Trumpet of the Swans

Introduction

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White tells the fictional tale of a voiceless swan who travels throughout the United States and Canada .  Although the story is filled with fun and fantasy, trumpeter swans are actually an endangered species.  During this WebQuest, you will have an opportunity to learn more about these beautiful birds as a biologist at Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge (an actual setting in the book).  You’ll discover the facts about their amazing size, where they live, and what they eat.  Then you’ll put your new found knowledge into action with an exciting exhibit for the Visitors' Center.  Have fun, be creative, and learn a lot!

Let's Get Started

While working through a WebQuest, you use the navigation links on the left to move from page to page.  After reading the Introduction (where you are now), you'll click on the Task link to see an overview of the project.  Next, you'll read the step by step directions for completing the WebQuest by clicking on Process.  In the Process section, you will also find links to the Internet resources you need to find out more about trumpeter swans.  You'll also want to click on Evaluation to review the rubric before turning in you project.  Don't miss out on the Conclusionbecause it includes some interesting activities and ideas.

 

Now click on the Task link to find out more about your WebQuest.  

Enjoy the journey.

Task

Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

                                                                    

Dear Wildlife Biologists, 

   Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge will be opening a new Visitors’ Center in the spring of 2007.  I would like your team’s assistance in creating an exhibit on trumpeter swans.  I suggest that you use the Internet to gather information on these beautiful animals.  After taking notes and finding interesting graphics, please create a slide show, posters, or booklet about the swans.  I look forward to seeing your finished product and including it in our new exhibit.                                                                                     

                                                                 Sincerely,

                                                                Cathy Bailey

                                                                Staff Member

                                                                Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Process

You will use the following websites for your research:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/bird/trumpeterswan.htm

http://animaldiversity.org/site/accounts/information/Cygnus_buccinator…

http://whyfiles.org/015species_restore/swan.html

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan/lifehistory

http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Cygnus_buccinator/

Take good notes about the following information:

  1. What are the physical characteristics of a trumpeter swan? 
    1. Size 
    2. Weight 
    3. Color and markings
  2. What is the habitat of trumpeter swans?
    1. Location 
    2. Description of nests
  3. Describe the life cycle of a trumpeter swan.What do trumpeter swans eat? 
    1. Life span 
    2. Number of eggs per year 
  4. What other interesting facts have you discovered?

Look for graphics

You will also be expected to include maps, charts, illustrations, or photographs with each topic.  Look for these items as you are doing your research.  You might want to save images or charts onto your desktop to use later.

 

Step Two

Thinking and Planning

After gathering the facts and graphics, your group will need to decide how to display the information for the exhibit.  You can make a DiscoveryEd board, make posters covering each of the topics, or consolidate the information into a booklet.  

 

Step Three

When creating your contribution for the exhibit, please remember use the following guidelines:

  • Work together so that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. 
  • Each of the five topics much have at least one text box, poster, or page. 
  • Each of the five topics much have at least one photograph, chart, map, or illustration. 
  • All of your work must be typed and free from errors (remember to proofread). 
  • Save your work every couple of minutes.

Evaluation

 

 
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Diagrams & Illustrations All 5 topics include relevant diagrams or illustrations. Four topics include relevant diagrams or illustrations. Two to three topics include relevant diagrams or illustrations. One to no topics include relevant diagrams or illustrations.
Organization   Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well-constructed. The information appears to be disorganized. 
Content All 5 topics are covered. Only 4 topics are covered. 2-3 topics are covered. One or no topics are covered.
Mechanics   Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Internet Use     Usually able to use internet links to find information and uses these sites easily without assistance. Needs assistance or supervision to use suggested internet links and/or uses these sites.
Design Project is well-designed. Project is mostly well-designed. Project is somewhat well-designed. Project design is unclear.

Total Possible Points: 20

Conclusion

Congratulations!  

You have created an amazing project for the new Visitors' Center at Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  Hopefully you have learned a lot about trumpeter swans and your new knowledge will help you enjoy E.B. White’s The Trumpet of the Swan.

Credits

Hannah Forsythe

Corinth Elementary