Desert
Introduction
Task
Process
Activities
Resources
Quest
Evaluation
Conclusion
Multiple
Intelligence
Teacher Page
A Desert WebQuest for 3rd Grade 
Designed by Kelli Higgins
 

Introduction
Your class has just returned from a two-week expedition in the Sonoran Desert.  You have become an expert on this Southwestern United States desert habitat!  How will you share what you've learned with the rest of the school?
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The Task
Use the data you collecfted on your expedition to create a product to present to the rest of the school.  As you review your desert information, think of what kind of project you would like to complete.
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The Process
 
Select one of the activities below and complete a student contract.
Sonoran Desert Brochure
(print brochure template - word)
 
After researching the Sonoran Desert habitat, you will create a travel brochure showcasing at least 5 critters and 4 kinds of plantlife. 
Verbal/Linguistic   Visual/Spatial
Desert Animal 
Info-cube
(print info-cube pattern - word)
(see sample cube)
 
After researching the desert, you will select 5 critters to draw on your info-cube.  You must write a short, factual paragraph about each animal on each cube section.   Try to include such information as what kind of species it is, where it lives, what it eats, and how it protects itself in the desert.
Verbal/Linguistic   Visual/Spatial
Venn Diagram
(print Venn Diagram chart - word)
 
After researching the Sonoran Desert habitat, compare it to the local habitat that surrounds your neighborhood.  You will need to find at least 5 similarities, and 5 differences.  You may wish to illustrate around the edges of your Venn Diagram.
Logical/Mathematical  Verbal/Linguistic
Desert mobile
(see sample mobile)
 
After researching the Sonoran Desert, select at least 6 plants and animals to shocase on a mobile.  You will be drawing each plant or animal you select, and writing a short paragraph about each.  You can use a variety of materials to hang your mobile.
Verbal/Linguistic   Visual/Spatial
Desert Fact 
Boardgame
(see sample boardgame)
 
After researching the Sonoran Desert, you will collect at least 10 facts to be used on True/False fact cards.  You will also design a boardgame that features portions of the desert habitat that interested you.  Make sure your boardgame has at least 12 spaces. 
Logical/Mathematical  Verbal/Linguistic  Visual/Spatial
Print out Student Contract
1.  Select an activity and fill out your student contract to plan your work for the week.
2.  After your contract has been approved, begin researching the WebQuest sites listed below.
3.  Take notes on the critters and plants you want to use in your project. 
4.  You may want to sketch each of your chosen critters, or ask if you can print pictures. 
5.  Continue to follow your contract, gathering materials that you need for project completion.
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Resources  (Click on any underlined word to go to the site.  Use the BACK button to return to this page)
The Desert Biome section on plants has some super pictures and great plant trivia! 
The Desert Biome animals section gives information on a few desert critters. 
Desert USA offers great information on mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects!
Desert USA also has a great plant index to check out! 
The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum (ASDM) has great maps and pictures of the area.
The ASDM also has good pictures and information for desert mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants.
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Evaluation
Students will be evaluated individually with the following rubric:
Task
Does not Meet
Meets
Exceeds
Filled out Student Contract completely
1
2
3
Stayed on task throughout the week
1
2
3
Used computers and books as resources
1
2
3
Wrote clear and detailed facts about
selected plants and animals
1
2
3
Completed project on time
1
2
3
Presented project to the class
1
2
3
Total
      
Grade
      
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Conclusion
Upon completion of this project, you will be a Sonoran Desert Expert!  You have used your researching skills to learn and teach!  GREAT JOB!
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Multiple Intelligences
This WebQuest allows students to develop a variety of multiple intelligence areas.  By giving students a choice of projects, they can work in an area of strength to unsure personal success!  To learn more about Multiple Intelligences, visit my MI site!
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Credits
Thank you to the following sites for the use of pictures and graphics:
The Evergreen Project at www.mbnet.mobot.org
Desert USA at www.desertusa.com
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum at www.desertmuseum.org
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Last updated June 7, 2000
by: Kelli Higgins

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page.