Week of March 4-8, 2013 - Sun Webquest

Dear Mr. McIntyre’s Class,

My name is Captain Rex and I have kidnapped beloved teacher, Mr. McIntyre.  He is locked away on my spaceship that is currently orbiting Earth.  In order to free him, you must complete the following project by this Friday, March, 8.

Before your teacher can be released, your team must be prepared to answer questions from my people.  After that, you will be making a model to use and present to my people’s High Council.  Mr. McIntyre's release depends upon your success.

To Free Your Teacher:

Step 1:  Complete the Solar Facts Research Sheet. 

Step 2:  Organize a presentation you will make to the High Council. Some ideas include:  posters, plan a skit, Prezi, short video, etc.  To impress the High Council, it must be a creative presentation!  Check the Evaluation section before you begin!

Step 3:  Prepare to share what you learned with the class.

Task, the First – Solar Facts

The aliens want basic information about the Sun.  Your worksheet has a chart you must complete to get basic information. 

Here are some websites to help you as you complete the first task.

Facts About the Sun

Interesting Facts 
About the Sun
KidsAstronomy.com
Nine 8 Planets for Kids
The Sun

Task, the Second – Solar Structure

Next, the aliens want to know the structure of the Sun.  What makes up the Sun?  What does it do? 

Use the websites to study the Sun’s structure.

A Look at Our Nearest Star

StarChild
The Sun
The Sun and Stellar Structure
Windows to the Universe

Task, the Third – Learning About the Sun

How do we study the Sun?  They want to know how we learn about the Sun.  They want examples of telescopes on Earth and space probes currently studying the Sun. 

The websites below will help you complete task, the third!

Observatories and Telescopes

Big Bear Solar Observatory

High Altitude Observatory
Mauna Loa Solar Observatory
McMath Solar Observatory
Sacramento  Peak Solar Observatory

Space Probes

SOHO

Solar Dynamics Observatory
STEREO

Task, the Fourth – Presentation

You have the information you need to answer the aliens’ questions.  Your final task is to put it all together.  Look at Step 2 under "To Free Your Teacher".  Select a method for your presentation and work on it!

Evaluation

How will I be graded for this assignment?

Sun WebQuest Rubric
CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Organization	Information is very organized with well-constructed and easy to follow.	Information is organized with well-constructed and easy to follow.	Information is organized, but it is hard to follow.	The information appears to be disorganized and can't be followed.
Amount of Information	All topics and tasks are addressed with information above what is required.	All topics and tasks are addressed.	All but one topic and task are addressed.	Two or more tasks and topics were not addressed.
Quality of Information	Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples.	Information clearly relates to the main topic. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples.	Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given.	Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.