WebQuest

The Ocean

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Many people do not know that there is another world on the planet Earth. This unknown world is the world of the Ocean. Oceans are vast and deep. Each ocean is different and has its own types of animals living in it. You are an ocean explorer and your next expedition is to find out as much as you can about one of the five oceans and the animals and organisms that live in it.

The Task

As an ocean explorer, you will work in a group with fellow explorers. Your group will be assigned to one of the following oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern or Arctic. During your expedition you will find the answers to the following questions:

What ocean are you exploring?
Where is your ocean located?
What types (species) of animals live in you ocean?
What are some interesting facts about your ocean?
Does your ocean contain animals or organisms that are unique to your ocean?
How did your ocean get its name?
Are there any animals in your ocean that are on the endangered species list? Why are they on the list? Is there anything we can do to repopulate them?

Your group will present your findings in the form of a report. You can present the information as a slide show using Power Point, Hyperstudio or KidPix.

The Process

   1. You will have books about the 5 major oceans read to you. We will have a discussion on the animals and organisms that live in the ocean. These discussions will prepare you for your upcoming expedition.
    2. You will be assigned to an exploration team. Your team will be names after the ocean you are to explore. After you are put on a team, each team member will choose one aspect of the ocean to explore (one team member will gather information on the ocean, the other team members will pick animals and organisms to research).
     3. You may use a variety of resources to gather your research. You may use the resource section of the library, computer software, or the internet links provided below.
    4. You are to work as a team. You will be graded on how well you work together. If you have problems using any of the computer software or if you are having trouble finding information, ask your teacher for help.
    5. Use the questions above as a guide for the type of information you are looking for. Once you have all of the information you need, make a concept map as a guide for your presentation to the other teams.

Internet Links
Arctic Ocean
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=118212

Atlantic Ocean
http:www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=1179691&tocid=0
Atlantic Ocean Facts
http://oceanographer.navy.mil/atlantic.html
Facts: Marine animals
http://www.comptons.com/encyclopedia/ARTICLES/0000/00135680_A.html

Indian Ocean
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=109256&tocid=0
Indian Ocean Facts
http://oceanographer.navy.mil/indian.html

Pacific Ocean
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=115361
Animals (pictures)
http://library.thinkquest.org/15931/hifish.html
Pacific Ocean Facts
http://www.comptons.com/encyclopedia/ARTICLES/0125/01384448_A.html#P1A1

Southern Ocean
http://www.geography.about.com/science/geography/library/weekly/aa091500a.htm

Site for any group to use
http://oceanlink.island.net/

Evaluation
This is a project that requires you to work as a team with your group. Keep this in mind because the quality of your work will reflect on your score as well as your teammates score. If you work hard, your score will show how hard you worked.

	1	2	3	4
Working with others	Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Often is not a good team player.	Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others, but sometimes is not a good team member.	Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Does not cause "waves" in the group.	Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together.
Time Management	Rarely gets things done by deadlines and group has to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's inadequate time management.	Tends to procrastinate, but always gets things done by the deadlines. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's procrastination.	Usually uses time well throughout the project, but may have procrastinated on one thing. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's procrastination.	Routinely uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's procrastination.
Amount of Information	All topics not addressed OR most questions answered with words or phrases instead of sentences.	All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1-2 sentences about each.	All topics are addressed and most questions answered, with at least 3 sentences about each.	All topics are addressed, and all questions answered, with at least 3 sentences about each.
Organization	There appears to be little organization of the material.	Information is generally organized, but no headings are used.	Information is organized with headings, but some material under the headings may be out of place.	Information is very well organized with headings that relate clearly to the material.
Quality of Information	Information gathered has little or nothing to do with questions posed.	Information gathered provides answers to main questions, but no details and/or examples are given.	Information gathered provides answers to main questions, along with 1-2 supporting details and/or examples.	Information gathered provides answers to main questions along with several supporting details and/or examples for each.

Conclusion
By the time you are finished with your research, you should be an expert on the ocean and the animals that live in them. I want to leave you with one question: What types of careers are there that involve oceans?

Last updated on June 28,2001. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page