An Internet WebQuest on Butterflies

created by Miss Brown

                  

Introduction | The Task | The Process & Resources | Conclusion | HyperText Dictionary

 

Introduction

Picture this: you and a team of learners are presented with the task of describing an elephant. But instead of looking to an encyclopedia or a zoo exhibit, you are each blindfolded and guided to a real elephant. Each of you touches a different part of the animal: one, the soft and delicate tip of the elephant's trunk; another, the hard tusk of ivory; and a third, the wrinkled hide around the elephant's belly.

Based upon what each of you learned, one thinks an elephant is smooth and soft, another would say an elephant is smooth and hard, while the last would conclude that elephants are rough and soft. What's the truth? When we study complex topics, we are often like the elephant examiners: there's usually a lot more to a topic that we don't learn about after only a quick exploration.

This is particularly true when we use the Internet for our research because many people post their personal opinions or only know a sliver of the whole story. In the following WebQuest, you will use the power of teamwork and the abundant resources on the Internet to learn all about butterflies. Each person on your team will learn one piece of the puzzle and then you will come together to get a better understanding of the topic.

 

The Quest

Your task will be to describe what a butterfly is and explain interesting facts about them.

The Process and Resources

 

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group. Each group will answer the Task or Question. As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about butterflies. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

 

 

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.

·         Butterflies - This is a good site to find more specific information on butterflies.

                                                                                                           

 

 

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals from the WebQuest team will break apart and explore under one of the following roles:Task Master, Researcher, Historian, or Educator .

2. Read through the files linked to your questions. Make sure you are reading for comprehension.

3. Note: Remember to write down your answer so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Question or Task based on what you have learned.

 

Task Master (#1)

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Task Master:

1. Give a general definition of butterflies.
2. Name at least five characteristics of butterflies.

Hint: Go back and use the site that the group used in phase #1.

     

Researcher (#2)

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Researcher:

1. What do butterflies use their ears for.
2. Name at least five differences between butterflies and moths.

·         Butterflies senses – This site explains how butterflies use their senses differently than other animals.

Historian (#3)

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Historian:

1. Name the five families of butterflies found in Illinois.

·         United States Butterflies – This is an excellent source for all butterflies around the United States.

Educator (#4)

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Educator:

1. Explain the best way to catch a butterfly.
2. How should you take care of butterflies as classroom pets.

·         Capture of Butterflies – This is a fantasic place to learn to care for animals.

·         Classroom Pets - This is another great site to find how to care for animals.

 

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all answered different questions about butterflies. Now team members should come back together and share the expertise gained by their search. You must all now answer all the questions as a group. Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can agree on.

 

Phase 4 – Teacher Feedback

You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles and sharing information.  You have also been working very hard in class caring, raising, and learning about butterflies.  I want to put your knowledge to the test by taking a butterfly quiz.  When you are finished make sure you print out your results, put your name on it, and turn it in to me.  Good luck!

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Take the Butterfly WebQuiz

 

Conclusion

So is an elephant smooth, rough, soft, or hard? Well, when you're blindfolded and only *looking* at one part, it's easy to come up with an answer that may not be completely right. It's the same for understanding a topic as broad or complex as butterflies: when you only know part of the picture, you only know part of the picture. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of butterflies could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.

Your Quest is now complete!