© E. R. Degginger/www.enature.com
Underland Webquest

Information Sources

In your creation of the town master plan, you may use resources from your classroom, library, or information databases available at school. The sites below may help your group as a whole or individually as you research.

General information for the council:
Cave information:
  • A virtual cave tour to get you aquainted with your new home
  • Learn about different cave formations including those stalagmites and stalagmites, from the SCSC
  • How were those huge caves created? The SCSC has more answers.
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Get to know the new neighbors- the arachnids, the insects, and those friendly bats!
  • Myths and the truth about spiders, where they live, can they hurt you, and what different species look like. http://spiders.ucr.edu/
  • Any kind of insect you can name is listed here- what others might be waiting for you? www.enature.com
  • Three dimensional looks at your new neighbors! See their bodies in motion! www.ento.vt.edu
  • Do you know everything about bats? Just in case you don't www.tooter4kids.com has information on these helpful mammals and "test your knowledge" are so you can show off.
  • More information on bats, which species are endangered, and their loss of habitat at www.kidsplanet.org
  • Penn State's site doesn't think those roaches are the best friends to have around, see why.
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Cave plants and animals:
What plants and animals are often found in caves? Just take a peek at the SCSC
Bats are well known cave animals, learn more from Friends of Buchan Caves


Council Roles


 Ambassador
You are the official messenger and representative of your town. You must know a lot about the other citizens in the Underland, and your own townspeople. See the general sites on your new neighbors to become and Underland expert.

  • The Peace Corp for Kids has some ideas on learning from other cultures and making a difference
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Architect
You will need to become knowledgeable about cave formation, so make sure you visit the sites listed above. Other sources for you are listed below:
  • There is scientific evidence of historical underground cities, you may find inspiration from www.rdricketts.com
  • Under New York City there are some interesting structures that aren't part of any novel!: www.nationalgeographic.com
  • The ancient Egyptians had to use natural resources similar to what you will find available in your new home. Get some inspiration here from the Omaha Public Schools
  • FEMA has some plans to help you build a hurricane proof home. They may help you develop your architectural plan.
  • Don't forget that the habitat you've invaded has a balance. Here are some thoughts on conservation from National Geographic for kids
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Food production representative
  • The US Dept of Agriculture has a great soil tutorial for you! Worm your way through this www.nrcs.usda.gov
  • Preventing food born illness is important!
  • Tasty wild mushrooms can be grown to help create your town's food staples! aginfo.psu.edu
  • Need some help with agricultural basics? Your answers may be here www.fsa.usda.gov
  • Plants can be found in unlikely places. Here are some interesting plant facts you may need if you are planning to plant! www.ars.usda.gov
  • The Great Plant Escape can help you remember the basics of growing plants in a fun game.
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Head Councilman
  • Some ideas on how our government is structured may help you decide which laws come first, and why. Democratic governments like ours can be studied at http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
  • This site may help with questions about our legal system. Try LAW-4-KIDS
  • You have a lot to worry about as such an important member of the council. Did your council plan for emergencies? Here are a few to make you think! www.fema.gov/kids
  • Search terms and positions in government and how they all work together www.mcwdn.org

Health Professional
  • Safe drinking water can be yours! See an example system here www.epa.gov/safewater/kids
  • A quiz on food safety may give you some pointers for your council meetings, try one from www.fda.gov
  • Warehouse inspectors search our food storage facilities for unsafe situations. This site will show you what they look for to keep our food safe! Try it yourself! www.fda.gov
  • This site has many links on basic health needs and will review body systems with you! http://kidshealth.org/kid/
  • You may need to make recommendations for the council to keep everyone healthy, happy, and fit. This site can help! www.niehs.nih.gov
  • A germ refresher course http://kidshealth.org might help everyone stay healthy!
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Introduction
 Task
 Process
 Information Sources
 Products
 Evaluation
 Teacher Page
Mediagraphy

Gregor the Overlander

WebQuest, Copyright, 2005, Staci Perkins, Lockhart, TX

Used by permission