Penguins


Teacher Notes

A WebQuest for Third Grade Technology

Designed by

Jill Davis
jdavis@iss.k12.nc.us

 As part of a reading thematic unit on penguins, my students complete a technology project, creating a class HyperStudio project.

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources
Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of the Iredell-Statesville Schools Technology Department's WebQuest training. 

In this activity, students will use the Internet to complete research and use the information to create a HyperStudio project.

Learners

This WebQuest is designed for third graders.  I teach an integrated unit on penguins using Mr. Popper's Penguins as the basis of the unit. The students will learn about the different types of penguins while practicing their technology skills.

The students need prior knowledge of using the Internet, Microsoft Works for word processing, HyperStudio, and the basics of saving and retrieving information from a file.

Curriculum Standards
The objectives for these activities are taken from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
           Computer Technology Skills, Grade 3
           Goal 2 The learner will demonstrate
           knowledge and skills in the use of
           computer and other technologies.

           Objective 2.10 Create a multimedia
           project as a group/class activity.
           (Multimedia/Presentation)
           Objective 2.4 Retrieve and edit a word processed
           document. (Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top)

           Computer Technology Skills, Grade 3
           Goal 3 The learner will use a variety of
           technologies to access, analyze,
           interpret, synthesize, apply, and
           communicate information.
           Objective 3.2 Locate and use
           information in electronic databases.
           (Database)
 
 
 
 
 

Process
This activity will take at least 2 weeks to complete. 
I begin the research after reading chapter 4 of Mr. Popper's Penguins  and the first penguin, Captain Cook, arrives. The students begin predicting the type of penguin they believe Captain Cook to be.

Students work alone or in pairs depending on class size.

Teachers should be well versed in using the technology skills required as prior knowledge for the students. This is a culminating activity for the unit on penguins and for technology.

Student Process

  • First you and a partner will be assigned one of the seventeen penguins to research on the Internet.
  • You need to find information on each penguin concerning habitat, diet, size, markings, and interesting facts.  Print and complete the Research Worksheet.
  • While completing your research, be sure to save a picture to the penguin folder on the desktop.
  • Then, write a paragraph summarizing the information you found on the Internet using Microsoft Works.
  • Nest, add your information to the class HyperStudio project.

    • Finally, present your completed HyperStudio page to the class.

    Variations

    Students will Internet access at home may be able to conduct their research outside of the classroom. 
    The same format can be adapted for research on any animal with changes only made to the resource links.

    Resources Needed

    For this activity, students will need:

  • Copy of Research Worksheet
  • Networked computer
  • Word processing software such as Microsoft Works
  • Multimedia presentation program such as HyperStudio
  • Internet Resources
  • The Penguin Page
  • Pete and Barb's Penguin Pages
  • New Zealand Penguins
  • Antarctic Penguins
  • Penguins
  • Sea World
  • Focus on Penguins
  • Gander Academy Penguins
    • Evaluation
    Students will be graded based upon scores received on the Student Evaluation.
      Conclusion
    This activity serves two purposes. The first is to integrate the study of penguins with technology. The second is to evaluate students' technology skills. Credits & References
    Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
    The Penguin Page
    Pete and Barb's Penguin Pages
    New Zealand Penguins
    Antarctic Penguins
    Penguins
    Sea World
    Focus on Penguins
    Gander Academy Penguins
    The Iredell Statesville Schools Technology Department
    Thank you to Barb Thorson of Learn NC and Brent Bustle of Iredell-Statesville Schools.

     
     

    Based on a template from The WebQuest Page