Webquest+Simple+Machines

Leslie Ford's review of a WebQuest for simple machines:
 I reviewed the [|Simple Machines] WebQuest following the Bernie Dodge rubric. The overall visual appeal is accomplished. Each page has text that is consistent and the style is easy to read and is an appropriate size. The titles are visible and prominent and draw your attention. The graphics make connections that contribute to the understandings of the topic of simple machines. The Navigation and Flow of the website is seamless. It is clear to the learner where they are and where they need to go to accomplish their goal. The Mechanical Aspects are all working. No links are broken. The teacher does need to be a subscriber to access the Discovery Education website. The other sites do not need any type of subscription. Each Team page does use the same four websites to guide the students through the WebQuest. This provides some variety, but additional sites would be useful for the resources. The Introduction catches the learner’s attention and draws them into the lesson. It provides the question to be researched and does so in a way that is compelling. The Introduction also builds on the learner’s prior knowledge and gives clues as to what the lesson will be about. The Task is connected is connected to the standards in Hawaii where this WebQuest was written. The Cognitive Level of the task is accomplished. The tasks go way beyond rote comprehension and require the learners to synthesize information. The Process has been clearly stated. The handouts the students are using could be designed a little differently allowing more space for student responses. The teams are divided to provide heterogeneous groups with varying ability levels. The teacher will need to continuously monitor groups to ensure they are understanding and are on task. Each group must decide what each group member will do. The activities are designed to take the students from basic knowledge to higher lever thinking. The Resources provide a meaningful connection to the information needed to accomplish the task. The resources provide pictures, text, videos, and graphics. The Evaluation is in the form of a rubric. It clearly measures what the students must know and be able to do to accomplish the task. All in all, this is an accomplished and valuable website. It is well done and will complement my Science unit of study on Simple Machines. It was designed for third graders and it is at their level. I will incorporate this website in my teaching.

__Reflection: __
 I really enjoy science. I love any thing that can help engage students and give them a positive experience with science. When I saw Leslie’s post I knew I had to read it. She found a wonderful resource. I don’t teach 3rd grade science, but we have a new teacher that does. I am hoping that we can find a way that I can help her try this with her students. I think she would find it really enjoyable and the students would be thrilled with it!