TechQuest 3: CyberHawk Adventure

In May of 2008, Google launched a Google Earth browser plug-in allowing the Google Earth interface to be embedded into a Web page. The CyberTEAM project took advantage of this cutting edge technology and created a CyberHawk Adventure activity, providing a virtual exploration for 6th graders in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. CyberHawk supports the California State Standards in 6th Grade Earth Science through an investigation into the geologic features, habitats, and resources found in the Anza-Borrego Desert. This standard may fit at a different grade level in other states).Navigating their hawk through the desert in a Google Earth module, students visit eight stations along the way to view pictures, answer questions, and keep a notebook of their adventure; these supporting activities and points of interest were provided by PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students). PORTS also offers unique programs to teachers and students through videoconferencing opportunities.

Using the CyberHawk is easy! Try it out!

  • You need to be running the most current free version of Firefox or Internet Explorer, and install the plug-in (linked from the CyberHawk Adventure Web site).
  • Your arrow keys will navigate the hawk. The “Up” key allows you to move forward and accelerate. The “Down” arrow will move you backwards and slow you down. Left and right arrows are used respectively, and the space bar will bring you to a complete stop. Flying along the path on the left-hand Google Earth map, you will approach different learning stations.
  • As you get closer, tabs appear in the main map window. Points are earned for answering questions correctly and collecting items in your travel “bag.”
  1. Begin at the Visitor Center. Read the Welcome, download the map into your bag, and then visit the Indian Head Mountain by clicking on the tab. When you are done, open the bag tab and view the map. You’ll notice there is a notebook here, as well.
  2. After you have viewed the pictures at the Visitor Center, write an entry in your notebook. Begin by titling your entry “Visitor Center” and then include two things you saw and one question you would like to ask a Park Ranger.
  3. When you are ready to continue you simply click on the Earth tab and fly along on your way! At each stop continue to add to your notebook as you did at the Visitor Center.

  1. When you get to the Mountain Range location, watch the embedded YouTube video.

How can you envision using this when teaching about plate movement or some other area of the 6th grade curriculum?

CyberHawk TechQuest Lesson Plan

Created by Tanya Baumgardner

Part I: Teacher Guide

  1. Content standards

a)Plate tectonics accounts for important features of the Earth's surface and major geologic events.

b)Topography is reshaped by the weathering of rock and soil, and by the transportation and deposition of sediment.

2. Key concepts addressed by the module

a)Students will understand how the geologic features of the Anza-Borrego desert are formed and learn about the animals and resources found there.

3. Guide to carry out the activities

  1. Engage - Ask students if they have traveled to, or know of any State Parks in California. Then ask if anyone is familiar with the Anza-Borrego Desert, and perhaps has visited the park there. Find the desert on a map and make predictions about the landscape, geologic features, and animals that you may see if you visit this State Park.
  2. Explain – Teacher will demonstrate how to fly the CyberHawk and how to use the Notebook feature found in the bag. In their notebook, students will be expected to write the name of each location they visit, two or more observations at the location, and one question that they would want to know the answer to.
  3. Explore - Students will use the CyberHawk Adventure tool to fly to different locations in the Anza-Borrego Desert, write in their notebook, answer questions at locations to earn points, and sign-in at the final location.

4. Teacher Notes

Try to tie this unit in with your study of plate tectonics or even biomes. This is a great introduction to PORTS and students will enjoy having the exposure to the Anza-Borrego Desert (and have questions to ask the Park Ranger) if you are able to do the videoconference.

5. Assessment plan

Students will be able to email you their game progress and notebook. Review student notebook for understanding. Save questions if you are planning a videoconference.

6. Technology resources used in the module

a)Laptop or desktop computers

b)Internet with most current version of Firefox or Internet Explorer, and Google plug-in

c)CyberHawk module

7. Extension Activities

a)Consider a videoconference with LuAnn Thompson and the Anza-Borrego State Park as an extension activity. LuAnn does a fabulous job working with you and your curriculum and students would be able to ask LuAnn the questions they recorded in their notebooks. The PORTS website has numerous lessons under the Units of Study tab/Paleontology link that reinforce this lesson and also prepare students for a the videoconference

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b)After teaching students about plate movements, try the interactive website “Can you name the Earth’s tectonic plates?”

c)Have students research the faults in California.

d)Learn more about our State and National Parks. This past year Ken Burns produced a series about the Parks. Check out the PBS website ( Under the For Educators tab there are terrific lesson plans; one incorporates Digital Story-telling. Or, have students create a National or State Park Travel Brochure (this could even be done digitally for those brave enough!). This works great with a biomes unit.

Part II: Learning Object

  1. Learning object or tool used in lesson

The CyberHawk tool exposes students to the geologic features, natural resources, and animals of the Anza-Borrego State Park.

  1. Student Activities

Students guide the CyberHawk through a Google Earth plug-in. They “fly” to eight locations to answer questions, earn points, and record their observations and questions in a student notebook.

  1. Directions for use of learning objects
  • Check that computers are set up to run the program
  • Use arrow keys to maneuver the hawk. Flying near a location will pop up tabs and alert you to stop and learn more about the location.
  • Visit each station, answer questions, record observations and questions you have in your notebook (found under the Bag tab) as you earn points.
  • Sign the guest book, and you have completed the journey!

Links:

CyberHawk

PORTS Website

Can you name the earth’s tectonic plates?

Ken Burns, The National Parks

Quotes and Notebook Reflections from 6th Grade Students

The Santa Rosa Mountains

I noticed that there is snow on the mountain tops. I think it's weird because there usually isn’t snow in a desert. It must have taken a big uplift to make the mountains. How does the snow not melt?!?! ~Brendon

I really like this program. I think it would really help kids learn in the class, while learning Earth Science, Geography, and other Sciences. Maybe even Social Studies. :D

One of the problems was really hard to answer and took FOREVER!!! So if I were a teacher, I would make sure the questions are answerable. ~ Jane

Mountain Range:

When I approached the mountain range, I noticed that it’s really pointy and rigid. It definitely involved converging plates that caused it to uplift and create a mountain range. Are uplifting mountains bigger than subducting plates to create mountains? ~Hannah

I didn't get to see everything in this wonderful California Park, but I saw some amazing things and learned some cool things about it! I think this was outstanding, and I wish I could do it again! ~Matthew

Collins Valley has a lot of animals and is a livable habitat-how are animals able to survive? ~Steven

A few things I liked about this program was that it was easy to use and it wasn't too easy or too hard. I especially liked how you could fly around as a hawk. I would like to use this program again. ~James