Introduction
You have already been introduced to the idea and the process of photosynthesis. The goal of this webquest is to reinforce what has already been taught and to hopefully allow you to gain a greater understanding of the necessity of plants for Earth and its occupants.
Task
ALIENS have just landed on Earth, specifically in San Diego, California! Scientist are trying to be friendly to them and welcome them to San Diego. A few months after they have landed, things are beginning to change. First of all, the plants are loosing their green color and many of them are dying. Humans and other animals are getting sick. The hospitals are becoming over crowed. The air is hazy and there is smog everywhere. Oxygen tanks are being sold on the black market for $2,000 a tank! You and your scientist side kick are to investigate what is going on. You will research photosynthesis and come up with a conclusion to your research.
Your Tasks ARE:
1. You will be pair up with another 7th grade scientist to help you go through this adventure.
2. You will each have your own computer, but you are to help each other through the different task, then you will create a book with ether Powerpoint or Comic Life.
3. First you will need to go the the different websites under "Process" to complete the worksheet questions.
4. Once the worksheet is complete, you will need to go to www.brainpop.com and watch the video on photosynthesis and take the quiz. Take the quiz until you make a 100! Record each time you take the quiz on your worksheet.
5. Finally, you and your partner will need to create a book using Powerpoint or Comic Life. The rubric on how you will be graded is located under "Evaluation".
6. This book should include the story line of Aliens in San Diego, you should explain why you think the plants are dying and people are getting sick. You should also explain what photosynthesis is and its process. Finally, come up with a conclusion to the fiction story. Make sure you include pictures to help explain your story. Your audience is your peers in 7th grade.
7. You will have only two days to complete these task. I suggest you complete your worksheet and brainpop quiz first, then the following day create your book. The teacher will help you print the books out.
Process
You and your sidekick scientist will need to go to the following websites to help you answer your questions on the worksheet provided to you by the teacher.
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- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/methuselah/photosynthesis.html#
- http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/games/frizfreshfacts/index.htm
- http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellresp/intro.html
- https://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100/2k4ch7respirationnotes.html
- http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_mito.html
- https://biologywise.com/aerobic-anaerobic-respiration
- https://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Life-Science-Concepts-For-Middle-School/section/2.16/
- https://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Life-Science-Concepts-For-Middle-School/section/2.15/
Evaluation
You will each earn a grade for this two day webquest. Use the rubric to help guide you on how you will be graded.
| # | Beginning Scientist | Developing Scientist | Very Good Scientist | Excellent Scientist | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Worksheet and brainpop quiz | You have just answered 50% of the questions. Score= 1 | You have answered all the questions, but did not recopy the questions with answers. Score= 2 | You have written at least 15 questions and answered those the questions. Score= 3 | You have answered all 20 questions and have also written the questions. Score= 4 | 4 |
| Created your book. | You have started the book, but it is not finished. Points= 1 | You have your book completed but there is not much of a story line and needs more pictures. Points= 2 | Your story has a beginning, middle, and a conclusion. It has pictures to help explain the story. Points= 3 | Your story has a beginning, middle, and a conclusion. It is creative, while using your science knowledge of photosynthesis. There are pictures in it to help explain the story. Points= 4 | 4 |
| You worked with your partner well. | You only worked with your partner 10% of the time. Points= 1 | You worked with your partner well, but only about 50% of the time. Points= 2 | You worked with your partner at least 80% of the time. You seemed to help each out. Points= 3 | You worked with your partner 100% of the time. You both were respectful to each other and gained knowledge from each other. Points= 4 | 4 |
| On task throughout the two days. | You had to be reminded at least three times to get on task and to continue to work on the webquest. Points= 1 | You had to be reminded at least twice to get back on task and to continue to work on the webquest. Points= 2 | You only had to be reminded once to stay on task. Points= 3 | You were on task 100% of the time throughout the two days. Points= 4 | 4 |
|
Total Score: 16 |
Conclusion
You have survived the attack of the Aliens in San Diego, California! What did the aliens want? How did this affect plants? How did the dying plants affect humans? Do you understand why plants are valuable on Earth?
The class looks forward to trading books and sharing knowledge.
Teacher Page
This webquest was created for 7th grade middle school students. The webquest should take two days to complete. The first part is the actual webquest and the second part is the product of a book on "When Aliens Attacked San Diego, California". Each student should have a computer, mainly due to the fact that there are many short videos and the students will need to wear headphones the entire time.