Goals:

To describe unique exploration studies of the ocean floor and space.

To utilize research skills and write summaries of research studies using the Internet.

Content Areas:

Science - science research studies

Social Studies - purposes and applications of scientific research

Language Arts - writing skills

Computer Science - internet

Materials:

Computers with Internet access

Writing materials

Procedure: (3 hours)

1) The first hour of this project should be used to demonstrate how to search for information on the Internet.

2) Students will have the entire class period to search the Internet for at least one exploration study concerning oceanography and one concerning outer space.

3) The teacher should monitor students' progress and help students who are having trouble.

4) Students will write a one page summary exploration project on what the scientists are researching, what they are hoping to find, and how it will be useful. Students should include the address of the Internet site. For each of the research studies, students should answer a number of questions. A handout containing any questions the teacher requires the students to answer should be given to each student. The following are some examples:
 

What is the Internet address for the information you found?

What keywords did you use?

What are scientists researching in the study you found?

What is the hypothesis that scientists are questioning?

What agency or organization is funding this research? Why?

How will the results of this study impact humans? Speculate how the outcome might affect your life.

How would you change the research project if you could? Would you take another focus?

5) Students should find a picture that represents each of the research projects. This picture can be displayed with the summary of the research project for other students to view.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based upon the effort they put into their inquiry on the exploration of the ocean floor and outer space. Criteria for success: Students can be assessed upon their responses to the question list that the teacher develops. Points can be assigned for each question.

Extensions:

Nonspecific topics can be assigned to incorporate this research lesson into a specific unit.

Invite a research scientist to speak to the class

Back to Week 3 - Day 5

This page was submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program