Introduction

You and two classroom peers have a chance to make $200 for a day.  Mrs. Reilly needs your team to be her paid substitute for a day.  Mrs. Cherry insists you must teach on topic.  The topic is 'What is the Origin of our Universe'.  You will be expected to put a power point presentation together to introduce two theories of the eight [currently accepted] your team chooses.

You will see a list of possible sites that contain information on an origin of the universe.  Your task as a group is to choose two theories to research and present to the class.  Your team will then create a power point presentation to present to your peers.  You also will need to answer questions by the students.

Follow the directions below carefully.

1.  Choose two people to work with.
2.  The eight theories of origin are listed below, choose two:
     *  Nebular Hypothesis               *  Fission Theory
     *  Capture Theory                    *  Accretion Theory
     *  Planetary Collision Theory    *  Stellar Collision Theory
     *  Gas Cloud Theory                *  Big Bang Theory
2.  Your team is to check out the sites listed below in the resource section of this Web Quest. 
3.  Read and take notes on all you can find on the theories of the 'origin of our solar system'.
4.  Your team is to choose two theories to summarize and present.  This summary should contain the major points of the two theories.
5.  These two summaries will be used to create a power point presentation.  Remember this presentation will be presented to your peers.  This  presentation is to explain two theories to an 8th grade audience.
6.  If you need assistance using Power Point, refer to the 'cheat sheet' on how to create a power point slide by clicking here.
7.  Each team member will be responsible for answering a question from the class.
8.  Refer to the Evaluation form to see how you and your team will be evaluated.

Use the following approved search engines for help in locating information for your presentation.  Search words suggested are 'universe origin'.

Yahooligans
KidsClick!
Ask Jeeves for Kids
Searchopolis

Your grade will be assessed as follows:

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Team Organization	1 of the 4	2 of the 4	3 of the 4	1. Research completed by each team member. 2. Each team member presents. 3. Each team member participated in answering a question. 4. Each team member created a page to present.
Content of Presentation	1 of the 4	2 of the 4	3 of the 4	1.Presentation contains 2 theories. 2. Presentation reflects accurate information. 3. Presentation cites location material was found. 4. Presenters answered peer questions accurately.
Power Point Presentation	1 of the 4	2 of the 4	3 of the 4	1. The allotted time guidelines were met. 2. The team used power point to present their materials. 3. The power point slides were neat, creative and easy to follow. 4.  Deadlines were met by team.

Understanding the origin of the universe is a complex process.  Isn't it more interesting learning this way than the old traditional method of lecture?  Putting together a  presentation on a topic and responding to questions will truly show whether you understand the material.  You should be very proud of yourselves who scored average or above [3 or 4] on this performance task.

Finished early?  Check out this cite by clicking here.

Credit goes to Mrs. Christine Voelker for the assistance with power point 'cheat sheet'.
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