Inquiry+Activity+Qi


 * (1) After you have completed the online activity, describe it. **

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This web is focused on rainforest. In the part of introduction, the author first asks a question, “Did you know there are two types of Rainforest--the temperate and the tropical?” Then he goes on to introduce two types of rainforests -- tropical and temperate. He discusses the same and different characteristics between these two kinds of rainforests.

In the third part, the author warns that rainforests endangered! Rainforests are the habitat of many plants and animals. Due to the shrinking of rainforests, many plants and animals have become "island dwellers" inside the park now. Then the author discusses “What can you do to help save the tropical rainforest?” He gives us some suggestions about how we can contribute to the solution. All these solution will not only have a positive impact on the tropical rainforest but on all the ecosystems of the world.

In the forth part, the author tells us the location of rainforests. Next part is named Temperate Rainforest Scrapbook. It talks about a great adventure that Robyn, Sarah, and a group of students from Olympia, Washington visited the ancient temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest which is called the Quinault Rainforest. Then the author tells us what they found in this rainforest, like conifers, ferns, nurse logs, stilts, Pacific Ocean, Hoh Rainforest, epiphytes, animals and lichens.

The next part is Exploring the Tropical Rainforest. He introduces the Tropical Rainforest Layers, special characteristics of tropical rainforest. Then he explains adaptations and introduces effects of elevation, forest people, biological diversity and causes of destruction.

In the next two parts, the author introduces tropical rainforest plants and animals. In the last part, the author provides us some useful links of partner schools, tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest.

** (2a) Identify the specific NYS Standards ** ** (1) Standard 1 ** : Analysis, Inquiry, and Design Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

** (2) Standard 4 ** : Science Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

** (3) Standard 7 ** : Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

** (2b) National Education Technology Standards ** (1) Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

(2) Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students: (a) Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. (c) Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

(3) Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students: (a) Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation. (b) Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.

(4) Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations. Students: (a) Understand and use technology systems. (b) Select and use applications effectively and productively.

** (3) Explain why you think this is a good example of inquiry based learning. ** Rainforest is a good example of inquiry based learning. First, this web provides real and related pictures, which put the student in a realistic, real-life situation. Second, each rainforest topic is interesting and attractive. When the author asks a question, I can not wait to find the answer. Third, this web is divided into nine sections that are easy to navigate and accessible from other sections; sections are clearly marked and separated from one another. In addition, the background color and pictures he used for each part are extremely appropriate. This web provides a large number of information, but it doesn’t make me be tired to learn them. Each part has a good and smooth connection. Therefore, I think it is a good web which can attract many students.