What is an iAdventure? An iAdventure is an interactive site designed to have students research certain pieces of information by visiting other web sites in order to make informed decisions about various dilemmas presented. Content Covered? This iAdventure is designed to support science units dealing with ecosystems and environments with the overall theme being that each population of a community of organisms is vital to the ecosystem itself. Grade Level? Fifth grade through eighth grade Time needed? 7 -12 forty minute class periods Resources needed? One computer with internet access for every two students,
a copy of the Information Collection Sheet for every student.
Below you will find the site map to the entire iAdventure. Simply click on the page that you would like to see. Each page will open in a new window, so when you are finished, simply close the window to return to the teacher page.
Background Information An iAdventure is a way of teaching students important concepts and skills by involving them in a storyline about one or more characters. In this iAdventure, an evil doctor, Dr. Naturehater, is a well known enemy of environments everywhere. He has decided to remove a population of organisms from a small community. Your class has been hired as Environmental Investigations Specialists to research the impact of Dr. Naturehater's threat. In teams of two, your students will visit various web sites in an attempt to make informed decisions on behalf of a group of concerned citizens. Once all necessary research has been gathered, the students will present their research in such a way as to inform the local citizens of the seriousness of this situation.
Throughout the iAdventure, there are three situations that the students will encounter. The first situation requires the students to choose an environment in Maine or Missouri. Once that choice has been made, the students then must decide to defend a water ecosystem or a land ecosystem. Third, they must research specified organisms to learn of their importance in the particular ecosystem. As information is discovered and decisions are made, the results are recorded on the Information Collections Sheet. Once all research has been conducted, the students then prepare a presentation based on the assessment requirements (see Assessment, Conclusion and Student Products below).
Curriculum Standards This iAdventure contains activities that meet the following goals and objectives of The Show-Me Standards:
GOAL 1
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas (2), use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information (4), comprehend and evaluate written, visual and oral presentations and works (5), and apply acquired information, ideas and skills to different contexts as students, workers, citizens and consumers (10). GOAL 2
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences (1), and exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing the perspective of others (3). GOAL 3
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve problems.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to examine problems and proposed solutions from multiple perspectives (6), and assess costs, benefits, and other consequences of proposed solutions (8). GOAL 4
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to make decisions and act as responsible members of society.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to explain reasoning and identify information used to support decisions (1), develop, monitor and revise plans of action to meet deadlines and accomplish goals (5), and identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks(6). COMMUNICATION ARTS In Communication Arts, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of and proficiency in speaking and writing standard English (1), reading and evaluating non-fiction works and material (3), writing formally and informally (4), and participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas (6). SCIENCE In Science, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of characteristics and interactions of living organisms (3), changes in ecosystems and interactions of organisms with their environment (4), and impact of science, technology and human activity on resources and the environment (8).
The Assessment, Conclusion and Student Products The culminating event or task of an iAdventure is when students create the conclusion or product, as described in the "Create a Conclusion" page. In this iAdventure, the students will be creating a press release to the local community informing them of the implications of a threat made by Dr. Naturehater to remove a population of organisms from an ecosystem. The iAdventure conclusion is left somewhat open ended in that there is no specified method of presenting. The page reads:
You and your partner have completed all necessary research needed to stop the ecosystem from being destroyed. You have also written down information on your Information Collection Sheet. Now, your last task is to use what you have learned to design a press release informing the public about the entire situation at hand.
As you and your partner prepare for the press release, you meet with the Chief of Environmental Communications. She advises you to include three important pieces of information when you address the community. First, she says it is important that you let the public know exactly why you chose to defend the state you did. Second, you need to let the people know what interested you in the particular ecosystem that you chose. And finally, you need to discuss the impact of Dr. Naturehater's decision to remove a population from the environment.
