Are you afraid of a little old spider? What exactly are you afraid of?

In a journal, which will become your Spider log, please write down the answers to the questions below, and anything else you know about spiders.

Introduction

Many people do not know much about spiders, except that they are scary looking. In this webquest, you are going to become a Spider Expert.

There is a spider loose in the classroom. No one wants to stay in the classroom because they are so afraid of the spider, it's called Arachnophobia. (Even the teacher is a little afraid.) So it's your job to be brave, and help everyone learn more about spiders so they can come back to school in comfort.

This is what we have learned so far: Spiders belong to a class of animals called Arachnids. Most spiders have eight eyes, and they do not have antennae or wings. Spiders can live anywhere on earth because they adjust to their environment. Not all spiders are poisonous, but there are a few that are. Spiders can spin a web of silk.

The spider that was spotted in our classroom was small and a light brown color.

What kind could it be?

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Your Task: The class has come up with a list of questions. If you can answer these questions it would help them feel a lot better. The teacher has asked that you gather all the answers to these questions and do a presentation. It should include;

1. A diagram of a spider's body.

2. A diagram of a spider web.

3.The name of the spider you find and answers to the following questions.
 
 

Questions:

1. Do all spiders have venom? If so, how do they use it?

2. Are spiders harmful to humans?

3. Why do spiders spin a web?

4. What do spiders eat?

5. Who are the spiders enemies?

6. How long do spiders live?

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Process: You will need to keep a Spider Log for all your facts and information. You may display your spider presentation however you wish. This may be done in paper format, using charts, drawings and pictures. If you wish, you may do a computer presentation, using  Power Point. Your Spider Log will be turned into your teacher after the presentation is complete. (You need to show your detective work.)

Resources:

Use the following web sites as references to help you in your research. You may also use encyclopedias and books if you can't find an answer to a certain questions.

Pictures of spiders

The Body

Spider's possible enemies

Spider Information Sheet from the University ofArizona

Why doesn't a spider get stuck in its own web?

All about Spiders

Household Spiders
 

Evaluation:

You will be graded on the following.	Novice (Beginner)	Semi-Expert	Expert
Does your Spider log have detailed information?	2	4	6
Are there answers for all questions?	2	4	6
Is the group project organized and easy to understands?	2	4	6
Are the drawings clear and detailed?	2	4	6

Conclusion: Think about all the information you have learned about spiders. Go back and read what you wrote in your Spider Log before your research began. Has your opinion of spiders changed at all? Write down what is different after investigating the life of a spider.

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