Introduction Task Process Roles Resources Evaluation Conclusion Credits

1. Electricity WebQuest Introduction Task Process Roles Resources Evaluation Conclusion Credits

2. Introduction Task Process Roles Resources Evaluation Conclusion Credits Lights Out! What comes to mind when you find yourself suddenly in complete darkness? At first, probably fear. But when you see there is nothing to be afraid of, you usually begin to have questions about electricity. Another event that may get you thinking about electricity is when you see people working on electrical lines or being lifted by a mechanical "cherry picker" to heavy wires hovering overhead.  You and two to three other team members will be responsible for uncovering the mysteries of electricity. We don't think much about electricity until things go wrong. What can you learn from studying electricity?

3. Task Introduction - Process - Roles - Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits At the end of your fact-finding mission, you and the other investigators will be a team of experts ready to show off what you know in a poster presentation. Each expert in your group will tell the audience just what's up with electricity. So when the lights go out again, and they are sure to do so, you'll be able to comfort others with the knowledge you have. Team Members Scientist Environmentalist Safety Expert Historian

4. Process Introduction - Task - Roles - Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits • To become experts on electricity, you'll be assigned to a group of 2-3 students. • Each student will choose a role that requires a particular investigation. • Once you've chosen your role, you will research those questions using the websites provided. • Discuss your findings with the members of your group. • These discussions will help you build a knowledge base and will help you think of ways to put together your poster presentation. • Click on the roles below to view their job descriptions.  Scientist Environmentalist Safety Expert Historian

5. Scientist Introduction - Task - Process – Roles - Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits The Scientist will head the team members and will be responsible for investigating the process of electricity, as well as coordinate all work of the other team members. The scientist will use on-line resources to answer questions below which are related to the “science” of electricity. 1. What is electricity? 2. Where does electricity come from? Describe the circuit that electricity makes from the power plant to your home. 3. How is electricity generated? 4. How does electricity travel through conductors? 5. How do insulators affect how electricity travels?

6. Environmentalist Introduction - Task - Process - Roles – Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits The Environmentalist will be concerned with ways in which electricity is generated and will investigate which forms of energy, used to generate electricity, have the greatest and least impact on our environment. 1. What kinds of energy and natural resources can be used to create electricity? 2. How can water be used to create electricity? 3. What is nuclear energy and how is it produced? 4. What is natural gas and how can it be used to create energy? 5. Where do oil, coal and fossil fuels come from and how are they used to make energy? 6. What kinds of problems do some of these energy sources create for the environment?

7. Safety Expert Introduction - Task - Process - Roles – Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits The Safety Expert will look up information on the safety issues surrounding the use of electricity. 1. Describe various ways in which electricity can hurt you. 2. How can trees and power lines be dangerous? 3. List some safety devices that every home should have. 4. Create a home electrical safety checklist.

8. Historian Introduction - Task - Process - Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits The Historian will research the history of electricity and how its discovery has changed the way we do things. Create a timeline of the history of electricity. Be sure to include: names, dates and a brief description of the discovery or invention.

9. Resources Introduction - Task – Process/Roles - Evaluation - Conclusion - Credits Become an expert. Don't stay in the dark when you find yourself suddenly in the dark. Put some light on the subject by entering the world of electricity information below. http://www.aecl.ca/kidszone/atomicenergy/environment/index.asp This site will provide information about various forms of energy used to generate elctricity, their sources and the impact they have on the Earth. http://www.cl-p.com/electricsafetyworld/index.html This site will provide information about what electricity is, where it comes from, how it is generated, and how insulators and conductors affect the way it travels. Important electrical safety information is also included on this website http://www.eso.qld.gov.au/electricity/html/activities.html This site includes information that will help answer your questions about electrical safety. It also contains other interesting information about electricity. http://library.thinkquest.org/6064/main.html and http://www.explainthatstuff.com/electricity.html These sites will give you information on the history of electricity.

10. Evaluation Introduction - Task – Process/Roles - Resources - Conclusion - Credits The information given here is your way of monitoring how well each of you is doing. It will also be a guide used by your teacher to grade your group's overall project.

11. Conclusion Introduction - Task - Process - Resources - Evaluation - Credits You have researched and found the answers to your questions about electricity. You have worked together sharing the information among your teammates and with others. Now you have a good idea about what electricity is, how it is generated, ways to safely use it and what the history behind its development is. So, the next time the lights go out . . . . Your knowledge is the POWER!

12. Credits Introduction - Task - Process - Resources - Evaluation - Conclusion adapted fromElectricity: A WebQuest for 5th Grade Science http://192.107.108.56/portfolios/o/ocasio_m/webquest/