Rainforest Animals

  A Web Quest for 4th Grade (Science)


Designed by

Zack Jones
zjones@ycp.edu

 Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion |


Introduction

You and three of your classmates have been selected to take an adventurous trip into the mighty rainforest. 

You wonder how animals are able to survive in this type of habitat with so much rain.  Your teacher explains that many of these animals have special unique features called adaptations.  These help them survive in this environment. 

While you are in the rainforest, you and your classmates decide to research a few of these animals and their special adaptations.  When you return you will have a presentation about the animals and their adaptations. 

You look at your watch and notice you only have one hour before your plane leaves.  You say goodbye to your teacher and the rest of the class.  You then head out the door still wondering, “What are some animals from the rainforest and their adaptations?”

 
 


The Task

You get ready to jump off the plane, don't forget your parachute!  Once you have hit land you already hear screeches and rustling of leaves from the mighty trees towering above you.  You look above you and see a funny colored frog staring down.  You then decide it is time to start your research:

  • Your task is to research specific animals and their useful adaptations.
  • The four members of your group will all pick a different animal and explore its life and specific adaptations.
  • You will learn about the animals through your prior experiences and different websites on the internet.
  • Finally, when you return your group will give a presentation to the class using PowerPoint showing what you have learned. 

 

 


The Process and Resources

To learn about some of the adaptations of the animals here is what you will have to do:

Part One

  1. First you'll be assigned to a team of 4 students
  2. You then each will need to pick a Different animal from the chart given below
  3. Once you each have chosen an animal, use the different sites listed and begin answering the questions or writing down any other notes that you believe will be useful for your presentation.

Animal Options

Howler Monkey

Agouti

Chimpanzee

Macaw

Spider Money

Jaguar

Tapir

Toucan

Poison Arrow Frogs

Anaconda Snake

Monarch Butterfly

Duck Billed Platypus




Questions to Research (Keep these questions since they will be turned in after your presentation):

1.  Where in the Rainforest do your animal live?
2.  What does your animal eat?
3.  Do any other animals try to eat your animal?
4.   How does your animal protect itself?
5.  What is the lifespan of your animal?
6.  What does your animal look like?
7.  Is your animal endangered?
8.  What adaptations does your animal have?
9.   How does your animal use these adaptations?
10. Bonus: Why would this animal be or not be a good pet?
11. Bonus: What are some ways we can help the animals of the rainforest survive longer?


Research Sites

Part 2

Now that you have returned back home with plenty of information, your group must prepare for your presentation.

Your oral presentation must be a five slide Power Point Presentation including:

 *First Slide:  Title, Name of  Group  Members,  Small Pictures of each Animal
*Second Slide: Habitat of Animals
*Third Slide: Feeding Habits of animals
*Fourth Slide: Survival Techniques of Animals
*Fifth Slide: Adaptations of Animals


Evaluation

As a way for you to show how hard you believed you have worked, you will be graded not only by the teacher but also will have a self evaluation.  The self evaluation will count for part of your final grade.

Student Evaluation

 

Poor

1

OK

2

Good

3

Best

4

Score

Participation in Group

 

 

 

 

 

Group on Task

 

 

 

 

 

Questions Answered Fully

 

 

 

 

 

Group Presentation

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Evaluation

 

Poor

3

OK

6

Good

9

Best

12

Score

Participation in Group

 

 

 

 

 

Group on Task

 

 

 

 

 

Questions Answered Fully

 

 

 

 

 

Group Presentation

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Evaluation:

Student Evaluation (out of 20):         ______

Teacher Evaluation (out of 60):        ______

Bonus Points (from questions 10 and 11): ______+

 

Total:                                                 /80


Conclusion

Congratulations on a safe trip home and a job well done!!!  We all have learned so much about the Rainforest animals from your presentation.  Just be ready for the next trip to the African Safari.