Animal Webquest
Introduction
We are surrounded by animals. We have them as pets, as farm animals, we may see them at a zoo, a wildlife preserve or if we are lucky, we may see them in our own back yard. Illinois is full of fascinating animals. Do we have anything in common with them? Let's investigate and find out.
Task
You have been chosen to write a field guide of 10 Animals Native to Illinois. Then you are to write a two page report on one animal from your field guide. Finally, at home, you need to make a diorama of this animal.
Process
You are going to choose ten animals. They can be vertebrate; mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian or bird, invertebrate; worms, insects or arachnids. A variety would be best. Use the field guide template to organize the information for each animal. Be sure to include the web addresses you use. Add a picture of the animal or draw one after you have printed. Use this Form to complete your field guide. Design a cover and put it into book form.
As you are working on your field guide, choose one animal that you are especially interested in. You will write a two page report on this animal. The type written report should include an additional title page and a bibliography page with at least two sources. Include in your report the following information:
 | the information required in the field guide entry |
| the animals geographic range |
| how the animal satisfies its four basic needs (water, food, shelter and body temperatures) |
| whether the animal is a vertebrate or invertebrate, what type it is (amphibian, fish, mammal, bird, reptile, insect, arachnid, leeches or worm) and evidence to prove it. |
| How does this animal reproduce? |
| any adaptation that is particularly important for this animal's survival. |
Remember to include an additional title page and a bibliography page with at least two sources.
Finally, you need to make a diorama of this animal using a shoe box or similar sized box. Nothing bigger, please.
| The box should be on its side with the opening to the front showing the animal's habitat. |
| The only store bought finished product can be the animal itself. The habitat should be made of natural or recycled materials. (i.e. a film canister can be made to look like a garbage can) |
| The entire inside must be finished. (background and side walls. |
Resources
You can use the following websites for your research, or search other sites you know about. Books and your text book may be helpful, also. Remember to keep track of your sources for your bibliography.
Evaluation
Field guide
Report
Diorama
Conclusion