This WebQuest was designed as part of a project in my Science Methods class at Manchester College.  It was intended to be used by the 1st grade teachers at Concord Ox Bow Elementary School.  This may be adapted, however, to fit any park that is located relatively close to your school.

The point of this lesson is for students to look at habitats without actually going to them.  They should have already done a science trail through the park to look at different habitats that exist in one area.  Some habitats, though, are hard to reach, so I created this WebQuest for the students to explore them through the Internet.  The book that is created at the end of the project is so the students can express what their favorite habitat is.  They should be able to, after going through the WebQuest, tell specific parts of the habitat they chose to explore.  They should be able to name animals and features of the habitat that make it what it is.  This also lets them use their imagination by placing them in their chosen habitat like they actually live there.  This is a great way to get students thinking outside of the box!

Learners
This lesson is intended for 1st grade science that ties in reading and writing.  Other grade levels may use this, as well, but the final task should be changed unless the book goes more into depth.

Prior to this WebQuest, the learners need to have talked about where specific animals live.  They also need to have completed the science trail that accompanies this. 

Standards
Science

1.2.7 Write brief informational descriptions of a real object, person, place, or event using information from observations.

1.4.3 Observe and explain that animals eat plants or other animals for food.

English/Language Arts

1.6.1 Print legibly and space letters, words, and sentences appropriately.

1.6.2 Write in complete sentences.

1.6.8 Spell correctly three- and four-letter words (can, will) and grade-level-appropriate sight words (red, fish).