Introduction
Welcome, 5th-grade explorers! Have you ever wondered why the Everglades is one of the most unique places in the world? This WebQuest will take you on an exciting journey to learn about the geography, animals, and plants that make the Everglades unique and the challenges they face today. Together, we’ll discover how humans and nature can work together to protect this incredible ecosystem.
Guiding Questions:
1. What makes the Everglades unique and different from other places in the world?
2. What plants and animals live in the Everglades, and how do they survive?
3. What can we do to protect the Everglades for future generations?
By the end of this WebQuest, you’ll become an Everglades expert and share your knowledge through a group project. Let’s begin this adventure to explore and protect one of Florida’s greatest treasures!
Task
Your mission is to work in groups to research the Everglades and create a narrated PowerPoint presentation. Each group will:
1. Research the Everglades' geography, wildlife, and environmental challenges.
2. Include these sections in your PowerPoint:
• An overview of the Everglades’ geography and unique ecosystems.
• Information about native plants and animals and their survival strategies.
• A discussion on the environmental challenges facing the Everglades and possible solutions.
3. Add visuals, maps, and at least one short video to support your findings.
4. Record a group narration explaining your presentation.
Process
1. Form Groups: Each group will have five students. Assign the following roles:
1- Researcher: Finds information about geography and ecosystems.
2- Wildlife Expert: Focuses on animals and plants in the Everglades.
3- Environmentalist: Investigates environmental threats and solutions.
4- Designer: Creates the PowerPoint slides and ensures they are visually appealing.
5- Narrator: Prepares the script and records the narration.
2. Research Your Topic: Use the following resources to gather information:
• Everglades National Park Website. (https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm)
• Library books and encyclopedias on Florida geography and ecosystems. (https://www.broward.org/Library/Pages/Default.aspx)
• Digital learning videos
Geography and ecosystems, animals and plants:
Environmental threats and solutions:
How to prepare a script:
3. Create Your Presentation:
• Use at least 10 slides to organize your information.
• Include visuals like pictures, maps, and charts.
• Add a short video or animation that highlights your findings.
Creates the PowerPoint slide:
4. Record Narration: Prepare a script that explains each slide and record it as a group.
5. Submit Your Work: Submit your PowerPoint presentation.
Evaluation
Your project will be graded using the following rubric:
1. Content (40%): Accuracy and depth of information on geography, ecosystems, and challenges.
2. Creativity (20%): Visual appeal, use of multimedia, and engaging design.
3. Teamwork (20%): Participation and collaboration within your group.
4. Presentation (20%): Clarity, organization, and effectiveness of the narration.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Congratulations, explorers! You have now become experts on the Everglades. By completing this WebQuest, you’ve learned why the Everglades is a special place, how plants and animals thrive there, and what we can do to protect it. As a next step, visit the Everglades virtually with this interactive tour: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/find-your-virtual-park.htm. Share your presentation with friends and family to spread awareness about this incredible ecosystem!