Process
Step 1: Assign Roles
Did you know that a group of penguins is called a rookery? It is! And so for the rest of this WebQuest, your group of four will be known as a rookery.
Your teacher will give you five minutes to read over the four different roles and decide who will serve what role. Just as some types of penguins huddle together during blizzards to keep each other warm, each of you needs to do your part for the good of the rookery.
Click on the links below to find out more about each of the four roles.
• Cartographer
• Classifier
• Cook
• Cop
Step 2: Research
Now that you know your task and your specific role, you can get started! Click on the Research Sheet that goes with your role and follow the directions. Be sure to check out the Evaluation section to see how you will be graded for this before getting started.
I've found some websites that should be helpful for finding information to complete your research. I'm working on all kinds of movie ideas, so I can't check them all out myself. That's why you and your rookery are so important! Click on the links below to help you fill out your Research Sheet.
- Penguins on Kid Zone (Cartographer, Classifier, Cook, and Cop)
- Penguins on Kids Planet (Cartographer, Classifier, Cook, and Cop)
- Penguin Slide Show (Cartographer, Classifier, Cook, and Cop)
- Questions About Penguins (Cartographer and Cop)
- Penguin Index (Classifier)
Step 3: Production
Now that you've collected the necessary information in your Research Sheet, you get to use that information to produce something. This will help get your creative juices flowing. Again, take a look at the Evaluation section to learn exactly how you will be graded for this portion. Below, you will find your production assignments.
Cartographer: Your assignment is to mark on a map of the world all of the places that penguins live. Print out the world map. Mark the areas that penguins call home by coloring it in with markers, or by drawing penguins in those areas, or by placing stickers over the places that penguins live. Remember to use the information you discovered in your completed Research Sheet, and if you need any extra help click here.
Classifier: Your assignment is to classify (or sort) all the types of penguins. Print out the classifying chart. Write the names of all the types of penguins on the lines below the boxes (one name under each box). In the box, draw a picture of that type of penguin. If you would rather print out pictures of the types of penguins, you may also do that. There are a couple websites that can help you with pictures or photographs of the different types of penguins.
Cook: Your assignment is to design a menu that is fitting for a penguin. Print out the menu. Think carefully about the kinds of things that penguins like to eat. Look back at your Research Sheet as a reminder. Fill in the blanks on the menu with penguin food - use your information and your imagination! Decorate the menu.
Cop: Your assignment is to create a wanted poster for one of the penguins' predators or threats. Print out the wanted poster. While filling out your Research Sheet, you came across several enemies of the penguin. Select one of them to draw in the rectangle on the wanted poster and then fill out the rest of the information.
Step 4: Collaboration
In Hollywood, we are big on collaboration. (That's just a fancy word for many people getting together to work in cooperation on a project.) You have now reached the stage in which you share with your rookery what you have been working so hard on. In your rookery, share your Research Sheets and your map, pictures, menu, or poster. Your teacher will give you specific instructions on how she wants you to do this.
Step 5: Intermission
You've been working so hard, it's time to take a little break! Playful penguins know the value of taking some time to have fun every now and then. Click here to watch live penguins from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Step 6: Production, Take Two
It's production time again, but this time around you are going to work with your rookery to produce a movie poster for me! There are several things we here at Emperor Productions want in our movie poster. Make sure that you include all of them:
- The setting: Your poster must clearly show where the film takes place, either by a map or in writing. Is it going to be on the shores of the Galapagos? In the icy land of Antarctica? The choice is yours! Talk to your Cartographer for help.
- The hero: You need to feature the hero of your movie. Decide on a specific type of penguin. Make sure that this type of penguin would actually live in the setting you select! The Classifier can help with the different types of penguins.
- The bad guy: Your poster should also have a picture or at least name the bad guy. The bad guy should be one of the penguin's real-life predators. Cop, this is where you come in.
- Title and tagline: You want everyone to know about your movie from your poster, so a title and tagline is a must! Come up with a creative name for your movie; this is the title. A tagline is a catchy phrase that makes people interested in the movie and sticks in their heads. You should also write a tagline on your poster. Cook, I want you to oversee this part of the poster.
To be extra sure that you understand exactly what I am looking for, look in the "Movie Poster" section of the Evaluation page. Your rookery will get one grade for this part of the WebQuest, so you all need to swim in the same direction if you want to get somewhere!
Step 7: Lights, Camera, Action!
By now, I think you are starting to understand all the time, energy, research, and hard work that goes into a production. It can be a challenge to stay on task and do your best work, but let me tell you that it is all worth it when it comes time to share the product. And that time is now!
Let the curtains pull back, the spotlight come on, and the cameras flash as your rookery shares its poster!!
Shout for joy! You're nearly finished!