A WebQuest for 3^rd grade Science

Developed by Mrs. Megli

Overview|Introduction|Questions|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Overview

	The purpose of this space journey is to learn about the moon phases and to find out what the moon is like.
	Science – 3^rd grade  Discovery Works Unit B (Silver Burdett Ginn)
	Illinois Learning Standards 12.F.1a Identify and describe characteristics of the sun, Earth and moon as familiar objects in the solar system. 5.A.2b Organize and integrate information from a variety of sources. 5.C.2a Create a variety of print and nonprint documents to communicate acquired information for specific audiences and purposes.
	Order these books from the Interlibrary Loan System before you start the unit. Zero Gravity Skurzynski, Gloria. Bradbury Press, 1994. Dear Benjamin Banneker Pinkney, Andrea Davis.  Harcourt Brace & Co., 1994. The Moon     Llewellyn, Claire.  Smart Apple Media, 2004. The Moon Book     Gibbons, Gail.  Holiday House, 1997.

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2002 AllFree.nu, All rights reserved

Introduction

Would you like to be an astronaut?  Before you can go to the moon, you must find out what the moon is like and report back to your advisor before you are allowed to make your trip to the moon. You must also find out why the moon has different shapes at various times of the month.

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Quest(ions) and the Task

1. Why does the moon have different shapes and what are the different phases of the moon?

2. What is the moon like?  Visit the websites and find at least 5 interesting facts about the moon.

Student Roles

You will be working with a partner.  You may switch roles every class period or keep the same role for the whole project. 

Person 1 – Mouse Clicker

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation.

Person 2 – Keyboard Operator

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation.

Process

1. You and your partner will explore these websites to learn interesting facts about the moon.

The Moon- Enchanted Learning	The Earth's Moon (Windows to the Universe)
Astronomy For Kids	Pictures of the Moon
StarChild: The Moon	Thinkquest:  The Moon

2. You will use Inspiration software or a graphic organizer to record 5 interesting facts.

3. Visit these websites to learn about the phases of the moon.

Virtual Reality Moon Phase Pictures	Phases of the Moon
Phases of the Moon	Phases of the Moon: Zoom Astronomy
Phases of the Moon Demo	Moonphases
Moon Calendar	Lunar Phases

 4. Create a Kid Pix page that describes 4 phases of the moon.  Draw pictures to go with your descriptions.

Resources

	Books that are listed above
	Britannica CD Rom
	The New Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia
	Kid Pix Software
	Inspiration Software or other graphic organizer
	The Earth, Sun, and Moon Interactive Game

Evaluation

Complete this checklist when you finish your project.

Task	Not Yet	Yes
Did you put 5 facts on your Inspiration diagram?
Did you draw pictures of 4 of the Moon phases on a Kid Pix page?
Did you name and describe each phase in a text box?
Did you answer the questions on Moonphases?
Did you play Earth, Sun, and Moon?
Did you check the Moon Calendar to see what the moon looks like today?

Conclusion

You should now be an expert on the moon. You should know about the 8 moon phases and be able to describe what it is like on the moon. I hope you enjoyed the interactive quizzes and games.

"Allfree.nu." 2002. Allfree.nu. 08 Jul 2004 <http://www.allfree.nu/pagedividers_nanimated.html>.

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