAN TULL AND ERIN PLAISANCE
MTULL1@LSU.EDU AND EPLAIS1@LSU.EDU

 
 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits


Introduction

The human body is a very complicated system.  All the parts of the body are dependent on each other.  You are to pretend that your brain is making cuts because there is not enough room for all of the body parts. You are to take on the role of an organ in the body and write a letter to the brain telling the brain why you are so important and why you should be allowed to stay.


The Task
  • You are to research one organ in the body and find out its function and purpose.  You are to write the brain a one-page persuasive letter telling the brain why your organ's purpose and function is so important, why the rest of the body needs you, and why you should not be cut.
  • Explore at least 2 of these websites (most of them contain information aobut more than one organ in the body):
  •     http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/organ.html
  •    http://bart.northnet.com.au/~amcgann/body/
  •    http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lessonob5.shtml
  •    http://www.msms.doe.k12.ms.us/biology/anatomy/circulatory/
  •     circulatory.html
  •    http://www.msms.doe.k12.ms.us/biology/anatomy/digestive/
  •     digestive.html
  •    http://yucky.kids.discovery.com/flash/body/pg000029.html
  •    http://sln.fi.edu/biosci/heart.html
  •     http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org15777Hour.htm

    •  

    The Process
       1.  You will be working in pairs.
       2.  You and your partner will decide which organ you think is important.
       3.  You will each view one website and jot down information about your organ.
       4.  Together you will write a letter to the brain telling the brain how important your role is to the body and persuade the brain to keep you.  Your letter should include at least one picture of your organ.  The first paragraph should explain your role, the second paragraph should tell why you are so important, and the third paragraph should tell why the brain should keep you (what would the body do without you?).


    Evaluation

    Your group will be given one grade.  Your letter will be graded for correct grammar and for explanation of how your organ functions and why it is important.

    Beginning

    1

    		 Developing

    2

    		 Accomplished

    3

    		 Exemplary

    4

    		 Score

    Is your grammar correct in your letter? 
    More than 5 mistakes
    Between 2-4 mistakes
    Only one mistake
    No mistakes
    		  

    Did you include a picture?
     

     
    No
    Yes but it does not pertain to the assignment.
    Yes but it is unclear.
    Yes and it pertains to the assignment and it is clear.
    		  
    Does your letter contain your function to the body?






     
    No
    Yes but only one function.
    Yes, two functions.
    Yes, more than two functions.
    		  
    Does your letter persuade the brain to keep you?

     
    No
    Yes but very unclear.
    Yes but a little unclear.
    Yes-very clearly.
    		  
               

    Conclusion

    Did you examine at least two websites?  Did you write the brain a letter that included your function, importance and why it should keep you?  Did you include a picture?  Did you and your partner both participate?


    Credits & References
    http://library.thinkquest.org/2935/Natures_Best/Nat_Best_High_Level/Page_Shells/Circulatory_Shell.html
    http://bart.northnet.com.au/~amcgann/body/digestive.htm
     
       

    Created on October 9, 2001. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page