a Web Quest by
Andrew S. Basler
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits
The mountain gorilla is the closest relative of man among primates. They are intelligent, social, and have human-like behaviors. However, due to a changing environment, poaching, and an unstable area, there are fewer than 600 mountain gorillas left today. Efforts to preserve this species is important to potential future discoveries about the origens of primates and man. In this web quest, you will learn all about the mountain gorillas, the challanges they face, and possible solutions to the existing problems.
You will be divided into groups. In this Web Quest, you will use the internet to research the behavior of gorillas, the threats that endanger their species, and the habitat they live in. You will then use your critical thinking skills to propose a solutions to the problems facing the Gorillas. Each group will present their proposed solution to the class. The solution should take into account the existing problems, and the consequences of any action taken. Specifically, there are three parts to the presentation. The group will identify the threats, analyze their impact on the Mountain Gorillas, and propose potential solutions analyzing them for potential consequences. The process will help guide your research. Your grade will be based on a grading rubric. Click on the following link and check out the Evaluation Rubric so you know what your grade is based on.
1. First you will watch the IMAX dvd "Mountain Gorillas" This movie will provide background information on the behavior and habitats of the gorillas, and some problems facing their survival.
2. Secondly, you will be divided into groups of no more than five. Each group must have access to the internet.
3. You will use the following web sites to research the problems facing gorillas and potential solutions. In addition to the provided web sites, use the Google Search Engine to complete your own searches using keywords.
4. The above web sites will get your research started. Remember what you are researching. Specifically, you need to study the gorillas behavior and environment to infer the threats to survival, and come up with a potential solution.
5. All members of the group must participate in both research, discussion, and class presentation.
6. Your presentation should be between 5 and 10 minutes long, and meet all of the requirements previously discussed.
7. You will need to use your critical thinking skills to come up with a potential solution. You will need to use your research to defend your proposed solution.
8. Make some type of visual aid to help your presentation. It might be a poster board, handouts, power point, etc.
You will be evaluated based on the following rubric:
| Oral Presentation Rubric | Possible Points | Self-Assessment | Teacher Assessment |
| Provided depth in coverage gorilla behavior, threats, and potential solutions | 50 |
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| Presentation was well planned and coherent. (Evidence of rehearsal), and clearly justified proposed solution | 10 |
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| Visual Aid (helpful, neat) | 15 |
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| Stayed within the time limit. (5 to 10 minutes) | 10 | ||
| Communication Skills (eye contact, posture, clear voice, appropriate volume, transitions between speakers smooth, and all members presented) | 15 |
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| Total Possible Points | 100 |
Survival of the Mountain Gorillas is key to our future studies of our own species and origen. Many different factors threaten the Mountain Gorilla's survival, which complicates the situation. Any solution would potentially have adverse consequences. However, critical thinking, evaluating and planning is the best we can do. Hopefully in this Web Quest you not only learned about the Gorillas, but also how to address environmental problems and search for solutions.
Grade Band: 9 - 12
Tennessee State Curriculum Standards: Environmental Science
6.0 The student will understand his/her personal and civic responsibility concerning issues related to the environment.
Performance Indicators: At Level 3, the student is able to
Purpose of Web Quest and Learning Improvements:
The students will learn about how current geopolitical problems effect the environment. The students will also learn to think critically about a problem and use research to create a solution. The students will also learn to articulate their ideas through oral presentation. The purpose of the web quest is to: teach students about current environmental problems and potential solutions, to introduce the student to the life and behavior of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, to teach the student about how the human world affects the environment, to promote the internet as a useful research tool, to promote teamwork through group activities, to promote oral communication skills through class presentations.
Preceding and Ensuing Events of Instruction:
Before beginning the Web Quest, the teacher should show the IMAX dvd Mountain Gorilla, available at www.amazon.com . The DVD is approximately 45 minutes long, and will introduce the students to the problems the endangered mountain gorillas are facing, as well as the geographic location. After the movie, the teacher is responsible for dividing the class into groups, making sure each group has access to the internet. The teacher might also want to go over some basic tips for keyword searches on the internet. After the process is complete, the teacher will moderate the class presentations, or if time is limited, replace the oral presentation with a less formal class discussion. This web quest will also tie into geopolitics, environmental problem solving, endangered species, and conservation.
Warner Brothers. (1991). Mountain Gorilla [dvd]. Toronto, Canada: IMAX.
Center for Educational Technologies, (2003). The Mountain Gorilla Page. Retrieved April 12, 2004 from http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/mgorilla/mgorilla.html
Informatics, (n.d.). Mountain Gorilla Protection: A Geomatics Approach. Retrieved April 12, 2004 from http://www.informatics.org/gorilla/region.html
Kilimanjaro Adventure, (1995). Mountain Gorillas in Peril. Retrieved April 12, 2004 from http://www.kilimanjaro.com/gorilla/marcel.htm
Google, (2004). Search Engine. Retrieved April 12, 2004 from http://www.google.com