There are several methods you can use to inform the citizens of Dr. Naturehater's plans. Your first option is to write a newspaper article for the local newspaper. A second option is to write and deliver a speech to a group of concerned citizens. A third option is to create a presentation using technology (slide show, power point presentation, hyperstudio, etc) that could be accessed by the people of the community. You may also have the opportunity to design your own way to inform the public of the environmental crisis at hand. Before deciding on your type of presentation, check with the Head Commander (your teacher). You will find it helpful and necessary to look at the assessment requirements below as well as the rubric before designing and constructing your response. Remember to use your Information Collection Sheet as a resource. The more effective your presentation, the better chance you have in defeating Dr. Naturehater.
The assessment was designed to meet the needs of different types of learners by allowing for various methods of presentations. The scoring rubric provided, however, is not specific to the presentation method, but rather the process and content. If it seems too overwhelming to have various options for the students' presentations, you can limit their options.
Scoring Rubric and Guides Rubric
Beginning
1Developing
2Accomplished
3Exemplary
4Score Research, Gather Information Collects very little information. More than five missing pieces. Collects some information. Three - five pieces missing. Collects most of the required information. One - two pieces missing. Collects all necessary information about state, ecosystem and kingdom organisms. Presentation Method of presenting not effective. Difficult to understand. Too vague. Somewhat effective. Missing several pieces of the required info. Takes the point of view of a student (not E.I.S.) Fairly effective. Stayed in E.I.S. role. Mentions MOST of required info. Very effective. Stayed in E.I.S. role. Confident and convincing. Mentions ALL required info.
Mechanics Many spelling mistakes. Lacking crucial punctuation making the paper hard to understand. Several spelling and/or grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes create some confusion. Few spelling mistakes. Few grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes do not interfere with understanding. No spelling mistakes. No grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes to not interfere with understanding.
Sharing the Work Load Always relies on others to do the work. Does not participate with the partner. Rarely is on task. Tends to get distracted and doesn't get much accomplished. Usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding to stay on task. Always does the assigned work and is on task without having to be reminded. Teamwork Usually argues with teammates. Sometimes argues. Rarely argues. Never argues with teammates. Scoring Guide
(Total Points Possible is 100)
Category Score Calculating Points Research, Gather Information Score x 7 = Presentation Score x 6 = Mechanics Score x 6 = Sharing the Work Load Score x 3 = Teamwork Score x 3 = TOTAL PTS. = Key to Determine the Fate of Dr. Naturehater
Total Points Description of Outcome 90 - 100 Congratulations. You did an outstanding job at defending the environment against Dr. Naturehater. Because you were so successful with your work on this project, not only have you protected the environment against Dr. Naturehater, but the evil doctor has been caught and will never threaten ecosystems again. 80 - 89 Great job. It was clear through your work and presentation that you put in a lot of time on this project. Because of this hard work, you have protected the environment against Dr. Naturehater. Unfortunately, after a brief time in prison, the evil doctor managed to escape and is running around somewhere out there, planning his next attack. 70 - 79 It is clear that you and your partner have put some work in to this project. Because of this work, you have protected the environment against Dr. Naturehater, however the evil doctor has managed to disappear from the area and has served no time in jail at this point. For now, though, you and your environment are safe. 60 - 69 The citizens of the local environment are appreciative of the work that you put in to this project. Dr. Naturehater's damage to the environment was fairly minimal and unfortunately, the evil doctor managed to escape from the authorities and has not spent any time in prison for his acts against the ecosystems. Below 60 Sorry. Unfortunately Dr. Naturehater has escaped. Perhaps you should find some time to battle the evil doctor again. Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge Animated Gif Finder, Yahoo Picture Gallery and The Amazing Picture Machine for the amazing array of photos and images that are provided for use on sites such as this one.
This concept was developed by Stan Smith in the Warrensburg, MO school district as part of the "Learning with iAdventures" program, funded by a Competitive Technology grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Stan has invested hundreds of hours in developing and implementing this program. His knowledge and patience is the main reason you are able to have access to this iAdventure.
For more information on iAdventures, visit the iAdventure Home Page.
If you would like to email Stan Smith with any comments or questions about iAdventures, send your message to SSmith@warrensburg.k12.mo.us