Webquest

by Steven Oszust

Introduction

In botany, we deal with plant biology, and all things pertaining to the well being of plants. Sometimes, we encounter organisms that prove to be harmful, or unwanted. For example, there are many insects and “weeds” that grow with and around our garden. The insects often consume our plants, while the weeds compete for the limited resources available.

This research webquest will deal with:

Use of Microsoft Word to create a photo gallery and written document on the Types plants found in our garden.

Types of plants we hope to cultivate.

Types of insects found in our garden.

Types of pests we need to control.

Methods presently used to control pests.

Drawbacks/ethics to present control measures.

Policies on existing control measures.

Alternatives to existing control measures.

Procedures

Working in groups of 4-5 students, each group will do several tasks.

1) Using the referenced internet URL addresses, and any others that you might find on your own, you will compile a selection images of the trees and plants found in the Stevenson High School Nature Garden. You will need to classify them as either wanted or unwanted. List as many as you can.

2) Do the same as the above for insects

3) What types of insecticides and herbicides are presently in use?

4) What are the negative affects of chemical pests controls?

5) Does New York State have any policies/laws regarding the use of the chemicals mentioned in step 4?

6) Are there any alternatives to using chemicals to control pests?

7) Organize and arrange your findings in a Microsoft Word document.

8) Present findings and conclusions to the class.