A Card Player's Guide to the Universe

Introduction

Task

You will work in groups to create a card game about space for children your age. In order to create this game you will need to do research.  Each member of your group will have a different research role: Planet Researcher (excluding Earth), Star Researcher (including our Sun, stars, galaxies and constellations), Earth Researcher and Space Exploration Researcher (including trips into space, Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station).  Each group will present and play their games for the class. Then all the card games will be placed in the games sections of our classroom.
 
 

Process

Part 1 Researching 
 
1. The class will brainstorm various card games and will discuss how to play, object of the game and strategies to win. You may only visit the pages below. Do not click on any other links.

Concentration

Go Fish

Old Maid

Memory

2. You will work together to brainstorm what kinds of information you might find about each particular topic. You will then share this information with the whole class. 
3. You will be put into groups of four. You will either choose a role to play or your teacher will assign one to you.  You will become an expert in your research role.

 

	Role	Resources
	Planet Researcher Your job is to find five specific facts about all planets except Earth.	Field Guide to the Universe Kids Astronomy Astronomy for Kids Planets
	Star Researcher- Your job is to find five specific facts about the Sun, stars, constellations and galaxies.	Field Guide to the Universe Kids Astronomy Galaxy Tour Galaxies Stars
	Earth Researcher Your job is to find specific information about rotation, axis, seasons	Field Guide to the Universe Kids Astronomy Astronomy for Kids
	Space Exploration Researcher Your job is to find specific information about trips into space, International Space Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope	Field Guide to the Universe - Exploration Hubble Space Telescope Star Journey Lance Bass in Space Living in Space Mars Rover

1. When researching on the web, you should highlight, cut and paste the information from the website onto the template. You will also need to cut and paste the complete URL and the copyright year. At the end of each class period, you should print out your template and use the trash and treasure method.
2. When using books for researching, you should copy the information verbatim and then use the trash and treasure method. Be sure to cite the source number that you are using. 
3. After completing the research process, look at your information and select 30 facts that you want to include on your cards. Print out four copies of the template and write your  facts on the card draft grid.  Make sure that you have put the facts into your own words. 
4. Part 2- Game Creation
5. Once this is complete, cut the grid boxes and begin to look at how the facts could be grouped. Remember that each card needs to have two facts, so you will only be using 26 facts to create 13 cards. Each group's deck will have 52 cards.
6. When everyone in your group has done this, get together and share your cards. Your group should discuss how your game is going to be played and what the objective will be. This step will take a lot of discussion, compromise and teamwork. You should check out the game websites in step #1 to get ideas on your game. 
7. Now work on making your final cards. The written piece will be typed on the final card template. Make sure you have checked over your work to check for spelling and that you have used your own words. It is the group's responsiblity to make sure that all cards are completed correctly. 
8. Your group will need to write a first draft of how to play your game. Using the rules that you have created, play a practice game with your group. Make additions or changes to the directions. Make sure your directions are clear and easy to follow. Remember that this is a brand new game that no one has played before. Continue to play the game as many times as needed, so that you and your group members understand the rules and objectives and are confident in teaching the class for your presentation.
9. Make a final draft of the directions. Check over your work for clarity, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. 
10. Prepare to present your game to class by reviewing the components of the Rubric. Remember that each person in the group needs to be a part of the presentation.
11. If time allows, your group can make a marketing and sales plan to sell your game to the public. Design a box or an advertisement for your game. 

Evaluation

Individual Work Rubric

	Developing 1	Proficient 2	Exemplary 3	Score
Finding Information	Less than 26 facts have been found on your topic.	At least 26 facts have been found on your topic.	More than 26 facts have been found on your topic.
Note Taking	Information is not verbatim.	Some information is verbatim.	All information is verbatim.
Group Work	Stays on task most of the time, but has trouble working with the group.	Stays on task, works well in the group only requiring teacher assistance in resolving conflicts once or twice..	Works congenially with classmates assisting others when necessary and resolving any conflicts without the teacher.
Card Facts	Few cards have 2 facts and 1 illustration.	Some cards have 2 facts and 1 illustration.	All cards have 2 facts and 1 illustration.
Card Content	Writing shows a basic understanding of topic.	Writing shows a clear understanding of topic.	Writing shows a deeper understanding of topic
Changing into your Own Words	Many of the original groups of words from the notes are found verbatim unless in quotes.	Some of the original groups of words from the notes are found verbatim unless in quotes.	None of the original groups of words from the notes are found verbatim unless in quotes.
Source Sheet	Few sources are cited on the source sheet.	Some sources are cited on the source sheet.	All sources are cited on the source sheet.

Group Work Rubric

	Developing  1	Proficient 2	Exemplary 3	Score
Written Directions	Directions are  unclear and are difficult to follow.	Directions are somewhat clear and somewhat  easy to follow.	Directions are clearly written  and easy to follow.
Final Copy of Directions	Many spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes.	Some spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes.	No spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes
Connections between Cards	There are few if any opportunities for connections to be made between the cards.	There are some opportunities for connections to be made between the cards.	There are many opportunities for connections to be made between the cards.
Finished Cards Mechanics	Many spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes	Few spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes	No spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization mistakes
Finished Cards Presentation	Cards are not neat, presentable and visually appealing.	Cards are mostly neat, presentable and visually appealing.	Cards are neat, presentable and visually appealing.
Presentation of Game	Presenters do not speak loudly and clearly and thoughts are not well organized.	Presenters often speak clearly and thoughts are somewhat organized.	Presenters speak clearly and thoughts are well organized.
Preparation of Presenters	Presenters do not have a clear understanding of their game.	Presenters have a clear understanding of their game and can answer most questions.	Presenters are well prepared and can answer questions thoughtfully.

Conclusion

Here are some questions that you should answer to reflect upon this project.
 

• How was it to work with the other students in your group?
• What went well when completing your project? 
• What was a challenge that you had to overcome?
• What was the most interesting thing you learned doing this project?
• If you had to do this project again, what would you do differently?
• In what other subject areas do you think that a game would help you to learn the concept being taught?

Try out these Games

Fun with Planets
Space Puzzles
Quiz on Planets
Kids Astronomy Puzzles

Credits & References

Please take a look at the materials on the  The WebQuest Page as well as the Design Patterns if you are interested in making your own WebQuest.

We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is hereby granted for other educators to copy this WebQuest, update or otherwise modify it, and post it elsewhere provided that the original author's name is retained along with a link back to the original URL of this WebQuest. On the line after the original author's name, you may add Modified by (your name) on (date). If you do modify it, please let me know and provide the new URL.