Space Travel Through the Solar System:
Webquest Evaluation
1. This WebQuest was of interest to me because the next fifth grade science unit I will be teaching is called: "Objects in the Sky" (solar system). This particular webquest targets grades 3-5 and captured my attention right away through its animation and pictures on the introduction page. The introduction gets kids excited to "blast off" and get started on their study of different planets. The goal is for students to visit each of the planets and learn specific information about each planet and the sun. Based on the information the students collect, they are to design a solar system mobile. This WebQuest aligns perfectly with the science curriculum and comparing and contrasting planets in our solar system. These curriculum standards are found on the "Teacher Page."
2. There is great use of pedagogical strategies by the author of this WebQuest and I picked up on these right away. The objective is stated from the beginning, but also re-emphasized throughout the WebQuest. There is group work involved and it even states on the introduction page: "Do not worry about traveling along because for this journey you will need some friends to be a part of your spaceship crew." The objectives for the tasks are clear and concise and easily recognized by "missions." The final task is an interactive, hands-on learning experience where the students create a mobile. There is a great rubric in the "Evaluation" section of this WebQuest and an additional page of resources to challenge learners to keep learning about the solar system.
3. Each section of this WebQuest takes advantage of technology; from the animated pictures to the learning links for the kids, I feel this WebQuest is a highly effective use of technology and motivating for students to learn about the solar system. I especially love the additional learning links on the "Conclusion" page so that students can challenge themselves even more and continue learning about the solar system through articles, pictures, and games.
4. I would definitely use this WebQuest with my students and technically speaking, every page is up to date, but the "inner planets and outer planets" links are not working, so that could be frustrating for students. The Teacher page includes recommendations of how to use this WebQuest, as well as providing curriculum standards, which is very helpful for teachers.
5. I feel this is a very thorough and efficiently designed WebQuest. The only flaws were the two broken links regarding the inner and outer planets. Other than that, it is well laid out, easy for students and teachers to navigate, and states clear objectives.
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