Ants 'R'  Us

Introduction:

 Students are very inquisitive and caring by nature.  This website gives them the opportunity to use these natural tendicies  to properly  nurture and care for ants.

Aim:

 The purpose of this webquest is to have children explore the life cycle and habits of ants and compare them to their own. 

Rationale:

 Children need to know that there are similarities and differences in  the life cycles and  habits of  ants in order to properly care for them.  

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Goals & Objectives:

• Students will become familiar with ant body parts.
• Students will label ant body parts.
  
• Students will learn about ant behaviors and compare them to human behaviors.
• Students will diagram the life cycles of an ant.
• Students will identify members of  an ant colony.
• Students will identify roles of each  ant.
• Students will know eating habits.
• Students will  identify an ants' home.
• Students will tell how ants communicate with one another.
• Students will tell how ants protect themselves.
  

 

Audience & Pre-requisites:

This webquest is designed for K-3 grade students with limited computer skills. Basic computer skills are reviewed before implementation.
 

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Subject-Matter:

Science
Research/Inquiry
Computer Technology

Instructional Plan:

There are four major components of this  instructional plan:
     I. Computer Usage
          In the computer lab students will be guided by the teacher on:  
             1. The parts of the computer
             2. How to turn the computer on
             3. How to turn off computer and shut it down
                  (assessment will be student  individual demonstration
     II. Internet Terminology
            Terminology will be discussed  to help students identify what to click on to move          about a window.

     III. Webquest Introduced
              Students will be paired at a computer in the computer lab  with their observation log.  They will work together in locating needed information to complete webquest.

     IV.  Ant Farm Care
                Student will come together as a group to discuss what they have learned  about caring for the ants in the ant farm.

     V.  Learning Centers 
            1. Reading  Station
            2.  Crafts  Table
            3.  Video  Corner      

 Resources:
Implementation for Hearst School

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Materials:

1. Computer with internet accessibility
2. Observation Log
3. Ant Farm or Ant Observatory
4. Ant Food
5. Books
6. Video
   

 

Assessment & Evaluation:
     Students will be able to label parts of an ant and its  life cycle .  For an evaluation   refer to the  webquest.

     

        

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