3. INTRODUCTION The observance of Earth Day began in 1970 to increase awareness of problems with the environment. April 22 nd has been set aside for Americans to be reminded to take care of the planet. Although it is celebrated only one day a year, it is important to remember that every day is Earth Day. Every year classrooms take on projects that make a difference in the health of our planet. Here’s an example of how one middle school is doing their part to preserve our natural resources. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGCUTkwFr2A/S9BPyGYRDMI/AAAAA AAAATs/OLKDcXYiRHA/s1600/Earth+Day+1.jpg

4. TASK Happy Earth Day to you!!!! You have been asked to serve on this year’s committee to organize your school’s observance of Earth Day. You and 3 classmates will be responsible for creating awareness by planning interactive activities, creating and presenting a report to your classmates using PowerPoint or other visual aids, and proposing a sustainable plan of action for your school. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits

5. PROCESS Step 1 Your teacher will select 3 additional classmates to serve on the committee with you. Decide within your committee how you will assign tasks and the expectations and standards of each members’ work. Step 2 Determine in what conservation activities your school is already participating. You can use your teacher, the custodian, the school district’s internet page, and even the principal as resources. Share your findings with your group and brainstorm about how the school can do more to conserve natural resources. Your scribe can use the mind map to record everyone’s ideas. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits Process 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 contProcess 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 cont.Process 5Process 6Process 5Process 6 Return to:

6. PROCESS Step 3 Within your group, select the 2 ideas your group would like to pursue. Present your top 2 ideas to your teacher, and using her feedback, decide which idea your team will develop for implementation. Create a timeline for completing this project. Step 4 Explore the topic to determine the benefits of implementing the idea in your school. Determine the detailed process of implementing your proposed activity and identify individuals and other resources affected by the activity. In addition, your group should address questions about implementing the idea. What materials will be needed? What costs will result? How much time will it take to maintain? Finally, create a timeline and plan for making your idea a reality. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits Process 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 contProcess 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 cont.Process 5Process 6Process 5Process 6 Return to:

7. PROCESS Conduct your research using your community’s information services, teachers and peers. Also, the following internet resources will help you in locating information: http://www.ourearth.org/ http://earth911.com/ http://www.greenearthrec.com/ Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits Process 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 contProcess 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 cont.Process 5Process 6Process 5Process 6 Return to:

8. PROCESS Step 6 Meet with your team to review the outcomes of your assignment. What went well? What would you do differently? What are your next steps in promoting your idea? How will this assignment change the way you approach future tasks? How has this assignment increased your knowledge of the importance of Earth Day? Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits Process 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 contProcess 1&2 Process 3&4Process 4 cont.Process 5Process 6Process 5Process 6

9. EVALUATION Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Content Presentation contained little to no valuable material. Presentation had some valuable material but was lacking in content Presentation had a good amount of relevant material. The presentation had an exceptional amount of relevant material. Collaboration The group did not work well together and the presentation did include all members of the team. The teammates Worked together on some aspects of the assignment but it seems as though some members contributed more than others. Most of the team worked well together and contributed equally to the project but some members participated in the presentation more than others. The team worked well supporting each other and all of the group members contributed equally to the presentation. Presentation Student does not contribute to the presentation or student's presentation is disorganized. Student contributes to the presentation, yet certain aspects remain unclear. Student contributes to the presentation and explains everything in an organized fashion. Student presents everything in a very clear, explicit manner that is easily understood. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits

10. CONCLUSION Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have successfully planned and Implemented an activity in observance of Earth Day for your entire school. In addition, you have made innovative and sustainable recommendations to the administration that will help your community preserve its valuable natural resources. In recognition of your hard work and commitment to the health of our planet, please print this certificate and display it proudly. Thank you for doing a great job!

11. CREDITS Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits http://edweb.sdsu.edu/triton/july/Rubrics/Rubric_Template.ht ml http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/earth-day/ http://www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/earth_ day/ http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/earthday/ http://www.teachervision.fen.com/earth-day/teacher- resources/6612.html http://www.epa.gov/region5/publications/happy/happy.pdf http://academics.uww.edu/cni/webquest/Fall04/russian/PDF s/PresRub.pdf

12. NETS STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS This WebQuest addresses the following NETS Standards for students: Demonstrate creativity and innovation Communicate and collaborate Conduct research and use information Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions Use technology effectively and productively