The Martians Have Landed
Plants WebQuest
Designed by Mrs. Gunuskey
 
Introduction
Task
     
Process
Conclusion
 
Evaluation
 
 
Introduction
 
Aliens have just approached you from Mars. They are in desperate need of your help. Their atmosphere is changing to become more like Earth's. They have discovered that if they don't begin growing plants within the next twelve days, their planet will expire. The Aliens are depending on your scientific team to give them the knowledge that they need.
 
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Task
 
You job is to teach the Aliens the best way to grow plants. You will be creating a journal for the Aliens to take back to Mars with them. (Which means you handwriting must be neat and your sentences complete!) The following items should be included in your journal to the Aliens:
 
1. Tell the Aliens what plants they need to grow.
 
2. Explain the uses for plants.
 
3. Describe the parts of a plant - include a diagram, labeling each section and its function.
 
4. Describe pollination - the life cycle of the flower.
 
5. Describe the four major components of soil.
 
6. Explain the process of photosynthesis and transpiration.
 
7. Describe the uses of hydroponics.
 
8. Design a garden - use six different plants and position them in the most effective areas. (Completed on posterboard.)
 
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Process
 
In your team of four you will research the above tasks. Your team has only four days to complete the journal for the Aliens.(My suggesstion is that three of you take 2 questions and the fourth person takes one question and then helps the rest with their information.)Your answers must be completed in the above order in your journal. Your team will only be required to complete one journal. Number 8 should be done as a group. Only if all your minds are put together will you be able to design a garden.
 
You must have complete sentences and your diagrams should be neat and clearly labeled. Your team will be responsible for spelling, especially when your team directly copies from your resources. Look below at the evaluation for a clear picture as to how your team can earn an A!
 
 
Resources
 
Your team is allowed to use books (hint your science book would be helpful), magazine articles and the following Internet sites that are provided below. DO NOT conduct your own Internet search.
Kid's Valley Webgarden
Gardening For Kids
All About Plants - This site is a little slow but give it a chance.
The Growing Edge for Kids
 
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Conclusion
 
Now that you have completed this Web Quest on plants you are able to explain (and help the Aliens) the parts of a plant and its function, uses of plants, the importance of plants in our world and the components of soil. Congratulations you are now an expert Landscape Engineer.
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Evaluation
Section 1
Points
5                      6 or more factors, sent. are neat & complete.
4                      4-5 factors, sent. Are neat &complete
3                      3 factors, sent. Are neat or complete
2                      2 factors, sent. Are neat or complete
1                      1 factor, sent. Are neat or complete
Section 2
5                 10 or more uses / sent. Are neat &complete
4                 7-9 factors, sent. Are neat & complete
3                 4-6 factors, sent. Are neat or complete
2                 2-3 factors, sent. Are neat or complete
1                 1 factor, sent. Are neat or complete
Section 3
5                 All 4 parts are labeled and diagrammed, sent. Are neat &                     complete
4                 All 4 parts are labeled or diagrammed, sent. Are neat &                       complete
3                 3 parts are labeled or diagrammed, sent. Are neat or                 
                   complete
2                 2 parts are labeled or diagrammed, sent. Are neat or                                     complete
1                 1 part is labeled or diagrammed, sent. is neat or complete
Section 4
5                 Complete process is explained - includes hybrid and cross-                           pollination, sent. Are neat & complete
4                 Complete process is explained, sent. Are neat & complete
3                 Complete process is explained, sent. Are neat or complete
2                 2 steps of the process are explained, sent. Are neat or                        complete
1                 1 step of the process is explained, sent. Is neat or                               complete
Section 5
5                 Described 6 parts of soil, included pH level, sent. Are neat                            & complete
4                 Described 4-5 parts of soil, included pH level sent. Are                        neat &complete
3                 Described 3-4 parts of soil, sent. Are neat or complete
2                 Described 2-3 parts of soil, sent. Are neat or complete
1                 Described 1 part of soil, sent. Are neat or complete
Section 6
5                 Explained the process of photosynthesis, Transpiration,                      sent. Are neat & complete
4                 Explained the process of photosynthesis, Transpiration,                      sent. Are neat or complete
3                 Explained the process of photosynthesis or transpiration,                              sent. Are neat and complete
2                 Explained the process of photosynthesis or transpiration,                              sent. Are neat and complete
1                 Attempted to describe photosynthesis, transpiration -                          sent. Are neat or complete
Section 7
5                 Explained and listed the uses of hydroponics, sent. neat &                            complete
4                 Explained and listed the uses of hydroponics, sent. Neat or                 complete
3                 Explained or listed the uses of hydroponics, sent. Neat &                     complete
2                 Explained or listed the uses of hydroponics, sent. Are neat                            or complete
1                 Attempted to describe hydroponics, sent. Are neat or                           complete
Section 8
5                 Designed a garden - used 7 or more plants/ used learned                              techniques
4                 Designed a garden using 5-6 plants/ used learned                               techniques
3                 Designed a garden using 3-4 plants / used some learned                     techniques
2                 Designed a garden using 2 plants / used limited learned                      techniques
1                 Designed a garden using 1 plant, used limited learned                         techniques
 
 
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