Wetlands

A WebQuest for 2nd Grade

Designed by K Wolf

kwolf@holyfamily.woll.catholic.edu.au

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits

 


Introduction

Have you ever seen a swamp or pond in a wetland area? Wetlands are home to a wide variety of insects, birds and animals and as such they should be protected. Each day, many of these insects, birds and animals can be seen busily moving about as they search for food.


The Task

Some people have never visited these places. Your task is to take a tour of a wetlands area and have a good look around. As you explore the variety of life there, choose one creature of interest to report on.

You may also like to write a letter to a friend describing what you have seen.


The Process

Follow the steps below to help you complete your task.

Listen to a story about wetlands such as Yakkinn the Swamp Tortoise or Lester and Clyde.

Visit the website listed below.

Choose 1 insect, bird or animal to research.

Print a copy of the worksheet.

  Complete the worksheet using information gained at the web site. Include:

  • its name.
  • describe what it looks like.
  • describe its habitat.
  • what it eats.

Print a picture of the animal you chose.

Write a letter to a friend describing what you would see.


Resources

For the worksheet you can click here.

Web sites:

  • The Pond Life Page http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/pond/pondlife.shtml
    -- from Enchanted Learning Online
  • The Swamp Tortoise http://home.mira.net/~areadman/swamp.htm
    -- from Unique Australian Animals

Books:

  • Yakkinn the Swamp Tortoise by G.Kuchling.
  • Lester and Clyde by James Reece.


Evaluation

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.

 

1

 

2

 

3

 

4
 

Locates Information.

 
Able to find web page.
Able to locate information.
Able to interpret information.
Accurately interprets and summarizes information.
 

Demonstrates Knowledge.

 

 
Presents one piece of information.
Presents some of the information required.
Presents all of the information required.
Presents detailed report on chosen animal.

 

Prints a picture and colours it.

 

 
Recognize and choose a suitable picture.
Knows how to use the computer to print a picture.
Prints a picture and obtains a copy.
Colours and labels the image into a final presentation.

 

Write a letter to a friend.

 
Relates some observations.
Organizes and drafts ideas.
Includes descriptive language to express observations.
Publishes letter into final form.


Conclusion

As you have found out, swamps and ponds are really very busy places. You have researched and gained information on your chosen animal but many other creatures also live and feed there. Remember, we need to look after our wetland areas and protect the wildlife found there.


Credits & References

Graphics:

  • Microsoft Publisher Clip Art Collection.

Books:

  • Yakkinn the Swamp Tortoise - the Most Dangerous Year.
    Guundie and Gerald Kuchling
    1995 Chelonia Enterprises.
  • Lester and Clyde
    James H. Reece
    1976 Scholastic Australia

Additional Web Sites:

Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page