If Only You Knew...
An Intermediate Level Ecology WebQuest
A Note to Teachers
This WebQuest is designed primarily for elementary school students at the intermediate level. It is expected that users of the quest have a basic knowledge of multimedia presentation software such as HyperStudio or PowerPoint, and graphic organizer software such as Kidspiration or Inspiration. They should also have foundational knowledge of ecology and ecological processes via previous science lessons.
The main emphasis here is on Science, but curriculum expectations in the areas of Geography and Language Arts are also focused upon. Outlined below are the sections within the Grade 7 Ontario Curriculum that are addressed in this WebQuest.
Science and Technology - Interactions Within Ecosystems
Overall Expectations
investigate
the interactions in an ecosystem, and identify factors that affect the balance
among the components of an ecosystem
demonstrate
an understanding of the effects of human activities on the sustainability of
ecosystems.
Specific Expectations
identify
populations of organisms within an ecosystem and the factors that contribute to
their survival in that ecosystem
investigate
ways in which natural communities within ecosystems can change, and explain how
such changes can affect animal and plant populations
formulate
questions about and identify the needs of various living things in an ecosystem,
and explore possible answers to these questions and ways of meeting these needs
plan
investigations for some of these answers and solutions
use
appropriate vocabulary, including correct science and technology terminology, to
communicate ideas, procedures, and results
compile
qualitative and quantitative data gathered through investigation in order to
record and present results
communicate
the procedures and results of investigations for specific purposes and to
specific audiences, using media works, written notes and descriptions, and
drawings
investigate
the impact of the use of technology on the environment
Geography:
The Themes of Geographic Inquiry
Overall Expectations
analyse
current environmental issues or events from the perspective of one or more
themes of geographic inquiry
Specific
Expectations
formulate
questions to guide and synthesize research on an environmental issue
locate
and use relevant information from a variety of primary and secondary sources
communicate
the results of inquiries about different points of view on an issue, using
computer slide shows, written notes, and diagrams
Lanaguage
Arts: Oral and Visual Communication
Overall Expectations
use
instructions and explanations to plan and organize work
demonstrate
the ability to concentrate by identifying main points and staying on topic
ask
questions and discuss different aspects of ideas in order to clarify their
thinking
listen
to and communicate related ideas
contribute
and work constructively in groups
create
a variety of media works
listen
and respond constructively to alternative ideas or viewpoints
express
ideas and opinions confidently but without trying to dominate discussion
create
a variety of media works
Reading
Overall Expectations
read
a variety of fiction materials for different purposes
clarify
and develop their own points of view by examining the ideas of others
Writing
Overall Expectations
communicate
ideas and information for a variety of purposes and to specific audiences
use
writing for various purposes and in a range of contexts
organize
information to develop a central idea
revise
and edit their work, focusing on content and elements of style independently and
in collaboration with others
produce
media texts using writing and materials from other media
