Information for Educators

This webquest is an integrated study of "Living in Space" combining the disciplines of Science and Technology. Our Ontario Curriculum states: "Science is a form of knowledge that seeks to describe and explain the natural and physical world and its place in the universe. ...... Technology includes much more than the knowledge and skills related to computers and their applications. Technology is a form of knowledge that uses concepts and skills from other disciplines (including science) and the application of this knowledge to meet an identified need or solve a specific problem using materials, energy, and tools (including computers)."
The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Science and Technology, p.99

   
Intended grade and subject Junior Gr.6 Science and Technology
   
Level of expertise assumed in computers and in research Independent working level with the Internet and either Microsoft Power Point or Corel Presentation; ability to explore a website following sequence of steps; basic research skills; experience completing reading responses and making notes
   
Time required for completion 6 working periods of 45 to 60 minutes each; Total time - 270 to 360 minutes/about 6 hours
   
Curriculum Specific Expectations:
  • explain how astronauts meet their basic needs in space
  • use a computer simulation program to show what is required in a space station for an astronaut to live for a year
  • identify the technological tools and devices needed for space exploration (space station, shuttle, life support systems)
  • use appropriate vocabulary, including correct science and technology terminology, in describing their investigations and observations (use Glossary of Space Terms)
  • compile data gathered through investigation in order to record and present results using charts
  • identify the technological tools and devices needed for space exploration
  • communicate the procedures and results of investigations for specific purposes and to specific audiences, using media works, written notes and descriptions, charts, and oral presentations (i.e., prepare a multimedia presentation with Microsoft Power Point or Corel Presentation)
   
NASA Guidelines Guidelines for the use of NASA's website is found at this link:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/policies.html#Links%20to%20Non-NASA%20(Third%20Party)%20Web%20Pages/Sites
 
Summary This webquest is designed for elementary students who have an interest in space, particularly living in space. Knowledge of space is not a pre-requisite for this webquest. An early Junior reading level is recommended to successfully follow through the 6 tasks. An ability to cooperatively work with a partner is also an expectation towards completion. Students will summarize and reflect developing their higher order thinking skills. This structure eliminates unnecessary searching and wasted time since the sites are already provided in the WebQuest document. This webquest ought to motivate your students to think about how different life in space is compared to life on earth.
I hope that my integrated unit on Space offers an opportunity for teachers and students to develop space knowledge, computer literacy, and skills across the Science and Technology Ontario Curriculum. The activities I have created will allow students to explore Space in a fun and exciting way using colourful multimedia.
 

If you have comments or questions about this webquest, I would appreciate your feedback.
You may contact me at the following e-mail address: Barbara Rogelstad - rogieba@rogers.com
 
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