A Web Quest by
Andrew S. Basler
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits
Chimpanzees are primates that live in forest regions of Africa. They are genetically very similar to humans, sharing 98% of the same genes. Because of their similarities, Chimpanzees can reveal much about ourselves and how we learn. Chimpanzees have evolved over time to the most sophisticated primates other than humans. They have a very complex social structure, and even know how to use "tools" to make a task easier. In this web quest, you will learn all about chimpanzees, their common connection with humans, and how they have evolved to survivePur.
Your task is to use the internet to research chimpanzees. After researching, you will use a poster board to make a Venn diagram that outline the similarities and differences of humans and chimpanzees. After making your diagram, you will present it to the class, explaining the similarities. In addition, you will explain what specific characteristics chimps and humans share that allow them to survive. This will be a group project. An illustration of the Venn diagram is shown below. Group A will be human characteristics, group B will be chimpanzee characteristics, and group C will be the shared traits of humans and chimps. Before beginning the process, skip down and read the Evaluation Rubric so you will know what your grade is based on.
1. First, you will watch the IMAX dvd Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees. The movie will give you some background knowledge on what scientists know about chimps and their behavior.
2. After watching the dvd, you will be divided up into groups of four. Each group is responsible for research and the Venn diagram. In addition, each member of the group must contribute to research and presentation.
3. Use the following links to initially research chimpanzees. If you wish to do your own customized search, use the Google Search Engine and keywords. Hint: to get the most out of research, divide up the responsibilities and have each person research a different aspect of chimpanzees.
Encyclopedia Entry: Chimpanzee
Enchanted Learning: Chimpanzees
4. During your research, be sure to record any similarities and differences between chimps and humans. After your research is completed, you will consolidate all of your findings into the diagram.
5. After each group member is done researching, come together as a group and complete your Venn diagram. Remember to include both unique and shared characteristics of humans and chimpanzees. Remember also to include shared adaptations that allow chimps and humans to survive. Write these adaptations below the diagram.
6. After each group has completed the diagram, you will present your Venn diagram to the class, explaining your findings.
You will be evaluated based on the following rubric:
| Oral Presentation Rubric | Possible Points | Self-Assessment | Teacher Assessment |
| Complete Venn diagram with unique adaptations listed at bottom. | 50 |
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| Presentation was well planned and coherent. (Evidence of rehearsal) | 10 |
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| Poster board (helpful, neat) | 10 |
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| Teamwork: Every member of group played a role | 10 | ||
| Presentation shows evidence of research on Chimpanzees (good understanding of similarities and differences) | 10 | ||
| Communication Skills (eye contact, posture, clear voice, appropriate volume, transitions between speakers smooth, and all members presented) | 10 |
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| Total Possible Points |
100 |
Note that half of your grade is based on the completion of the Venn diagram, while the other half is distributed among different presentation aspects. Teamwork is a part of your grade as well. Make sure that each member plays a role in research and presentation.
Chimpanzees and Humans are very different in many ways. Humans are much more advanced in thought and practical skills. Yet, there are still many shared characteristics, such as a complex social hierarchy, ability to use "tools", and communication. These adaptations have allowed both humans and chimpanzees to survive, each in their respective habitat. Understanding chimpanzee behavior can help us understand our own evolution, where we came from, and perhaps where we are going.
Grade Band: 6 - 12, Life Sciences
Tennessee State Curriculum Standards:
6th Grade: Standard Number: 5.0 Diversity and Adaptation Among Living Things
The student will understand that living things have characteristics that enable them to survive in their environment
5.1 Understand how organisms are adapted for surviving in certain environments
6.5.tpi.4 determine specific characteristics of organisms that enable them to survive in certain environments
8th Grade: 8.5.tpi.2 describe the relationship between a given structure of an organism and its function
9-12: Life Science 5.3 infer the types of organisms native to specific major biomes
6.2 interpret various forms of evidence for biological evolution
Biology I 2.4 analyze innate and learned behaviors and relate this to the survival of the organism
Purpose of Web Quest:
To promote the understanding of Chimpanzees, their unique relation to humans, and their adaptations. To promote the use of the internet as a viable and accessible research tool. To promote critical thinking skills through evaluation and decision making. To promote group teamwork skills, To promote group presentation skills, to reinforce learning through oral presentation.
Preceding and Ensuing Events of Instruction and Learning Improvements:
Before beginning this Web Quest, the teacher should show the IMAX movie Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees available online at www.amazon.com. In addition, the teacher needs to provide the necessary materials to make a Venn diagram (poster board, markers, etc.). Once the students begin the process, the teacher should assist with the student's internet research. If the students are not familiar with search engines, the teacher should be prepared to give tips on searching through keywords. After the process is complete, the teacher might want to substitute class presentations with a group discussion. The movie is approximately 45 minutes long, and the teacher should allow for one hour of internet research, and additional time for creating the Venn diagram. The teacher should feel free to alter this Web Quest in any way necessary to best fit time constraints. The student will learn to use the internet as a research tool, and improve critical thinking skills through decision making based on research.
Enchanted Learning. (2003). Chimpanzees. Retrieved February 13, 2004 at www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/apes/chimp/
Jane Goodall Institute. (2004). Jane Goodall Institute Home. Retrieved February 13, 2004 at www.janegoodall.org/
Save the Chimps. (2004). Chimp Facts. Retrieved February 13, 2004 at www.savethechimps.org/chimps_facts.asp
Slingshot. (2002). Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees [dvd]. Sudbury, Canada: Science North.
Wickipedia. (2004). Chimpanzees. Retrieved February 13, 2004 at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimpanzee