A WebQuest for the History of Space Exploration

Since humans first saw the stars we have had an overwhelming curiosity about space and space travel. For us to fully appreciate the accomplishments of current space research such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Mars Explorer we must explore the rich history of astronomy and space research. Libraries and the ability to connect to the internet sites of NASA, universities and private research organizations provide the tools required to access both rich data that includes both graphic and text.

Your team's mission is to select a topic related to astronomy, space exploration, or space travel, research that topic from a historical stand point and create an electronic timeline that describes the development of the topic throughout history.

Galileo	Ptolemy	Life on other Planets
Newton	Mars Exploration	Radio Astronomy
Telescopes	Russian Space Flights	Space Shuttle
Astronauts	Rocket Technology	Planet Formation
Apollo Flights	UFO's	Space Junk
Black Holes	Copernican Model	Your Own Idea

Your timeline must include images with descriptions of developments that describe how the development impacted society. Click to view a Sample Timeline for Stellar Astronomy.

Stellar Astronomy

Your research, timeline, and presentation will be judged using the following Evaluation Rubric that follows. The team receiving the highest rating will be given a small prize.

Evaluation Rubric

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Contribute
Research & Gather Information	Does not collect any information that relates to the topic.	Collects very little information--some relates to the topic.	Collects some basic information--most relates to the topic.	Collects a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
Share Information	Does not relay any information to teammates.	Relays very little information--some relates to the topic.	Relays some basic information--most relates to the topic.	Relays a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
Be Punctual	Does not hand in any assignments.	Hands in most assignments late.	Hands in most assignments on time.	Hands in all assignments on time.
Take Responsibility
Fulfill Team Role's Duties	Does not perform any duties of assigned team role.	Performs very little duties.	Performs nearly all duties.	Performs all duties of assigned team role.
Participate in Science Conference	Does not speak during the science conference.	Either gives too little information or information which is irrelevant to topic.	Offers some information--most is relevant.	Offers a fair amount of important information--all is relevant.
Share Equally	Always relys on others to do the work.	Rarely does the assigned work--often needs reminding.	Usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding.	Always does the assigned work without having to be reminded.
Value Others' Viewpoints
Listen to Other Teammates	Is always talking--never allows anyone else to speak.	Usually doing most of the talking--rarely allows others to speak.	Listens, but sometimes talks too much.	Listens and speaks a fair amount.
Cooperate with Teammates	Usually argues with teammates.	Sometimes argues.	Rarely argues.	Never argues with teammates.
Make Fair Decisions	Usually wants to have things their way.	Often sides with friends instead of considering all views.	Usually considers all views.	Always helps team to reach a fair decision.
*Total*

The future of space exploration is exciting and lets us use our imaginations. As we venture into the future and space lets not forget the past that got us here.