• This lesson was designed to follow up a science trail about trees.  This science trail can easily be adapted to fit your school.  I would plan to do the webquest towards the beginning of a unit on trees.  This is meant to be another introductory type lesson.

• I designed this lesson to teach students about different types of trees.  They will learn about the parts of trees, what trees do, and different types of trees.  They will then use the information they have discovered to make a decision about which tree they believe the town should plant. 

Learners

This lesson is designed for 2nd grade students to work on with the help of an upper-elementary student (Grades 4-6).  It was designed to be used in a resource room classroom but could be a fun activity to schedule older students to come and work with a 2nd grade classroom.

The lesson could be modified to different grade levels by changing the questions on the Clue Log.  The websites students will be investigating are full of information about trees.  It would also not be difficult to change the questions on the worksheet for students who need more adaptations or for enrichment activities.

Students should have a basic understanding of leaves and trees before they begin this webquest.  They can find information on the websites but it will be easier for them to understand if they have prior knowledge.  Students also need to be able to work in a cooperative group setting.  The rubric is designed to grade the whole group rather than individuals within the group.

Standards

The following standards are Indiana State Science Standards.

• 2.1.3 Describe, both in writing and verbally, objects as accurately as possible and compare observations with those of other people.

• 2.2.5 Draw pictures and write brief descriptions that correctly portray key features of an object.

This lesson also requires students to use the following skills: observation, comparison, teamwork, and compromise.