approved Adirondack Curriculum Project
NYS Content Area Standard

MST 4. Science: The Living Environment

Title: Wonderful Webs (DRAFT)

Grade Level: 6th Grade

Author: Kathleen Lefebvre, Tupper Lake CSD

Email: kathleenl@tupperlakecsd.net
Adirondack Curriculum Content Area
__X_ Natural History
___ Human History
___ Culture & the Arts
___ Government & Civics
___ Economy
___ Health, Recreation & Life Skills

Investigative Question or Issue: How do spiders produce their webs?

Challenge:
 
Context for this Challenge: Prior to issuing this challenge, the teacher will want to ensure the availability of a variety of appropriate resources to support the research element of this project.

The Challenge:
With a partner, investigate the  "Issue" cited above. As you conduct your research, use the outline provided to record your notes. Be sure to gather important information about each of the following focus questions:

1) How do spiders produce silk? What are the characteristics of the silk they produce?
2) What kinds of webs do different spiders produce? Be able to describe and illustrate at least four types.
3) What is one kind of web produced by a spider that is native to the Adirondacks? This spider and  web may be one of those researched in response to focus question #1

To share the information you've gathered, create a card or board game that other students of your age might enjoy playing.  This game should be based on the accurate information you have gathered in your research. As you create the game consider the following:

- Your game must include clear directions on how to play it
- All the information about spiders used in the game must be accurate
- Your game calls for the use of correct scientific vocabulary where appropriate
- Your game is creative
- Spelling, grammar, and English usage are correct in your game
- The important information you gathered in response to each of the focus questions is incorporated in the game

Your game should be ready for sharing with others on ________________________________.

Quality Standards:  

- Your game must include clear directions on how to play it
- All the information about spiders used in the game must be accurate
- Your game calls for the use of correct scientific vocabulary where appropriate
- Your game is creative
- Spelling, grammar, and English usage is correct in your game
- The important information you gathered in response to each of the focus questions is incorporated in the game

Adapted for the Adirondack Curriculum Project from the work of Education By Design TM and Leading EDGE, LLC ©ACP 2002

   Product Quality
Checklist
Date: ________                                                                     Class Period: ________
Product Author(s):

 

 Product Title/Name:
Wonderful Webs
Evaluator Name(s)
 
 Observed Standard/Criteria
Possible
Points
Rating
  Required information addressing focus questions is present on outline  30   
  Required information addressing focus questions is present in game  20   
  Game uses correct English grammar, spelling, & use of appropriate scientific vocabulary  10   
  Information is accurate  20   
  Game is creative   10   
  Directions for game are clear and accurate.  10   
       
 
TOTALS
 100  

Comments: After completion of challenge, students will have a chance to play each group's game.  This will be a way to check if the directions are clear and accurate.  Another possibility would be to have the games played by students in another grade level.

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