Introduction
Introduction:
Have you ever wondered what season it is on the other side of the world? While it is summer where you live, is it winter somewhere else? For Example, if in the winter it snows in New York, but not in Florida, does that mean when it is summer in Florida, it is another season on the other side of the world? It is interesting to think that our world can have so many things going on at one time, it is almost like the Earth is multitasking. As you already know, because Florida is closer to the equator, it is hotter, and does not get cold enough in the winter for snow. New York is far from the equator, so it does get cold enough in the winter to snow. However, it is still winter at the same time all over the United States, but what about other countries? When it is winter in Florida, it may be summer in Italy. You have been invited to travel the world in search of the truth about summer, winter, fall, and spring. Are you ready to find out when and where these seasons like to hang out? Get your weather team together and your gear, we're going around the world!
Task
Task:
Your weather team will need 4 people.
A Summer Expert: The summer expert will be responsible for giving background information on summer. For example, why is it called summer? This person will also be responsible for researching the four different hemispheres (Nothern, Southern, Eastern, Western) and finding out when (which months) it is summer in these different regions.
A Winter Expert: The winter expert will be responsible for giving background information on winter. For example, why is it called winter? This person will also be responsible for researching the four different hemispheres (Nothern, Southern, Eastern, Western) and finding out when (which months) it is winter in these different regions.
A Fall Expert: The fall expert will be responsible for giving background information on fall. For example, why is it called fall? This person will also be responsible for researching the four different hemispheres (Nothern, Southern, Eastern, Western) and finding out when (which months) it is fall in these different regions.
A Spring Expert: The spring expert will be responsible for giving background information on spring. For example, why is it called spring? This person will also be responsible for researching the four different hemispheres (Nothern, Southern, Eastern, Western) and finding out when (which month) it is spring in these different regions.
After individual research, as a group:
1. Share your information within your group, if everyone knows what's going on, the easier it is to work together.
2. Create 4 maps, one for each of the seasons. On each map label during which months it is that season. For example, on the winter map you would put December-February on top of the U.S.
3. Be able to answer the questions: Why are seasons different around the world? Why is it winter in the United States, but summer in Australia?
4. Each student in the group will present their seasonal map. Be ready to tell your class how our seasons work around the world.
Process
Process:
Get with your group and figure out who wants to be the summer expert, the winter expert, the spring expert, and the fall expert.
When you figure out your group roles individually research your season. Figure out which parts of the world are in which season during different times of the year. For example, it is winter in the United States during December through February.
Also research and find an answer to:
- Why are seasons different around the world?
- Why is it winter in the United States, but summer in Australia?
Meet as a group again and discuss what you have found. The more you guys know together, the less information you will forget to present.
Conquer your maps! Work on your maps as a group, you might find there is a pattern between seasons.
Get ready to present to the class! For extra points, dress up like you are a real expert. For example, the summer expert might wear bright colors, or a beach hat and sunglasses.
Don't forget to have fun and learn!
Evaluation
Evaluation:
Each person will be graded based on these expectations:
| Assessment | Value | What I am Looking For |
| Preparation | 25% |
All material is prepared:
|
| Presentation | 25% | All information is presented. Which hemispheres are in which season during what time of the year. Give at least 3 examples using countries like when it is winter in the United States it is summer in Australia. |
| Accuracy | 25% | Information presented and on maps is correct and dates are place in the correct places. Answers to questions are correct. |
| Maps | 25% | Are the maps complete? Do you have correct labels? Are they neat and organized? |
Extra points will be given for dressing up, or doing something extra for the presentation. For example, the summer expert's map might be bright colors like yellow and orange, and have drawings that symbolize summer.
Get creative and have fun!
Conclusion
Great Job! You have gone around the world on a trip to find out where our seasons like to hang out during the year. You have made sure that everyone knows why different parts of the world are in different seasons. You have discovered a pattern, and within your group were able to learn and become an expert in all four of the seasons.
To finish off this WebQuest I would like you to write a 3-2-1 in your journals. Experts always write down their new discoveries and things that they have explored.
- 3 facts about what you learned.
- 2 things you enjoyed about this project
- 1 thing you would do differently next time