TASK:

In this webquest, your science class will determine which species of insect deserves to receive the prestigious award of "Insect Of The Year".

You will work in teams of three and begin to capture as many insects as you possibly can. You will classify, research, and learn as many interesting facts about each insect that you have in your collection.

You will begin to set up a profile, about each insect, that summarizes all information you and your team members find interesting. You and your team members will then select two specific insects (found in your collection) that you will present to the class.

Your presentation, to your peers, should be designed to interest them and persuade them into voting for your specific insect.

Voting will be conducted by Australian ballot and each student will only be allowed to vote for one insect. Ties will be decided by an additional vote.

*The following identities must be assumed to complete your task as a group.

Entomologist: Your job will be to classify all insects collected. Through the use of dichotomous keys, field identification books, and internet links you will identify as many species of insect you can. You need to include the Common name, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Also, be sure to include the date, team members names, and an explanation of the environment where the insect was found.

Researcher: Your job will be to research and learn as many facts regarding your groups classified insects (from the entomologist). Through the use of internet links, library books, and field guides you will put together a profile about each species of insect. The profile should have as much information as possible. Information could be about size, weight, color, strength, defense mechanisms, feeding habits, or any other information that you think is interesting. You will share all of your information with team members.

Promoter:  Your job will be to gather all of the information from the researcher. From this information, you will then begin to create a visual that will illustrate the classification of each insect. The visual must have the following information regarding each insect: Common name, Order, Family, Genus and Species. In addition, it needs to have a picture (or the insect itself )of the classified insect and must have a summary of interesting facts.

As a group, you will then decide which two insects you will be promoting to the class. Remember, you want to persuade your class into voting for your insects, so be creative and original in your visual presentation.  Your group can present a traditional bugboard (seen left), a powerpoint presentation, a poster board or any other creative ideas you might have in sharing your information with the class.

*On the last day of this webquest, each group will present two insects to their class. After each group has presented, we will then vote for Insect Of The Year!!