Teaching Guide
[CROCODILES]
[VALERIE LYNN MORRIS]
Web Institute for Teachers, Summer, 2003



Aim 
This webquest is designed to learn about crocodiles from prehistoric times to present day.     



Rationale
  Crocodiles are one of the few of earth's creatures whose evolution, since they first appeared in prehistoric times, has been very limited. When thinking of creatures that walked the earth millions of years ago, children will quickly begin to talk about the T-rex and other dinosaurs. Through this webquest children will learn about the animal that could not only fight with the T-rex and other dinosaurs, but also eat the them. When looking at the history of the crocodile, along with the anatomy and the habitats of the modern crocodile, children can easily make connections between these present day marvels and their ancient companions--the dinosaurs.  

Goals and Objectives
The goal within this webquest is to explore some facts about the crocodile.
Objectives:
Student will review research on the information gathered on the prehistoric crocodile fossil excavation.
Student will compare three characteristics of an alligator to that of a crocodile.
Student will contrast three characteristics of an alligator to that of a crocodile.
Student will identify three species of crocodile.
Student will write a brief fact summary of species of crocodile (their choice).
On a preprinted map student will write the names of the various crocodile species in their designated habitats.


 
Audience

This webquest is specifically targeted toward 5th and 6th grade students, but can be adapted for any grade.

Prerequisites
Some computer knowledge is an advantage, but not necessary.


Subject-Matter

Science
- Different areas of the animal kingdom (genus, species) 
Social Science
-An understanding of anthropology and archaeology, and how these sciences apply to an understanding of today's environments
-An understanding of geography (the points of locations of crocodiles throughout the world)
-Learning to use a world map to gather information.
Technology
-Using the Internet to gather information


Instructional Plan

1. Teacher will develop a "prior knowledge fountain" for students to access during their task process. This will include oral brainstorming, and an organization of thoughts using a K-W-L graphic organizer. (K-W-L forms are available in the resource links.)

2. Teacher will introduce the webquest and topic (crocodiles) to the students, familiarizing students with all of its corresponding components.

3. Teacher will review the process of taking notes in their journals, which will include proper citations of information. Students are required to provide a spiral notebook for note taking purposes.

4. Student(s) must identify their partner pairs (if they choose to have one) by the third day.

5. Teacher will introduce and explain the basic components of the computer(s) that they will have access to in order to enable them to perform their webquest.

6. Teacher will explain the task(s) required of the student within the webquest, and the required timeline.

7. Teacher will explain the evaluation process with the student(s).

8. Student will submit the name of the crocodile species that he/ she will research for their one page summary (these can change, but this will give students a focus) by the end of week one.

9. Teacher will provide worksheets or direct student to link sources as needed.




Materials

A computer with Internet access (or teacher provided modifications if this is not possible).
One spiral notebook for note taking.


Assessment and Evaluation
To incorporate various aspects of the webquest students will create a summary of what they have learned using a story board format for student presentations.

Resources
 
KWL Generator > KWL Diagrams

http://www.teachervision.com/tv/printables/KWL_Chart.pdf
(another version of a kwl for older students  VM  notes)

Task Definition Strategies, page 3
If needed explaination of a KWL  (VM  Notes)

Graphic Organizer Worksheets
generic worksheet formats (VM)

Quick Maps of the World - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, ...
(generates maps for habitat placement    VM)

Outline Maps
(prints maps for different uses    VM)

Classification of Living Things: Topic Menu
CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING THINGS: An Introduction to the Principles of Taxonomy with
a Focus on Human Classification Categories. TOPICS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, ...
anthro.palomar.edu/animal/ - 8k

Crocodilians: Natural History & Conservation: Crocodiles, Caimans ...

NOVA Online | Crocodiles

Crocodilian Species List: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, ...

Crocodiles by Jim Cornish

Crocodiles and Alligators Overview

Animal Planet :: The Crocodile Hunter
Crocodile website anxillary for kids   Steve Irwin is "the croc. hunter" wife's name is Terri

http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/safari/crocs/expert/expert7.html
resource      crocodiles/alligators     (VM notes)

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=000B3A0E-DBB4-1C67-B882809EC588ED9F    
scientific american       alligator /crocodile    resources  (VM notes)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dinosaurs/dig_deeper/alexperts.shtml     
anxillary link between crocodiles and dinosaurs (VM notes)

http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Standards/CAS/cas.html
link for Illinois Standards

RubiStar Home
RubiStar is a tool to help the teacher who wants to use rubrics, but does
not have the time to develop them from scratch. RubiStar banner. ...
Description: A tool to help the teacher who wants to use rubrics, but does not have the time to develop them from...
Category: Reference > Education > Educators > K through 12 > Rubrics
rubistar.4teachers.org/ - 13k - Jul 28, 2003 - Cached - Similar pages