Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School

 

Grade 6 Science Unit

 

 

 

 

GRADE 6 Solar System WebQuest

 

 

 

  Introduction

This assignment has two challenges. The first is to put to use the Big6 Research Process and second, to learn more about the solar system information.

 

There are many topics about astronomy that can be researched. Although the planets and stars have been studied for many years, scientists are still making new discoveries. In this unit you will be able to find out what is already known and what scientists are hoping to discover with their research.

 

 

  The Task

Your task for this WebQuest will be to do research on a given astronomy topic. You will divide into groups of two. Each group will then do research to prepare a power point presentation and write 2 quiz questions. You will also do an oral presentation to share your information with your classmates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  The Process

  1.   You will be given the opportunity to do research on your topic using books and the internet to get information. You will be given approximately 2 classes to work on the project. The 3rd class will require you to present to the class.

2.   Include all important information related to that topic. For example: physical properties, chemical composition, location, rotation and revolution information, current news regarding this topic, and the history of the topic including exploratory missions carried out by NASA. Include 2 quiz questions for the other students.

3.   You must use at least 5 sources for this project. Use a variety of types of sources, e.g. books, the internet, newspaper, magazines, etc. Please use current information.

4.   Oral presentations should be 5 minutes long. Each team has to speak about their topic and ask the other students 2 questions.

 

 

 

  Your presentation should include the following elements:

1. At least 5 slides with information regarding your topic.

2. You must include at least 3 illustrations or pictures related to your topic.

3. You should use the same background and font for all slides.

4. You can include animation but it can not detract from your presentation.

5. Do not include sound!

6. The last slide should have your 2 quiz questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

  Links:

 Encyclopedia Britannica (studentwb password)

 World Book

 Welcome to the Planets

 The Nine Planets

Space Kids

NASA Missions – In the search box type in your keywords, your planet and mission 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a list of topics that we will be studying.

Topics

1. Sun

2. Mercury

3. Venus

4. Mars

5. Jupiter

6. Saturn

7. Uranus

8. Neptune

9. Pluto

10. comets

11. asteroids

12. meteoroids

13. stars

14. black holes

15. galaxies

16. space travel

17. space tools

 

 

 

  Evaluation   

Category

4

3

2

1

Requirements

All requirements are met and exceeded.

All requirements are met.

One requirement was not completely met.

More than one requirement was not completely met.

Content

Covers topic in-depth with details and examples. Subject knowledge is excellent.

Includes essential knowledge about the topic. Subject knowledge appears to be good.

Includes essential information about the topic but there are 1-2 factual errors.

Content is minimal OR there are several factual errors.

Organization

Content is well organized using headings or bulleted lists to group related material.

Uses headings or bulleted lists to organize, but the overall organization of topics appears flawed.

Content is logically organized for the most part.

There was no clear or logical organizational structure, just lots of facts.

Oral presentation

Interesting, well-rehearsed with smooth delivery that holds audience attention.

Relatively interesting, rehearsed with a fairly smooth delivery that usually holds audience attention.

Delivery not smooth, but able to hold audience attention most of the time.

Delivery not smooth and audience attention lost.

 

 

 

 

  Conclusion

You have now successfully located information about your topic in the Solar System.  You are now able to do research on anyone you would like and you have completed your first Big6 Research Project. Congratulations!
 

 

 

 

 

Teacher's Notes

This WebQuest is designed to help students to use the research process to learn about the Solar System.

The process is designed to follow the Big6 Research Model by Eisenberg/Berkowitz.

    Components of the Big6 Research Model

    1.  Task Definition.
                Define the problem.
    2.  Information Seeking Strategies.
                Determine possible sources.
                Evaluate the different possible sources.
    3.  Location and Access.
                Locate sources.
                Find information within the sources.
    4.    Use the information.
                Engage (read, hear, or view) the information in a source.
                Extract information from a source.
    5.    Synthesis.
                Organize information from multiple sources.
                Present information.
    6.    Evaluation.
                Judge the product. (effectiveness)
                Judge the information problem solving process. (efficiency)

 

 

 

 

  Projec Time Line

Class 1: Review Big6 Research Process

             Review Step 1, Task Definition and Expectations, discuss keywords and browsing.

            Perform research, collect pictures, take notes and cite resources.

Class 2: Continue to do research, collect pictures, take notes and cite resources.

           Type findings into PowerPoint, insert digitized pictures, save to My Documents Solar System Folder.

Class 3: First 10 min to practice oral presentation. Each Team will present their materials.

  

 

 

 

 

  Credits

This webquest was created by Diana Masuzumi and modified for HPS NWMMS by Mrs. Swarr LMS, Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School, 2007