Ms. Todd Second Grade

1. “Searching For a New Reptile” Webquest Ms. Todd Second Grade Click To Start

2. Table of Contents Teacher Introduction Student Introduction Task Process- Step 1 Process- Step 2 Evaluation References Conclusion

3. Teacher Introduction Welcome teachers! This webquest will inform second grade students about the habitats of reptiles. Throughout our, “Exploring Animals” unit, students have learned about the characteristics of living and nonliving things. They have also learned how to group and classify animals according to their specific characteristics. This webquest will guide the students through three particular reptiles. By the end of the webquest, students will understand the habitat needed for each reptile to survive and which reptile will be the best choice to join Reptile World at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Each student will also be given an opportunity to synthesize all learned information in a cumulative evaluation. The webquest can be completed independently by the child, as well as with the guidance of an adult. All of the necessary resources and materials are available for use. Have fun!

4. Student Introduction Today is your lucky day! The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has just been given the funds to open a new exhibit in their Reptile World. They need to decide which reptile would best fit into the exhibit; a rattlesnake, tortoise, or an alligator. They need your help!!! Throughout this webquest, you will be able to learn all that you can to make the best decision possible. So, get ready, get set, and prepare to further explore the world and habitats of reptiles!!!

5. Task To select the best reptile for the zoo, you will be learning about: Rattlesnakes TortoisesAlligators During the week, you will: • Learn to identify the characteristics of the habitat of each reptile in order to make a brochure. • Use your research to write a letter to a zoo keeper to persuade the zoo to choose the animal that you suggest. • Use what you have learned about reptiles and zoos in order to make a power point presentation to tell whether or not you would like to become a zoo keeper and care for the reptile you have chosen.

6. Step 1: In order to choose the best reptile for the zoo, you must learn about the habitats of each animal. Rattlesnakes http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/pdf/wildlife/RATTLESNAKES.PDF Tortoises http://www.fws.gov/Nevada/desert_tortoise/dt_life.html Alligators http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_amis.htm Next, using what you learned from the websites, create a brochure to tell about the habitats of each reptile. Get a piece of construction paper and fold into thirds. At the top of each section, write the name of each reptile. As you explore the websites, list at least four facts about each animal’s habitat. Present your brochure to a partner. Hand in your finished brochure. Process Rubric

8. Process • Step 2: You are on your way to choosing the best reptile for the new exhibit! The next step is to use what you have learned about each retiles habitat and write a letter to a zoo keeper. • To complete this step, you will: • Read the “Calling All Reptiles” note from the zoo. • Visit the zoo’s website • Write your letter to the zoo keeper • Hand in your finished letter. Rubric “Calling All Reptiles…”

10. Calling All Reptiles….. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has just received funds to add a new reptile into Reptile World. The exhibit is a glass enclosure that is 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall. It has grass and straw on the bottom of the space with several large logs and sticks propped up on the sides. There is a water and food bowl. The space is not equipped to hold a large amount of water. The Zoo would like to give students the opportunity to decide which reptile would be best for the zoo and for the zoo keepers in charge of it. We would like for you to write us a letter telling us which reptile you think would be best suited for our exhibit; a rattlesnake, tortoise, or alligator. Please be sure to support your suggestion with details. If your letter is chosen, your name will appear on the sign in front of the exhibit and….better yet, you get to name the reptile!!! Wow! Sounds like fun, right? Well, get started on those letters! We hope to be hearing from you soon! http://www.marylandzoo.org/

11. Evaluation Today you will inform your class whether or not you would like to be a zoo keeper and help to take care of the reptile you have chosen. You will create a power point presentation to show everyone how much you know about your reptile and being a zoo keeper. Click here to find out about being a zoo keeper: http://www.aazk.org/zoo_career.php • Your power point will include: • Which reptile you chose. • Why you chose it. • Slides telling facts about your reptile • Why you would or would not like to be a zoo keeper Remember to have fun and be creative! Rubric

13. Conclusion CONGRATULATIONS! The Maryland Zoo is thrilled with the choice you made! They want you to help at the zoo as soon as possible. They were very impressed with the amount of information you knew and how well you wrote! The Zoo wants to name you “Junior Zoo Keeper of the Month”! You start on Monday!!!

14. Refereneces What is a reptile? http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles.html Information about Zoo Keepers: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos168.htm