Before doing any of these activities, students should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint, research skills with websites (such as SC DISCUS and Nettrekker) Google Earth.  Many students learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore these applications.  Allow your students to discover on their own how to use the applications, or teach them how to use them before implementing any of these activities.  The more knowledge students have on these applications, the easier it will be to complete them.Below are the standards used for this webquest:

Geography:
Concept 1: The World in Spatial Terms
PO3. Construct maps using symbols to represent human and physical features.
PO7. Locate physical and human features using maps, illustrations, images, or globes
Concept 3: Physical Systems
Describe how natural events and human activities impact environments
Describe uses, types, and conservation of natural resources.

The purpose of this assignment is to have students learn more about their spatial environment and how to create a map.  Students need to understand the basics of reading and using a map.  This activity allows students to use their learned map skills to create a map of their own make believe island and its different features.   

*For ELLs and exceptional students, they can build their own island using clay or dough. 

American History:
Concept 1: Research Skills for History
PO3. Locate information using both primary and secondary sources
Concept 10: Contemporary U.S.
PO1. Describe current events using information from class discussions and various resources (e.g., newspapers, magazines, television, Internet, books, maps).
PO2. Discuss the connections between current and historical events and issues from content studied in Strand 1 using information from class discussions and various resources (e.g., newspapers, magazines, television, Internet, books, maps).

The purpose of this assignment is to have students learn about the effects that natural disasters have on our water supply.  Students will learn in many of the cases, that animals and humans are affected by these types of events.  This activity allows students about the measures taken to be prepared for such occurrences or even learn how to possibly prevent them.

*For ELLs or exceptional students, you can have them write about how important it is for people to have water in order to survive.

Economics:
Concept 1: Foundations of Economics
PO2. Identify opportunity costs in personal decision-making situations.
Concept 5: Personal Finance
PO1. Discuss costs and benefits of personal spending and saving choices.
Concept 2: Microeconomics
PO1. Discuss different ways individuals can earn money
PO6. Identify the role of financial institutions in providing services (e.g., savings accounts, loans).

The purpose of this assignment is for students to learn how to save their money.  Students will learn the importance of sacrificing things that they don’t particularly need at the moment they want in order to save up money for something that they may need or want.  This activity helps students learn how to set a goal, create a place to save their money, and make saving their money a habit!

*For ELLs or special education students, you can have them play the Ed Bank game to help them learn about the importance of saving money to purchase the things that they want.