Projects on the World Wide Web

Why the Web?

• Current information
• "Real world" information--not a "sanitized" version; not edited
• Authentic sources
• World-wide information
• Easy access to related information
• Multi-media
  • Rainforest
  • Galapagos Giant Tortoises
• Requires critical thinking
• Opportunities to collaborate

Project Types:

• Student-to-Student
• Ask an Expert
• Internet Field Trips and Virtual Tours
• Data Collection/Collaboration
• Web Quests
• Collaborative Projects Overview

Student-to-Student:

• Key Pals--A web site for locating classrooms to communicate with (via email)
• National Zoo "Meet the Elephants" (with Chat)--Needs Windows MediaPlayer plug-in

Ask an Expert:

• Ask an Expert--Web pages and email addresses for "Experts" in a wide variety of areas. (Some links out of date...)

Internet Field Trips and Virtual Tours:

• Scholastic Online Activities
  • Iditarod
  • Before the Pilgrims
• Bosnia
• Galapagos
• Pyramids
• Desert
• Inside the Great Pyramid

Data Collection/Collaboration:

• Journey North--A global study of wildlife migration.
  • Hummingbird Migration Data

WebQuests:

WebQuest Home Page

Overview

Why WebQuests

• Student Motivation & Authenticity
• Developing Thinking Skills
• Cooperative Learning

Building Blocks of a WebQuest

Sample WebQuests:

• Web Quest Examples
• Little Rock 9; Integration 0?
• Does the Tiger Eat Its Cubs?
• Me? Live in a Rainforest?

Sample Main Questions:

• What can be done to overcome poverty?
• What makes a revolution successful?
• How much should a gallon of gasoline cost?
• Should the Yellowstone Park wolves be removed?

Crafting a Main Question:

• Tips from Tom March

Checklist for Creating a Web Quest:

• Tom March's WebQuest Designer's Checklist

Collaborative Projects, Overview

• Interpersonal Exchanges
• Information Collections
• Problem Solving

(Also see Judy Harris's site)

A Few Other Web-Based Projects and Activities and Resources:

• Blue Web'n--"A library of Blue Ribbon learning sites on the web"
• Classroom Today--A "Classroom Connect" site with week-long, topic-based explorations
• Filamentality--A web site to help you develop web-based activities for students.
• The Globe Program--Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a worldwide network of students, teachers, and scientists working together to study and understand the global environment.
• I*EARN, International Education and Resource Network--Projects designed to "make a meaningful contribution to the health and welfare of the planet and its people."
• Jason Project--A year-round scientific expedition designed to excite and engage students in science and technology

Evaluating Web Sites:

• The White House?-- http://www.whitehouse.net

Citing Internet Resources

To the SBSD Teacher Resource Page

Problems or Concerns?  Email Steve Webster
Last updated 10/8/98