Process

This is a mystery WebQuest in which students must combine their research to establish the culprit that is destroying the coral reefs. The research should be done in groups of three with each person taking on the role of a different researcher. The work should not take longer than one science period each day and the project should not last for more three science periods (three days) total. Students should be divided into groups in which the children can work well together. The success of the group depends on each member being able to work well both independently and within a group. In an effort to provide an experience setup for success, groups should be selected by the teacher. Students who may experience difficulty in reading, word processing, or Internet navigation might benefit from having a partner share his/her role.

Initially, students should spend the first science period reading and assigning roles within their groups for this WebQuest. The teacher should also devote time at the end of the first period to reviewing and making certain the students understand the assignment, roles, and the goals. The second science period should be predominately research related, with each student at their own computer gathering research for the role chosen. The use of notes, outlines, and graphic organizers is encouraged. Group members should collaborate and share findings and information during this period, they may also begin filling out the police report if they have time. By the third period, all groups should be completing the police report and turning it in. The teacher should reserve time at the end of the period to recap and discuss the project and each group's findings as a class.