Brief Description

In this WebQuest activity, students will investigate the geologic hazards in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Hawaii to determine a location for a family move.  Students will use web resources to research the hazards of each area, then come to a decision about a recommendation for their families.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 5T-E1. Locate information from electronic resources

• 3SC-E2. Develop and use a systematic approach to analyze the risks associated with natural and biological hazards
• 3SC-E3. Identify a specific need and propose a solution or product that addresses this need, taking into consideration various factors

Academic

• Students will analyze the geologic hazards of specific areas.
• Students will make a recommendation based on the information they have gathered.

• Students will use web resources to find information.

Students will need to know how to navigate a web page.

Materials

• Computer(s) with Internet access
• Copies of worksheets

Special Education Students: Depending on their level, special education students will need to be paired up with a student that can help them read the web pages. These students can also work in pairs to write a persuasive letter. Students could also be encouraged to draw their findings or verbally tell the teacher instead of writing them down.

Gifted Students: Gifted students could research other areas besides the locations given that might be more suitable for a move. They could they write a letter to persuade their families to move to a different location than the ones proposed.

Procedures

Days One and Two:

1. Introduce the WebQuest to students.  Explain to them that they will be working in groups of three to make a decision based on the information they gather.  Each person is responsible for different information, so it is important that each person do the best job possible.
2. If the students have never participated in a WebQuest before, demonstrate how it works.
3. Divide the students into groups of three.
4. Have groups decide which role each person will take on.  Pass out the appropriate worksheet for each person.
5. Students will go to the WebQuest activity located at http://www.amphi.com/teachers/lmitchell/hazards (this part should be done in a computer lab setting).
6. Students will work through the WebQuest, gathering information and recording it on their worksheets.

1. Once students have gathered the information on the geologic hazards of each location, the groups need to get together and share their findings.  Groups can use the group worksheet for this activity.
2. Students will need to decide which location is the “best.”
3. Students will write a persuasive letter to their families detailing their recommendation and the reasons for their recommendation.
4. Each group should present their recommendation to the class.  If possible, a multimedia presentation such as PowerPoint could be used for this, if time and resources permit.

Students will be assessed based on the contents of their persuasive letters.  The rubric on the evaluation page of the WebQuest will be used. Students will be provided with a copy of this rubric at the start of the lesson so they are aware of the expectations.

Teacher Name: Liesl Mitchell
Site: Coronado K-8
Date Submitted: April 12, 2004