West Nile Virus Webquest
Created by:
F.D. Quintrell
Los Angeles Unified School District

This Page URL
http://www.can-do.com/uci/ssi2002/wnile.html
 
 

UCI Science WebQuests from all years

Mr. Quintrell's Class Homepage
 


Purpose: 


 

Welcome future doctors and scientists! In this project your group will research the West Nile Virus. You will present your findings to a decision making board that will take action based on  your recommendations. The virus is quickly making its way ascross our country, so your input is urgently needed.
 

 
Resources Needed:

Your group will need access to the internet and much brain power!

Your Tasks:

First task:

Decide what type of scientist you are. Your decision will determine the type of research you will engage in. Each member of the group is to be a different scientist. Your choices are: (get more information before you maske your decision)

Second task: 

gather information for your presentations:
 
Microbiologists:
Cytogeneticists:
Entomologists:
A) Microbe Mysteries - complete the six "microbe mystery" tasks. Take informational notes through use of a mind map. Focus on the differences between the types of microbes.

B) How stuff works - Find out how viruses work

C) Watch and be able to explain these animations and diagrams of viruses:

D) Fill out a web site review sheet. Does this bacteriophage web site have information that is usefull to you in your research?

E) Puzzlemaker - create a crossword puzzle of all your important vocabulary

 A) I can do that! - go through the five "DNA" pages as well as the three "cell" pages. take informational notes through the use of a mind map. focus on DNA replication.

B) DNA strands - find out how DNA is structured by playing with this animation. 

C) DNA isolation - isolate some DNA! make sure to document your steps for your presentation. (Use the digital camera!)

D) Fill out a web site review sheet. Does this "tour of the basics" web site have information that is usefull to you in your research?

E) Puzzlemaker - create a crossword puzzle of all your important vocabulary

 A) Mosquitos! - go through all the mosquito information. take informational notes in the form of a mind map. Focus on mosquito life cycle and body structure.
 

B) Insect world! - make a list of insects in the same classification as mosquitos.
 

C) Mosquito game - (hint - your other scientists will be jealous - tell them it was a hard educational game)

D) Fill out a web site review sheet. Does this "How stuff works" web site have information that is usefull to you in your research? 

 E) Puzzlemaker - create a crossword puzzle of all your important vocabulary

Third task:
You have now changed careers! You are all now Epidemiologists (what in the world is that?) You must now confer with your fellow doctors to prepare your presentation. The West Nile Virus is of great concern and your recommendations are needed soon! All members should complete all activities.
 
 

Epidemiologists:
F) You need answers to the questions the board will pose. Prepare yourself: 

most all questions will be answered at the centers for disease control.(That is the premier site, all other web sites draw their information from there)

G) Create a map of an affected state. Identify each county and the number of cases per county. (see your teacher for a state map) Analyze: 
  • the number of cases per population 
  • the percent of population affected
  • the percent of counties affected

Culminating task:

Your group must now prepare your presentation to the board. (the class) Your presentation should answer the questions:

  • How might each of the scientist types help the public prevent west nile virus spreading?
  • What level of risk is our community under?
  • What recommendations do you have for our board? (hint: what do we as citizens do to help?)


Your presentation will be scored on our class rubric.


 
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E-Mail: Mr. Quintrell
 
Created 
August 16, 2002
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