Overview: This webquest familiarizes students with volcano terminology and
allows them to learn the main parts of a volcano, as well as, how they form
and erupt. Students also get to investigate characteristics of volcanoes
from around the world.
Grade Level: This webquest was specifically designed for eighth grade.
However, it could be used or adapted to any middle level (grades 6-9) class.
Curriculum Area: Earth Science
Integrated Curriculum Areas: Language Arts and Technology
Length of Time: Approximately one week, provided one 50 minute period/day.
This does not include time for introduction of the material, explanation of
the webquest, or presentation of final projects.
Reading Level of Websites: For the most part, the websites are on the
reading level of an average middle school student. However, there will be
some terms that are unfamiliar to them. Fortunately, there are links to
glossaries in the webquest.
Materials: Computer or laptop with Internet capability and Microsoft's
Powerpoint or Apple's Keynote
Optional Materials: Word processing software and CDs for saving images and
video clips
Helpful Hints:
This webquest was designed to cover topics included in my curriculum and
textbook entitled Addison-Wesley Science Insights. Questions #1 - 3 in the
section called "Historian" deal with material directly from the textbook.
However, the rest of this webquest deals with material that can be found on
the websites that are linked to it.
In addition, under the section "Evaluation", there is an assignment that
consists of defining vocabulary words, completing a table, and answering
questions. I have the students produce the assignment themselves
and then hand it in electronically. However, you could have the students
produce it using a word processing program and then print it out. On the
other hand, you could produce it, print it out, and have the students
complete it like a regular worksheet.
Finally, in the same section, I also discuss a rubric that I will use to
evaluate the students' final powerpoint or keynote presentations. It was
created using rubistar4teachers.org. Type the address in your browser (NO
www). On the homepage look for the section entitled "Search for a Rubric".
Search for rubric titles and use the keyword "Pearson". My rubric should be
on the second page. It is called "HyperStudio/Powerpoint Appearance and
Content: Analyzing Volcanoes". Feel free to use this rubric or compose one
of your own. The website rubistar4teachers is easy to use.
Obviously, I have designed this webquest with my specific needs in mind.
However, please adapt this webquest to your specifc situation.
Skills Used: inference making, critical thinking, examining evidence,
comparing evidence, group problem solving, teamwork, conducting research,
and applying concepts
Standards Addressed:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Science and Technology (Grade 10)
Earth Science
3.5.10A - Relate earth features and processes that change the earth.
3.5.10B - Explain sources and uses of earth resources.
Inquiry and Design
3.2.10A - Apply knowledge and understanding about the nature of scientific
and technological knowledge.
3.2.10B - Apply process knowledge and organize scientific and technological
phenomena in varied ways.
Unifying Themes
3.1.10B - Describe concepts of models as a way to predict and understand
science and technology.
3.1.10E - Describe patterns of change in nature, physical, and man made
systems.
Technology Education
3.6.10B - Apply knowledge of information technologies of encoding,
transmitting, receiving, storing, retrieving, and decoding.
Technological Devices
3.7.10D - Utilize computer software to solve specific problems.
3.7.10E - Apply basic computer communications systems.
Environment and Ecology (Grade 10)
Ecosystems and Their Interactions
4.6.10C - Analyze how ecosystems change over time.
Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening (Grade 8)
Learning to Read Independently
1.1.8C - Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries
to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading.
Use these words accurately in speaking and writing.
1.1.8F - Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the
various subject areas.
Reading Critically in All Content Areas
1.2.8A - Read and understand essential content of informational texts and
documents in all academic areas.
1.2.8B - Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of
material produced.
Speaking and Listening
1.6.8C - Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.
1.6.8D - Contribute to discussions.
1.6.8E - Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.
1.6.8F - Use media for learning purposes.
Research
1.8.8B - Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.
1.8.8C - Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from research.
