Elements of this webquest are predicated on the approach to Science Education mandated by the Integrated Resource Package.

AN APPROACH TO SCIENCE EDUCATION

In Science 8 to 10, students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for scientific literacy through four major processes: working scientifically, communicating scientifically, using science, and acting responsibly.

Working Scientifically

Students conduct investigations by asking questions, using concrete materials, making observations, processing data, and evaluating findings. The provincial science curriculum promotes an activity-based program where students learn scientific knowledge and processes in a hands-on and "minds-on" way. Students should have opportunities to explain, solve problems, hypothesize, design experiments, control variables, interpret data, and formulate models.

Communicating Scientifically

Students draw conclusions, defend their opinions, and discuss the limitations of their work. The provincial science curriculum encourages the use of instructional and assessment activities that prompt students to extend, reinforce, and consolidate science learning by communicating their ideas and findings to others. Students should have opportunities to work collaboratively, share insights and understanding, raise questions, debate, keep logs of events and observations, and record and report ideas using various media.

Using Science

Students build an understanding of science and technological applications by using science to make connections, explain and apply ideas, and solve problems. Students should have opportunities to increase their awareness of the applications of science and technology to life by examining current issues from various perspectives. An increased awareness will also help students explore science-related careers.

Acting Responsibly

It is important for students to begin to understand their role in influencing change. Students should take responsible action when using the science information and skills they have developed. By acting responsibly, students come to appreciate science as an activity that is embedded within a diverse society and culture. Students should have opportunities to define problems and design scientific ways to solve them.

( Science 8 to 10 Integrated Resource Package, 1995. Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education, Curriculum Branch.)

The Web Quest

This Web Quest was originally prepared for ED ES 501, a Masters in Teacher-Libraianship course offered through the University of Alberta Distance Education Program.

The Web Quest is patterned on the work of Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University. I have used the Building Blocks Site as a model. I also considered Dodge's Creating a Rubric in designing my site.

In cooperation with Science 9 teachers in my school, I intend to use the Web Quest as part of a resource-based unit with Science 9 classes. The Web Quest will be part of an integrated approach which will also use print and video resources. Students will be encouraged to make contacts with experts in the community and via the Internet.

The Web Quest has three tasks. The major task is to design an experiment to be carried on a space mission. Students will make a presentation defending their experiment to a group on "nonscientist" funders. They will need to collect background information in order to justify their experiment. The presentation may be made using either Power Point or a Web Page.

The third task is to use the news sites in the resource list to keep an electronic journal of Science news. The journal will be presented as a "show and tell" and each student will present one article to the class.

This is a long term Web Quest which requires higher order thinking skills. Even in the collection phase, students are required to make judgements and choices.

While more complete than most I have looked at, the Process section is an outline which will need to be expanded and refined to meet the needs of individual teachers.

The evaluation rubric includes marks for process, collaboration, experiment design, presentation, work ethic, and the journal reflections and responses.

Extension activities might include an exploration of careers and opportunities in Space Science, entering experiments in a Science Fair, or attempting to have an experiment included on a real mission.

The Web Quest meets the goals of the curriculum by:

• being student-centred and activity based
• giving students opportunities to explore, explain, and design experiments
• giving students the opportunity to work collaboratively
• giving students the opportunity to communicate (present) their work
• giving students an awareness of the role of Science in real life
• exploring career opportunities in Space Science.

In consideration for students with visual impairments, I have used arial fonts and coloured headings for this web site.

The graphics are from NASA or Nine Planets. When you place the mouse on the graphic, you will see the source. NASA images are in the public domain, but you must credit NASA. Bill Arnett gives permission for students and teachers to use the graphics on the Nine Planets Site. For more information on copyrights visit Nine Planets.

The only work not created specifically for this project is the Authority Checklist.

Educational Resources

There is an overwhelming number of Space Science sites on the web. The following sites, along with those listed on the Resource Page should be a good starting point.

NASA's Educational Resources

For additional resources start with NASA's Education Directory. Note the link to student resources.

Canadian Space Agency

For a Canadian perspective, visit the Canadian Space Agency Site. There are some great interactive activities for students. Try to assemble the space station without crashing!

Challenger Center for Space Science Education

While this center is still under development, it has some excellent activities that you can download.

The Exploratorium Observatory

This site includes information on the sun, solar eclipses, the aurora and solar weather. There are good teacher resources and student activities.

Mars Millenium Project

This is an opportunity for classes to design a community for 100 people for a 2030 mission to Mars.

NASA Office of Space Science

This site has many links to Space Science sites organized topically.

Seeing and Exploring the Universe

This NASA education site supports The NASA kit "Structure and Evolution of the Universe" Kit which is available in the school library. There is a wealth of informaion on current and future missions.

For more sites, use the search engine Google which ranks sites by how many sites point to the target site.