Japanese
Geography An Internet WebQuest
created by cbrown44
Introduction | The Task | The Process & Resources | Conclusion | Dictionary.com
Introduction
Picture this: you live on an archipelago off the coast of Asia. You are surrounded by water, but there are few beaches. How would this be different from living in the middle of the United States...
In the following WebQuest, you will use the power of teamwork and the abundant resources on the Internet to learn all about Japanese Geography. Each person on your team will learn one piece of the puzzle and then you will come together to get a better understanding of the big picture.
The Quest
How has the geography of Japan impacted the country's development?
The Process and Resources
In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Japanese Geography. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online dictionary or one in your classroom.
You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information to be able to answer the questions!
Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Individuals from your WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.
2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.
3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.
4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.
5. Be prepared to share your answers with the rest of the class.6. Your grade will be based on this WebQuest Rubric.
Weather Expert
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these weather related questions:
1. What are the average highest and lowest temperatures in Japan?
2. Compare the highest and lowest temperatures in Japan and Omaha.
3. How does weather impact Japan?
Volcano Expert
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these volcano related questions:
1. What is the name of highest mountain in Japan?
2. How many volcanoes are in Japan?
3. Are volcanoes and earthquakes related? If so, how?
4. How do volcanoes impact Japan?
Ocean Expert
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these ocean related questions:
1. What are the bodies of water surrounding Japan?
2. How many miles of coastlines does Japan have?
3. How many islands are in Japan?
4. What are Tsunamis?
5. Do Tsunamis impact Japan? If so, how?
Agriculture Expert
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Geologist:
1. How much land in Japan can be used for agriculture?
2. What percentage of land can people live on?
3. What agricultural products must Japan import?
4. How do agricultural resources impact Japan?
Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus
You have all learned about a different part of Japanese geography. Each group member has expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can live with. Be prepared to share your answer with the rest of the class.
Conclusion
Now you all know a lot more about Japan. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of Japanese Geography could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.
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Content by cbrown44,
cbrown44@csm.edu http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/webjapanesecb.html Last revised Wed Dec 21 11:03:10 US/Pacific 2005 |