Introduction
Do you have a favorite invention or machine you use at home or school?
Machines are devices that make work easier. What kind of inventions does your family use to make their lives simpler, more convenient, or productive?
This term you will be learning about famous inventors and inventions. You will work independently to complete the investigation outlined in this WebQuest.
Our WebQuest will conclude with you producing a creative presentation highlighting the information you learned about. Furthermore, you will discover how inventors and inventions can positively or negatively impact the world in which we live.
This WebQuest allows you to read, write, discuss, create, research, and play with a number of free Internet software programs, informative web sites, links, games, and simulations. You will also be provided opportunities to watch interesting YouTube type videos about famous inventors and inventions.
Have fun learning about famous inventors and inventions!
Important - Before you proceed to the Task link on our WebQuest click the link below to watch the introductory video on how young people just like you can invent something special using their imagination and creativity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urichkR0HN8&feature=fvw
Task
During this WebQuest you will work independently as an investigator.
The “Big Question” I would like you to think about is ...
“How do inventors and new inventions impact our everyday life?”
After completing a few WebQuest assignments, games, challenges, and watching a few inventor and invention videos along the way, you will end the WebQuest by creating a simple presentation to share your learning.
To begin, you will need an inventor research log form.Your teacher should have these ready for you and there is also a copy on the server.
You will use this form to document Internet research you find from the links, web sites, games, simulations, challenges, and videos found in this WebQuest.
After learning about the interesting aspects about the inventors life, take time to write down interesting facts about the person and their invention. Keep in mind, you will be using the information you discover as part of your end of WebQuest presentation.
Also, to locate your inventor information research log forms, WebQuest rubric, and student WebQuest task checklist, log onto the server as these are in the class webquest file. Don't forget to 'Save as' and place a copy in your own folder.
The process link will provide easy step by step directions to complete the WebQuest. Keep in mind we will be working on this WebQuest for the next 4 weeks. Make sure you keep all your notes and printouts in your folder on the server.
OK! Now let's go have some fun learning about famous inventors and inventions and how they positively impact our lives!
Process
The Process
Let's get started!
Follow these instructions step by step to complete the Webquest.
Activity 1: Creating a mindmap
Use Inspiration to create a mind map about what you already know about inventors and inventions. We will be adding to this throughout the WebQuest. Make sure you save your mindmap to your folder on the server.
Activity 2: Exploring Inventors
Choose 1 inventor from the inventor and invention links below to learn more about.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/ Inventors and invention in alphabetical order
http://www.eastpennsd.org/teacherpages/repisjim/_SimpleMachines.html?u= Information on simple machines
http://www.edheads.org/ simulation - design a cell phone and work with simple machines
http://library.thinkquest.org/5847/halloffame.htm research by playing some of the games
http://www.thepotters.com/puzzles/kids/inventors.html inventor puzzle site
http://library.thinkquest.org/5847/edisonmaze.htm inventor maze
http://library.thinkquest.org/5847/crossword.htm?tqskip1=1&tqtime=1030 inventor crossword puzzle
Use these sites to conduct your research. Try out the games, thinking challenges, and simulations. Watch some of the videos on inventors and inventions. Keep in mind you have other WebQuest assignments, tasks, and a presentation to complete.
Use your time wisely.
Don't forget to add some of your new knowledge to your mind map.
Activity 3: Complete a research log form
Neatly complete a research log form page for the inventor you decide to learn about. Decide whether to complete the log on the computer or hand written. If you are completing on the computer, you will need to locate the file in the class folder and then 'Save as' to your own folder to edit.
Remember when researching and filling out your inventor information research log form, at the end of our WebQuest you will be using this information to create a short presentation. Your presentation could be a powerpoint, podcast or word document.
Helpful Hints:
Be sure to SAVE all your work whenever you finish a learning session!
Manage your time wisely. Always remember class and school rules.
Evaluation
You will be evaluated by your teacher using the following rubric and by completing the student task checklist. See server for these documents.
Conclusion
Hooray!
You have just completed your inventor and inventions WebQuest!
I hope you learned inventors can definitely have a positive impact on society.
Remember to keep inventing and making your own inventions and dreams come true!
Thanks for working so hard!