Internet Problem Solving Activity

Contributed by Campbell University *STEP*
(Science and Technology Enrichment Program)

Introduction:

The internet is an enormous resource to everyone today. However, it can be difficult to organize and investigate facts, let alone find them. These six investigations are designed to expand student's internet awareness, and to teach them about different scientific problems the world faces today.

In these lessons, you will learn how to navigate the web, and how to root out false information that you may find.

Objective:

The purpose of this lesson plan is to show students how to use the internet efficiently to do research. This lesson also gives students an opportunity to explore the internet, use problem solving skills and participate in cooperative learning.

Materials

  • Computer with an internet connection.

Activity:

  • Each student (or group of students) should select one investigation, and should start by searching the internet for information, or by trying one of the links provided.
  • *Mentors for the student are optional, but not a bad idea to guide the student.*
    • Each student should first think about, or discuss what kind of information they are looking for.
    • The student should then search for the information s/he decides they want to find.
    • The information they find should be recorded, or the sites bookmarked.
    • The solution the student gets for the problem should be presented as the lesson plan states.
  • Use the sites given as a starting base to find more links and information, if you need any help.

Lesson Plans

#1

Select a branch of science from the following categories.

Investigate and record the different scientific subfields that make up that branch. Select a subfield within one of the branches and investigate the career possibilities in that subfield.

Now choose a specific career and describe the following:

  • Educational requirements
  • Job description
  • Salary
  • Availability of Position/locations
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Work hours
  • Work environment

#2

Some animals require protection under the laws of the United States. Generate a list of some of these endangered species and the laws that are used to protect them.

#3

Design and conduct an experiment to prove that sound travels faster when molecules are closer together.

  • Compressional waves
  • Matter/molecules
  • Sound
  • Interface

#4

NASA is considering constructing a space station on one of the planets in the future. Investigate the characteristics of each planet. Select the one you feel is best suited for this project. Prepare to report your findings to NASA.

#5

Is our global climate changing, and if so, why? What impact does global climate change have on the oceans and the land?

#6

Explore at least 3 different alternative energy sources that could replace the nonrenewable resources that we now use. Decide, and justify, which source would be the best replacement.

Questions

  1. What was the most effective search method you used to find information?

  2. How did you decide which information you found on the internet was reliable and/or useful?

  3. Did you decide not to use any specific source you found? Why?


Last Modified: