A WebQuest (#) is a lesson plan for the classroom that
uses the web. It was originated by Bernie
Dodge (#) at SDSU.
Each of these WebQuests has been written to encourage use of the Cracking Dams
module in the classroom. Each webquest has the following parts:
quest: a question to set the stage for the activity
tasks: the products of your quest
roles: a "hat" for each member of the group to wear; each member should
become the expert in his or her role and lead the group in the tasks
associated with your role
process: detailed instructions to help you complete your tasks; the
process includes hyperlinks to web pages that will help you, so be sure to
check back there after each step
worksheet: the worksheet should be printed out and filled out as you go
along; most instructions from the process are also included on the worksheet,
but check back with the process section on the web for links to follow
conclusion: wrap up of what you have learned from the WebQuest
for the teacher: suggestions for use of the WebQuests of that level,
comments on the what students should take away from the WebQuests, and suggestions
for points in the curriculum to introduce the module
It is very important for you, the teacher, to maintain the connection between
this activity and the concepts you are teaching in the classroom. The topics
covered by the WebQuests are listed in the "for the teacher" page to help you
determine an appropriate point in your lesson plans to introduce Cracking Dams.
It is also important that you are comfortable with the WebQuest so that you may
answer students' questions. It is suggested that you walk through the WebQuest
once yourself. Also you may want to try the simulation applet with tutorial.
The WebQuest for use with the Intermediate level (grades 5-8)
(one 45-minute period is suggested for completion of these WebQuests):
on to the WebQuest about gravity dams for groups of 3
on to the WebQuest about gravity dams for groups of 4
on to the WebQuest about arch dams for groups of 3
on to the WebQuest about arch dams for groups of 4
The WebQuests for use with the Advanced level (grades 9-12)
(two 45-minute periods are suggested for completion of these WebQuests):
on to the WebQuest about gravity dams for
groups of 3
on to the WebQuest about gravity dams for
groups of 4
on to the WebQuest about arch dams for
groups of 3
on to the WebQuest about arch dams for
groups of 4
Following the WebQuests, discussion of the groups' posted positions is encouraged.
Students may be evaluated based on the reasoning behind their positions, their
presentation of the reasoning during discussion, and their worksheets. Once again,
it is important the the connection between classroom topics and the WebQuest
activity be maintained.
You are also welcome to develop your own WebQuests about Cracking Dams if you see
something else in the site you would like to emphasize. Bernie Dodge has created
a
template (#) for designing WebQuests that you might want to use.
Although there are no WebQuests for the Beginning level, there are several worksheets:
Dams worksheet
Cracks worksheet
Examples and Simulation worksheet
 
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