I teach 7th and 8th grade science. Below are some high-quality, engaging WebQuests I've come across that meet the National Heritage Academy (NHA) learning objectives:
1. Body Systems - "Mission: Cyborg Human"
by Caroline Hughes, Oklahoma State University
http://questgarden.com/103/17/1/100505084432/index.htm
NHA Objective: Describe the interaction between each of the human body systems, including homeostasis and the mechanisms that maintain the balance of body systems.
This WebQuest does an excellent job of engaging and motivating middle school students to learn the organs in each body system and their function through the goal of learning about them in order to help "Captain Awesome" save the planet from "Professor Terrible". The author, Caroline Hughes, does a tremendous job of weaving the storyline into the introduction, task, and process to captivate the learner and establishing a compelling, immediate purpose for learning this content.
2. Cell Parts and Function - "Cell Factory Records Presents"
by Robert DePung, Hancock Place Middle School
http://questgarden.com/83/07/7/100316131930/index.htm
NHA Objective: Describe the basic functions of cell organelles in plant and animal cells
This WebQuest is very well thought-out and will definately grab middle school student's attention. This WebQuest appeals to the dreams and aspirations of many young people with the theme of producing a hit album for a record company. The graphics are supportive and attractive. The rubric is detailed. Everything about this site is polished and engaging.
Jess, these look like great WebQuests for your subject area! I had to teach 5th grade science a couple of years ago due to budget cuts in my district. I normally teach Spanish so it would be an understatement to say that it was a stretch for me to teach science! These WebQuests would have come in handy!
ReplyDelete