Tacky's
Arctic Adventure

A 2nd Grade WebQuest
for Social Studies and Language Arts

by
Alan Engle

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Across the cold and icy tundra you and a team of scientists head out to explore the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. Lead by Tacky the Penguin, you bravely take on two of the coldest and most barren places on Earth, with temperature cold enough to crack steel, and darkness six months of the year.
 

Task

Your job, with Tacky's help, is to make notes (using complete sentences) of all that you see and discover. Upon your return you will report your findings to your explorer's society through a written story, which will contain facts from your journey.

Process

Follow these steps to complete the task assigned to you:

1. As a group read Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester.

2. After the book is read, complete the following activities using the journal note sheet given to you. (Also available in Word format.)

3. Visit Zoom School: Antarctica to find out what kind of weather Antarctica has.

5. Visit Antarctica Animal Facts & Printouts to find out what kinds of animals Antarctica has. Select one animal to print out and color.

6. Visit Dr. Hess' Trip To Antarctica to learn about visiting Antarctica. Write at least 2 facts that you learned.

7. Visit Antarctica: Geography and Kid's Help Page - Antarctica to find out more about Antarctica.

8. Now that you know many facts about Antarctica and the Arctic, create a short story, using the facts that you have learned from your exploration to the polar regions. Include at least 5 facts into your story.

Evaluation

You will be evaluated by your teacher using the following rubric:

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed your Arctic exploration. Now you know what other animals live in the Arctic besides your new friend Tacky! Congratulations, and keep exploring!