Please pass the Jellyfish
A WebQuest for High School Biology

Designed by

Kavin G. Carr & William Roberts
 



Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits


Introduction

A large number of jellyfish have been washing up - dead - on the beaches of the Atlantic Coast and a similar problem occurred on the Pacific Coast recently.  Tourists are concerned about the safety of beach combing and swimming due to the possibility of being stung by jellyfish.  The mass media has mistakenly created a larger concern by comparing these jellyfish to the dangerous box jellies of Australia and also the Portuguese man-o-war.  Many of the local officials of the tourist towns along the Atlantic coast fear that the negative stories will decrease the number of tourists in their towns which will have a negative effect on the local economy.  You have been selected to be part of a team of scientists, local officials, and advertising executives to resolve the following problems and tasks.


The Task
 
  • What is the general life cycle of the jellyfish?
  • What does the diet of a jellyfish consist of?
  • What causes them to come ashore?
  • How do jellyfish sting and can jellyfish sting after they are dead?
  • What is the first aid procedure for a jellyfish sting?
  • Should something be done to control the jellyfish or will this have a negative impact on the marine ecosystem?
  • After researching for the answers to these questions and discussing a plan of action in your group -- MAKE A PowerPoint presentation in order to state your case.
          •  

    The Process
     
    To accomplish your task: 
  • First, you will be divided into groups of three students.
  • Next, as a group, you will search and answer the questions from "The Task".  Each group member will be responsible for answering one of the three questions.
  • After the questions have been answered, the group will discuss what steps should be taken in order to resolve the concerns of everyone involved.( Local government officials, scientists, and advertising executives)
  • The group will then prepare a PowerPoint presentation to make to the class(tourists).  Each student in the group may pick a role to play during the PowerPoint presentation.  Please choose one of the following roles: 
  • *The mayor of White Sands Beach, SC
  • *A marine biologist from IJUA Institute for Jellyfish Understanding and Appreciation
  • *An advertising executive from T2A2 Tourist Trap Ad Agency
  • Your research will be conducted using the following internet sites (any other sites MUST be pre approved by the instructor)
  • The Jellyfish Page
  • Sea Science
  • National Geographic
  • Stinging Commentary
  • Jellyfish Attractions
  • Aquatics International
  • JelliesZone
  • Cannonball Jellies
  • Jellyfish NEWS
    • Be sure to visit every site -- then organize the information, discuss your findings, and begin working on your PowerPoint presentation to the class.  You can also begin role playing as mentioned earlier!

    Evaluation
     
  • Did your group complete the WebQuest with each individual participating equally?
  • Did each member contribute equally to the ideas and design of the presentation?
  • Were ALL of the questions from "The Task" answered?
  • Is your PowerPoint presentation clear, to the point, and understandable for the audience?
    • Conclusion

    Congratulations are in order!  It's amazing what can be accomplished when everyone works together!  The scientific information is receiving national and even international awards!  The ad campaign was a tremendous success and the tourists are heading back to the beaches!  The T2A2 agency was on the cover of AdAge magazine.  A monument of the Mayor has been designed your re-election is in the bag! 



    Credits & References

    http://www.imagequest3d.com/catalogue/jellyfish/
    http://vattenkikaren.gu.se/fakta/arter/cnidaria/scyphozoa/aureauri/aureau3e.html
    http://www.photovault.com/Link/Animals/Aquatic/Jellyfish/AAJVolume01.html


    Based on a template from The WebQuest Page