Introduction

Plants have many uses in the world today.  One of the many uses of plants is as a food source for both animals and humans.  Another use of plants is for medicinal purposes.  Natural plant foods can be used to maintain good health and prevent and treat diseases. 
 

There has been a mad breakout of diseases all over the world.  As a junior botanist the medical field needs your help in identifying and curing these diseases.  These diseases have not yet been named, so you have been called upon to name the disease and find a cure.  You will need to explore and investigate rare plants and flowers and determine which species is best suited to cure your disease.  You will also need to present your own personal understanding about the plant or flower species you choose to investigate in the form of a database.  Your database must contain the following five categories in this order: name of the disease, picture of a rare plant or flower, the genus and species name, where the plant is found, and information about the flower and disease you chose (for example: what the disease is, how the flower will help, and information about the flower's natural habitat).  You will need to use the internet to research information about your plant or flower.  Use the links provided in the process section of the page to find the information you need.
 

1. First you will be assigned to a group of two students.
2. You and your partner will then choose which type of rare species, whether it be plant or flower, you want to learn more about.  You will then begin doing research on it.  Find as much information as you can.
3. Your next task will be to find a picture of your species.
4. Then you are to come up with a name for your disease, be original.  Go into great detail on your disease.  Make sure you tell how it will affect the population.
5. You will then come up with the way in which the species that you chose will help cure the disease.  Make sure to include what you did to come up with the cure. 
6. After you have found all the information you need, you will need to present your idea in the database program.  Be as creative as you can.

• NatureServe
• Colorado Natural Areas Program
• Horticulture Conservation
• Plants for a Future

You will be evaluated in this webquest by how well you contribute and perform the assigned activities within you small group.

The major areas you will be evaluated on are:
1. The quality of ideas and research contributed to the group.
2. How well the group stayed on task.
3. How well the group performs the responsibilites.
4. How well the information is organized in the database.
5. Quality of information gathered from resources provided.

Click here for rubric.

The students will have a general knowledge of rare plants and flowers as well as some characteristics of the countries that surround us.  They will also have a stonger background in using database and researching on the Internet.