WebQuests

**WebQuests**

**Content** WebQuests can be used throughout any aspect of the science curriculum as well as any type of curriculum in place of traditional lectures.

**Grade Level** All upper elementary grades through high school can benefit from participating in WebQuests

**Curriculum Standards** The following standards are to be implemented with a high school earth science class.
 * SC.0.E.1.2 formulate from scientific explanations based on historical observations and experimental evidence, accounting for variability in experimental results.
 * SC.0.E.1.6 investigate, compare, and design scientific and technological solutions to address personal and societal problems.
 * SC.0.E.2.26 compare the relationship between earth processes and natural disasters with their impact on humans.
 * SC.0.E.2.28 research alternative energy sources and evaluate the ecological, environmental, and economic cost-benefit ratio.

**Description of Practices** WebQuests are designed by teachers to allow students the chance to explore science topics through the internet. WebQuests are websites in which students follow different tasks on the internet that teachers have chosen to examine difference science sources that are typically learned through lectures. Here are some steps to take when implementing this strategy.
 * Allow three to four days to full implement a WebQuest.
 * There are many available online or you can create one yourself.
 * The WebQuest should list the activities in steps for the students to follow.
 * Introduce the topic briefly to catch their attention
 * Explain that they will learn about the topic and then present their findings to the class through posters or powerpoints.
 * Next demonstrate how to use the WebQuest, such as how to click on links, to the class.
 * Give students the chance to work independently or in pairs and print materials that they feel are important.
 * Assist students when necessary.

**Implementation Considerations** This strategy allows for a lot of flexibility depending on the topic at hand. Students can work alone, in pairs. or in larger groups if preferred by the teacher. Different types of grouping can be created with more or less support if necessary. WebQuests can also be completed over a longer period of time if the teacher would like.

**Example** Here is a list of numerous WebQuests created for science classes grades 9-12. [|Classroom Examples]

**Citation** Gaskill,M., McNulty,A., & Brooks, D.W. (2006). Learning from webquests. //Journal of Science Education and Technology.// 15(2).