To Outer Space and Beyond - September 8, 2006

Today's QuestGarden featured webquest is a fanciful exploration of outer space for younger elementary students. TITLE: To Outer Space and Beyond AUTHOR: Multiple (Bradley U.) LINK: Link to *Outer Space and Beyond* Webquest This webquest is a fairly basic, straightforward introduction to the Solar System. That being said, the authors inject a bit of personality into the process: You have just completed your last day of astronaut training! You are now officially an astronaut! Congratulations! You are being assigned a major mission. This mission is going to send you and eight other astronauts into outer space to explore the planets. There is lots of work to be done and lots of information to bring back for the upcoming news conference! Through some creative writing and the judicious use of images and background colors, the authors have created a webquest that will be fun and engaging. The task itself (visit space websites and collect facts and pictures) is nothing extraordinary or unique, but it's perfect for young elementary students who are just learning to use the web for inquiry-based exploration. This highlights the power of webquests - that with the right blend of "traditional" tasks and new media, kids of all ages can participate in engaging projects that enhance learning. You can also check out more websites on Space for Young Students here!