The Silent Sea Creatures

A webquest for 7th Grade Science

dparadis@longmeadow.k12.ma.us

Introduction

Introduction

What comes to mind when you think of ocean animals? Well, did you know that there are thousands of different organisms in the sea?

Your job is to research an invertebrate that lives in the sea. An invertebrate is an organism that does not have a backbone. With this new knowledge you and your group will be able to share this creature with the class.

The Task

You and the members of your group will create a booklet of information on your unique invertebrate.

The Process

To complete your booklet, you will follow this format:

Meet with the other two members of your group and decide which role you will be:

oceanographer
marine biologist
environmentalist

Once you have chosen your role, you and your partners will visit a site in order to select your interesting creature.

So it is time grab your scubagear and go for a swim. More Marine Invertebrates of Hawaii

Your group will need to have your sea creature approved by your teacher. In order to do this, your group needs to complete an approval form. Print one form for the group.

Complete the sheet and submit the sheet to your teacher.

After the topic has been approved it is time for your real research!

You now need to look for your information in the following sites:

Marine Invertebrates of Hawaii

Marine Invertebrates

Mystic Aquarium (Animals and Habitat)

Coral Reef Network / Marine Life

Lobsters

Invertebrates

Marine biology: Invertebrates

Job Descriptions

Marine Biologist	Collects facts regarding body design, size, and special adaptations. In the booklet the biologist will sketch and label the organism on the left hand side of the booklet.
Oceanographer	Locate where the organism lives in the ocean (zones). Give facts regarding the type of organism (plankton, nekton, benthos) andhow it moves in the water. *The information will be arranged in the center page of the booklet.*
Environmentalist	Research where your organism fits in the food chain. (Producer/Consumer). What does it feed on ? How does it get its food? Is it a source of food for humans? Find its scientific name (genus,species). *The right side of the booklet will hold this research data.*

Evaluation

You will receive an individual grade for your part of the booklet. Your score will be based on the following criteria.

Rubric

	Beginning 20	Developing 30	Accomplished 35	Exemplary 40
Booklet	Missing Information Poorly Organized	Most of the Information Design Weak	Complete information Adequate design Neat	Complete information Creative design Colorful and neat

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Credits and References

Special thanks to Sandy Budreau, Technology Integration Specialist at Williams Middle School.

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updated 11/02