Notes for Teachers

Learners

This WebQuest was designed as a resource for High School Biology.  Students are called upon to compare and contrast insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals as to how they solve various physiological problems. The object is to have them understand the complexity of the organisms' bodies. By comparing and contrasting these living things, students should gain a better understanding of them.

Prior to beginning this particular part of the lesson,  some classroom time is spent going over the various classes of animals. Students are given notes, reading assignments, audio visual presentations on each, and gain practice comparing and contrasting the classes using Venn Diagrams and the like.

Curriculum Standards

National Education Technology Standards for Students

California State Science Standard # 9 (Physiology):

"As a results of the coordinated structures and functions of organ systems, the internal environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside environment. As a basis for understanding this concept:

a. Students know how the complementary activity of major body systems provides cells with oxygen and nutrients and removes toxic waste products such as carbon dioxide."

Resources Needed

• biology textbook
• video disk player and monitor
• computer lab set up to connect with the internet
• personnel in the computer lab to help with the research and computer problems.
• overhead projector, screen and/or blackboard to help the students in their comparisons.

Thinking Skills:

This type of assignment helps the students engage in "HOTS", Higher Order Thinking Skills. Their comparing and contrasting of the classes takes them above the mere memorization of facts concerning the animals.

One of the benefits of this assignment is that it allows for plenty of repetition of the ideas and thereby helps in the retention of those ideas. The students are also able to learn in a variety of ways, visually, orally and kinesthetically.

Creativity is enhanced by the students' freedom in how they present the comparisons of these animals.

I found it helpful to check at regular intervals on how the progress was going on their reports. This, of course, prevents some students from falling too far behind.