A Web Quest by:
Andrew S. Basler
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits
The harsh environment of South Georgia Island makes survival very difficult for most animals. Cold temperatures and a barren landscape seem uninhabitable. Yet, South Georgia Island is home to the world's largest populations of elephant seals, and very large communities of penguins, fur seals and albatrosses. These animals have unique survival characteristics that allows them to live and reproduce in one of the most remote places on earth.
Your task is to complete a class presentation on the life cycle of an animal of South Georgia Island. Your class presentation will be done in groups, and will cover all stages of the life cycle, as well as unique adaptations that allow your animal to survive in such a harsh environment. The presentations should be 10 minutes long, and include a visual aid (Power Point, posters, etc.)
You will first watch the IMAX DVD Survival Island. This movie will introduce you to the environment and many animals that inhabit the island. You will then pick one of the following animals to research:
Fur Seal
Elephant Seal
King Penguin
Albatross
After choosing which animal you want to research, use the following links to research your animal:
You should also do your own online research and may want to find books or magazine articles on your animal.
Remember that the key points in the presentation are life cycle and unique survival adaptations.
Remember that the Presentation should be 10 minutes long, and be sure to include every person in the group.
You will be evaluated by the following rubric. Take note that half of your grade is on the depth and coverage of your animal, i.e. life cycle, adaptations, and other facts.
Oral Presentation Rubric
| Oral Presentation Rubric | Possible Points | Self-Assessment | Teacher Assessment |
| Provided depth in coverage of topic. | 50 |
|
|
| Presentation was well planned and coherent. (Evidence of rehearsal) | 10 |
|
|
| Presenters were models of thoughtfulness. Explanations to questions where given. | 10 |
|
|
| Communication Skills (eye contact, posture, clear voice, appropriate volume, transitions between speakers smooth, and all members presented) | 10 |
|
|
| Visual Aid (originality, usefulness) | 10 |
||
| Stayed within allotted time frame (9-10 mins) | 10 |
|
|
| Total Possible Points | 100 |
|
|
Conclusion
Unique adaptations to an environment allow the animals of South Georgia Island to live in a very harsh environment. The island plays a big role in their life cycle, providing a base for their population to live on for several months out of the year. Preservation of the island and protection from whale and seal hunting will ensure future survival of the animals of South Georgia.
Grade Band: 9 - 12 life science
2.2 compare populations, communities, and ecosystems
5.4 distinguish among the life cycles of various plants and animals
Purpose: To promote the understanding of how a species interacts and adapts to its environment. To promote an understanding of an animal life cycle. To encourage good research skills. To encourage good oral presentation skills. To encourage good group communication skills.B
Preceding events of Instruction: The teacher should first show the IMAX dvd Survival Island (41 mins). This Web Quest may also be incorporated into a study on habitats, niches, adaptation, and food webs. The teacher might also want to provide some books or magazine articles on Antarctic wildlife or habitats, although part of this learning experience is the self-directed research of the students.
Warner Brothers. (1995). Survival Island: The Animal Cities of South Georgia [dvd]. Toronto: Imax.
South Georgia Island. (2003). Online Environmental Resources. Retrieved September 26, 2003, from www.sgisland.org/pages/sghome.htm
Jaap's Marine Mammal Page. (1999). Fur Seals. Retrieved September 26, 2003, from http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/furseals.htm
Jaap's Marine Mammal Page. (1999). Elephant Seals. Retrieved September 26, 2003, from http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/elepseal.htm
Pete and Barb's Penguin Page. (2003). Contents. Retrieved September 26, 2003, from http://www.adelie.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ndx.html
Tennessee Department of Education. (n.d.). Curriculum frameworks. Retreived September 19, 2003 from http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards.htm