EXPLORING

Introduction

What do you really know about exploration? The kinds of travel was used in exploration? The people involved? Our class has been asked to be part of a government task force exploring a new planet. After investigating the past and present explorers of the Earth, it will be your job to determine which type of exploration the government task force will use initially.

Upon completion of this project, you will have :

1. a brochure containing the following:

• a nomination for the explorer whom you feel made an outstanding contribution to our planet - this explorer would be your choice to lead the task force to explore the new planet
• background information about the nominated explorer
• an elapsed time problem based on information you have gathered on your explorer's travels - design and solve an elapsed time problem which shows the passage of time from the beginning of one of his/her voyages to the end of that same voyage
• a time line depicting your explorer's life and travels
• your position and persuasive statements supporting the best method of exploration of the new planet

2. a reenactment or a HyperStudio/slide show depicting your explorer's most memorable voyage or discovery

3. a group activity prioritizing survival supplies

4. a group activity designing a board game.

Magellan - This site describes Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe and provides a map which shows his route.

Kramer's Explorer Project This site provides many links to several other sites about individual explorers.

Explorers of the World This site presents Billingham's lessons on a multitude of explorers.

The Homework Center This site is an alphabetical listing of explorers with links provided to the specific website.

 Ocean Explorers This site connects you to explorers of the ocean.

Oceanographers  This site connects you with specific oceanographers, Eugenie Clark, Jacques Cousteau, and Sylvia Earle.

The Process

1. Discuss in class what we know, what we think we know, and what we need to find out about the ocean, land, and space explorers.
2. Through class discussion, develop a list of ocean, land, and space explorers.
3. Investigate one explorer from each category: ocean, land, and space.
4. Select an explorer to promote as the ideal explorer.
5. Design a trifold, 2-sided brochure using clipart, graphics, and drawing. Include:

• a cover page identifying your explorer and yourself as the author/designer
• a page that will give the background information on your explorer
• a page showing a timeline depicting your explorer's life and travels
• a page with an elapsed time problem showing the passage of time from the beginning of one of his/her voyages to the end of that same voyage
• a page nominating your explorer as the leader of the government task force - explain why he/she should be the leader to explore the new planet
• a page stating your position and persuasive statements supporting the best method of exploration of the new planet.

6. You must choose to do one of the following:

• a reenactment of your explorer's most memorable voyage or discovery. You may choose classmates to participate in your production. A rubric designed by the class will be used to evaluate your skit.
• HyperStudio/slide show depicting your explorer's most memorable voyage or discovery. A rubric designed by the class will be used to evaluate your presentation.

7. According to your explorer's category (ocean, land, or space), the class will divide into 3 groups:

• your group will prioritize a list of survival supplies necessary for your type of exploration
• your group will design a board game, incorporating the explorers' information and the necessary survival supplies.

Scoring Rubric for Portfolio Projects

5	Project is very appropriate for topic and assigned task and communicates superior knowledge of topic. Project is very clearly presented with high quality and shows much creativity.
4	Project is appropriate for topic and assigned task and communicates strong knowledge of topic. Project is clearly presented, shows quality and creativity, but does not meet superior standards.
3	Project displays topic and assigned task, but is not completely appropriate. It communicates some knowledge of topic, but may not be completely clear or show high quality and/or creativity.
2	Project is not appropriate for topic and/or assigned task and may be incomplete. It communicates little knowledge of topic. Unclear and/or poor quality or shoes little creativity. Below average standards.
1	Project is not completed or is inappropriate for topic. It shows no knowledge of topic and/or no creativity. Quality is very poor and reflects little or no effort.
0	Project not turned in.

After completing this project, you have learned more about exploration. Through the use of the Internet, you have gathered facts about explorers and information pertaining to exploration. You have analyzed this information and decided on the most appropriate method for exploring the new planet. Even though the project is finished, you may find yourself reading more articles on explorers and exploration. As you find additional information, you may find yourself wavering from your original position. You should persist in finding out as much as you can to shape your own opinion. These investigations will continue to expand your knowledge.