| Teachers,
ISS Plant Research Crisis is a WebQuest designed to introduce your
students to the role of plant research in the exploration of space.
In keeping with our long-standing tradition of using technology
to enhance education, we ask your students to step into the shoes
of experts entrenched in a situation to save this important aspect
of ISS experimentation. Through extensive Web research students
receive a thorough introduction to the ISS and plants.
A WebQuest is "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some
or all of the information that learners interact with comes from
resources on the Internet," according to Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University. To make student
research easier on you, we have provided a list
of several Web resources that point your students in the right
direction. You can also learn more about WebQuests on a number of
Web sites listed below.
The open-ended nature of a WebQuest allows for considerable variation
in the scope and detail of the project. The following list illustrates
a suggested sequence that can be completed in 2 to 3 class periods:
- Assign students to groups of 6 each.
- Groups meet and select individual roles.
- Students work individually with Web and print resources to gather
information specific to their roles.
- Groups meet to develop strategy, draft a proposal for the subcommittee,
and design the presentation.
- Class meets to evaluate presentations.
One helpful resource, "A Webquest About Webquests," introduces you to the fundamentals
of teaching a WebQuest. You can access more sites by doing a search
using the keyword "WebQuest."
Sincerely,
The ISS Challenge Team
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