SURVIVOR: DESERT!

A Web Quest for 3rd Grade

Designed by the Hillside Elementary School Grade 3 Team

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

So what’s this? I asked for a HAMMER! A hammer! This is a WRENCH! Well, maybe it’s a hammer…stone tools are so confusing!

What message does this cartoon give about tools?

Why do people in the rainforest use blow darts?

Why don’t people in the desert use machetes?

Why do people in the grasslands and rainforests use walking sticks?

Have you ever wondered why people create

the tools they do?

Congratulations!

You’ve been selected to create and build a tool to help people living in the DESERT. We’ll combine all of these tools in a class toolbox.

The Task

Based on what you’ve learned about the DESERT, you will create a tool that would be useful to the people who live in the desert.

As you are creating and building your tool, keep the following in mind:

• Your tool must be USEFUL to the people
• You must be able to explain how your tool is used by the people
• You must be able to identify an ANIMAL ADAPTATION that helped you to design your tool
• Even though you can use any materials you wish to create your tool, you must be able to identify the materials a person living in the desert would actually use.

You will be given a list of instructions on how to complete this task. You can use whatever materials you want to create your tool. Before you actually build the tool, you will create and submit a “blueprint” for approval. Good luck!

The Process

1. You will need to complete some research before creating your blueprint. Use the worksheet provided to answer questions using the following Internet sites.
2. You are required to use at least two internet sites for each topic below.

General background information about the desert

• http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/desert/index.htm - explanation of desert
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/desert/desert.shtml - from Enchanted Learning; information on habitats and animals

Animal adaptation – desert animals/ general

• http://www.desertusa.com/animal.html - list of desert animals
• http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/adaptation.htm - Animal adaptation and survival
• www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/desertA.html - from Biomes: all about desert animals
• http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/Curriculum%20Info/africa/desertanimals.htm - Animals of the desert
• http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/ATG/data/released/0542-BehmLisa/ - animal adaptations lesson from Virginia Zoological Park

People and tools

• Watch the following clip on how people of the desert use their environment to make tools
• http://www.desertusa.com/ind1/du_peo_paleo.html - Paleo-Indians

Evaluation

When your project is completed, you will use the following rubric to assess your work. Both student and teacher will complete an evaluation.

	Progressing 1	Meeting 2	Exceeding 3
Information Sheet	* Responses have some background information * Incomplete entries in each of Animal Adaptations & People and Tools	* Complete responses to background information * 3 detailed entries in each of Animal Adaptations & People and Tools	* Complete, detailed responses to background information * More than 3 detailed entries in each of Animal Adaptations & People and Tools
Blueprint/Initial Design	* Basic sketch * Sketch includes some labeling or color * Description boxes have incomplete or inaccurate information	* Detailed sketch * Sketch is labeled and may include some color * Description boxes have complete and accurate information	* Detailed and well designed sketch * Sketch is labeled and colorful * Description boxes have complete and accurate information
Tool	* Final product shows some attempt at effort and attention to detail * Tool is not easily identifiable	* Final product shows satisfactory effort and attention to detail * Tool is easily identifiable	* Final product shows significant effort and attention to detail * Tool is easily identifiable

Name_________________________________