I subscribe to Google Alerts for WebQuests. It is a great source of new WebQuests for us to review!
However, it really stresses me when there is no moderation when a "WebQuest" is created so the myth of a WebQuest as a Research Assignment is perpetuated!
Have a look at this recent example: The Life of a Butterfly
This is a straight "Teacher Directed", "my students need to know about the life cycle of butterflies" and I need to integrate computers and activities on computers into my classroom type activity!
Good as a Web-based Activity but NOT a WebQuest!
Ok, it is hard to give the younger students a WebQuests that requires thinking skills BUT it can be done! Look at how effective P4C (Philosophy for Children) is with the students from Kindergarten to Year 2. Go and have a look at some of the resources I have listed below about P4C.
Getting back to this NON-WebQuest.
This topic is not appropriate for a WebQuest.
There is no problem to solve! Just research and regurgitate! Therefore no higher order thinking either!
As a teacher, you need to then dismiss this topic - the Life Cycle of a Butterfly - as a WebQuest.
BUT
After the students know about Life Cycles of insects, they could then tackle a problem such as the one seen here:
OR
Mununja the Butterfly where the big Question is: What are the threats of ecotourism to our native plants and animals?
P4C: Resources
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