Introduction
The WebQuest is a creation of Dr. Bernie Dodge, a professor of educational technology at San Diego State University. A WebQuest is used to create lessons in which most or all content is provided with various Web sources.
Geotreking- A problem-based learning challenge typically utilizing a collection of traditional, virtual, or online caches to provide information or other resources.
Often, we look at technology as a hindrance to getting our students outdoors and immersed in nature. What if we embraced technology as an opportunity for students to make deeper connections? If utilized properly, technology can enhance student learning about the environment. Tools such as smart phones, GPS/GIS technology, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches can all be utilized to help students develop 21st century problem solving skills while connecting with nature.
Today each Geotrek team will participate in a series of challenges utilizing a mix of technology, traditional field guides, and problem solving.
Under the task tab, you will find your challenges. Good luck and have fun. Lets get moving!
Task
A list of materials you may utilize is located under the Process Tab.
Challenge #1 Erin has decided she wants to hold a water aerobics party in the pond for all Pioneer Springs Community School families. She is concerned if all the families participate there will not be enough room in the pond. She needs to calculate the the area of the pond. Your challenge is to as accurately as possible calculate the area of the pond. In your journal or google docs write an expository essay that Erin can utilize to replicate your measurements.
Challenge #2 Chris has found a Brown Headed Nuthatch nest on the far side of the pond. The Brown Headed Nuthatch lives in cavities of trees. Your challenge is to find the birds cavity, and take a picture. Once you have confirmed the nest with Chris by sharing the picture, you will need to utilize the birds of North Carolina Field Guide or an approved virtual guide to create an informational piece or google slide presentation about the Brown Headed Nuthatch.
A little extra: Have someone in your group download the free Merlin Bird ID App from Cornell University. If your group is quiet enough and you can play the calls of the Brown Headed Nuthatch, they will begin to answer you. Stand still long enough and they will fly to you hunting for the bird making the sounds.
Challenge #3 Where are all the squirrels? Did you know Randolph absolutely loves squirrels? He can often be seen scurrying around campus just like his bushy tailed friends. He is very concerned that the expansion plans at Asbury Park may have an impact on squirrel habitat. Your challenge is to utilize your GPS unit to mark the coordinates of 2 squirrel nest locations. Write the coordinates in your Journal. You will then utilize http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/ to create a Google Map of the locations. Try to figure out how to use GPS Visualizer as a group before asking for assistance from Chris.
Challenge #4 While everyone counts on Becky's calm and sensible demeanor, a little known fact is that behind the business minded administrator is a chronic daydreamer. While meeting with teachers in the Croft schoolyard, her eye was drawn to the large Quercus marilandica growing by the porch. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop admiring the majestic tree. She kept dreaming about climbing to the top to see the entire campus from a bird's eye view. How high is it? Would Randolph have a ladder that could reach the top? Your group challenge is to determine the common name of the tree Becky was daydreaming about. Once you have identified the tree and its common name, utilize a ruler to determine how tall the tree is. There are instructions on using a ruler or pencil to determine tree heights under the process tab.
Process
You may utilize the following materials to complete your challenges: field guides, materials found in nature, phones, laptop, GPS units, rulers, pencils, pens, journals, and listed websites.
Virtual Nature Identification Guides
Multiple Guides (These sites are one stop for various identification needs)
Birds
http://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
http://www.whatbird.com/birdexpert/StateColorSize/2/6404/birdexpert.aspx
http://ncbirds.carolinabirdclub.org
Feather Identification
https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/index.php
Wildflower Identification
http://www.wildflowersearch.com
Trees
https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/?p=369136
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/idit.htm
https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/plantbiology/ncsc/tnc/#.WLw6Bm8rLIU
https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/
http://ncforestservice.gov/publications/IE0115.pdf
https://www.ibiblio.org/pic/nctrees.htm
http://dnr.wi.gov/eek/veg/treekey/index.htm
https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/fieldguide.pdf
Bugs, Insects, Spiders, and other “creepy” crawlies
http://www.knowyourinsects.org
http://www.gardenswithwings.com/
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/information/identification.htm
http://www.insectidentification.org/
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/note137/note137.html (Common Spiders of NC)
Amphibians and Reptiles
Fungi
https://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/gtr/gtr_nrs79.pdf
http://sites.biology.duke.edu/fungi/specieslist.htm
Animal tracks
http://www.oyccweb.com/uploads/2/6/4/4/26442920/animal_track_id_guide.pdf
http://www.beartrackersden.com/trackguide/trackguidecabrera.pdf
Free Apps For Phone:
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology - LOVE THIS APP!
Leafsnap By Columbia University, University of Maryland, and Smithsonian Institution
Key to Insect Orders By LucidMobile
Several Apps for phones including animal tracks, mushrooms, tree, wildflower, insects, and reptiles that cost a minimal amount.
Measuring the height of a tree: Tree-Felling Method.
Hold a ruler, pencil, or stick upright in your hand. Walk back until the top of the stick is at the top of the tree and the bottom of the tree is at your thumb. Shout “TIMBER” then twist the stick sideways until it is flat. Note the spot on the ground at the tip of the stick (perpendicular to the trunk of the tree) and have a friend stand on that spot. The height of the tree will equal the distance from your friend to the trunk of the tree.
Evaluation
The Evaluation provides a concrete explanation of how performance will be evaluated. This is usually accomplished through the creation of a rubric.
Conclusion
The Conclusion provides a summary and ties it all together. This section may also include additional Web links for further study.
Credits
The Credits section provides links and citations for any sources of information, including media, that you have used while completing the WebQuest.