CATCH A WAVE

A Webquest for 5th Grade - Ocean Study

by Saundra Newkirk
El Sierra Elementary School, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

There is a great deal of power in ocean waves. You may have experienced this powerful force if you have ever been knocked down by a wave near the shoreline, or have surfed or boogie boarded. New technology is testing ways to "capture" this energy and generate electrical power from the ocean waves. Many countries that are located on ocean shores could take advantage of this new technology and perhaps reduce environmental problems that exist with current electrical generation. Ocean wave energy is a resource we would not use up or deplete. These wave energy generators would be located just offshore in areas that experience consistent and powerful waves. You have been invited to join a team of scientists who are trying to locate good test sites for these new wave generators.

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The Task

Satellite

The project begins with you and your team learning about ocean wave energy. You and your team members are to learn about ocean waves, ocean currents, and how satellites in space are able to measure wave height and speed all over the world. You will decide what might be some of the requirements for the best possible ocean wave testing sites. This will involve you searching for data on surface currents speed and persistent wave heights over a period of time. After analyzing the information you will then decide the location of 3 possible sites around the world and submit your recommendations to the scientists.

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Resources

Energy

Waves and Currents

Wave Height and Current Speeds

Satellite Data

Environmental and other useful links

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The Process

1. You will work in groups of 4.

2. Check points will be determined by the class for each part of the project. (For example - sources of ocean energy, wave research, environmental issues, site requirements, etc.)

3. Each group member will keep accurate and complete notes regarding the research. The entire class will develop a research organizer to help guide you in the research. This form could be posted on the computer and the actual data recorded there.

4. Members should take turns in accessing the resources.

5. Each group will submit final written recommendations with data to support the 3 locations that your group selects.

6. Each group will give an oral presentation to the class. This presentation will be made in Power Point with all members sharing a part. It should include maps with actual satellite images. There should be tables or charts to represent the data your group collected. A separate rubric will be given for the Power Point project.

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Evaluation

Catch A Wave Rubric

There are four parts that you will need to provide to show what you have learned on this WebQuest:

1. Your notes on the research part - ocean energy, wave, currents, satellite measurements.

2. The recorded wave height and current speed for the three locations over a period of time.

3. Satellite images for the locations or map with locations.

4. Power Point presentation for group recommendations.

Individual grades will be given on research notes, participation, and group work.

	Wavering 1	Acceptable 2	Vibrant 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Understands waves, currents, energy potential	.	.	.	.
Can read and analyze satellite wave height and current speed	.	.	.	.
Records of wave height and surface current speed	.	.	.	.
Satellite images and maps.	.	.	.	.
Group work	.	.	.	.

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Conclusion

Once you have completed this WebQuest, you will have learned about ocean wave energy, how satellites are able to give you real time data from all over the world, how to collect and analyze data just like field scientists and oceanographers. Hopefully this experience will stimulate your thinking about alternative energy sources in the ocean that are reusable and safer for our world. Your efforts and team work will be recognized with all members participating in a Wave Party featuring the Banana Slugs String Band and Official Wave Badges will be awarded.