This is a webquest on the topic of space using the Ontario Curriculum. It is intended for students in Grade 6.

1. The CASA
Space
Program
Planetary Expedition
Team Report
Introduction:
It is the year 2050.
Space travel has
become routine, but
only to the moon and
the space station there.
However,
environmental issues,
drought and
overpopulation have

2. made life on our planet
difficult for many.
CASA (Canadian
Aeronautics and Space
Administration)
researchers want
humans to go beyond
the moon in order to
find alternative places
to live. You will be part
of the CASA Planetary
Expedition Team and
your first job is to
undertake research
necessary before the
expedition can take off.
Tasks:
The CASA team needs
to make a case for
space travel and extra-
terrestrial habitation.

3. You will need explain
to the government of
Canada why your
expedition to the
planets should be
funded. After
conducting the research
you will need to
prepare a slideshow
presentation (Keynote
or PowerPoint) to
present your findings.
Roles:
Different members of
your team will be
responsible for:
• Role #1: Designing a
spaceship that will
travel to the outer
planets
• Role #2: Comparing

4. and contrasting the
planets to determine
which of them – if any
– are suitable for
human habitation
• Role #3: Designing a
long-term habitat in
space where humans
could survive and live
• Role #4: Researching
and presenting the
benefits of space travel
and how space travel
and the research behind
it contribute to science
and human society.
Process:
You will need to decide
which team member
will be responsible for
which aspect of the
CASA presentation.

5. Then click on the
information page for
the Role # you have
selected, find the
recording sheet there,
begin visiting the
suggested websites and
start making notes in
answer to your
objective. Then work
with your partners to
make a Keynote or
PowerPoint
presentation to share
your findings with the
government (the class
and the teacher).
When you have
completed your
research you will need
to make a slide
presentation

6. (PowerPoint or
Keynote) to share your
findings before the
government officials.
Assessment:
The work of each
CASA team member
will be assessed using a
rubric that you can find
on the information
sheet for each role.
Conclusion:
When you have
finished your research,
WebQuest designed for Grade 6, using the Ontario Science and
Technology Curriculum
Created by Rick Budding, David Grandy and James Little,

7. OISE/UT, Summer 2009
Introduction | Role 1: Spaceship Designer | Role 2: Planet
Researcher | Role 3: Space Habitat Designer | Role 4: Benefits of
Space Researcher