nature

Introduction
USA is a very large country. Because of its size, it can offer a great variety of plants and animals. We are going to discover this diversity by studying the animal/plant symbols of three states: California, Massachusetts and Ohio.
The classroom is going to be divided into three groups. Each one of the groups will look into one particular state but, to be able to answer The Big Question, you will have to share information with the other two groups.
Use the Clues (Web Sites) you are given and write the answers in your PDF handout.

Questions

California (CA), Massachusetts (MA) and Ohio (OH). Do you know where these three states are situated? Here you have a map to help you.

Student A: California
PDF handout.

Which animal is represented in the Californian flag? What does this animal usually eat? Describe its head.
Describe the bark of the Redwood. Does the coastal redwood like cold, dry areas?
What is the relationship between the city of Lancaster, California and California State Flower?

Student B: Massachusetts
PDF handout

Do back-capped chickadees exist only in Massachusetts?
Justin Morgan had a horse called ______
Describe the disease that is affecting the American Elm.
Which is your favourite Tabby pattern?

Student C: Ohio
PDF handout

The buckeye trail connects two cities. Which ones? Which lake does the trail reach? Are buckeyes small trees?
Do black racers hunt at night? Are they really constrictor snakes?
The scarlet carnation is the state flower of Ohio and the ______ is the state "flower" of Ireland.

Clues (Web Sites)

USA Map
California: Facts, Map and State Symbols
Massachusetts: Facts, Map and State Symbols
Ohio: Facts, Map and State Symbols

American Elm
Baleen Whale Anatomy
Black-capped Chickadee
Black racer snake
Buckeye trail
Buckeye tree (image)
Coast Redwood
Lancaster, California
Morgan horse (origin)
Ohio State Flower
Tabby Cat

The Big Question
(California, Massachusetts and Ohio: You should work with the other groups if you wish to reach an answer)

Which is the most populated state?
Which is the smallest state?
In which states were President Nixon and President Kennedy born?
Two states have a similar State Marine Mammal. Which one? What does this animal usually eat? Name three parts of its anatomy.
Two states have the same State insect. Was it able to survive during its mission on the Space Shuttle?

Evaluation

This is a self-assessment test, which has been designed to help you review your vocabulary about nature and to improve your motivation to learn new words.
Whether you are completing this webquest at home or in the classroom, you can check your answers by comparing your answers in the PDF handout with the key that I have prepared for you.
Don't check the key before having completed your handout.
If there is a disagreement between your answers and the ones given in the key, just follow the links given in the answer key and you will soon discover why.
The treasure hunt will be considered a success if you have:
1. learnt at least 10 new words.
2. reviewed your vocabulary.
3. used English when talking to the other students in order to discover the answer to the Big Question.
4. increased your cultural knowledge and enjoyed yourself.
key