"Like a Rock"

Introduction

" You are a biologist at the Center for Disease Control interested in saving the world from a new virus. The virus may quickly wipe out mankind as we know it. You have a 'vision' through a dream that the cure can be found at the top Mount Everest. Since you don't know anything about mountain climbing, you need to learn the basics. Four of your colleages want to accompany you on your trek. Your 'quest' will be to build the blocks necessary to commence your journey and save the human race from extinction."

The Task

Your Quest will involve a series of four tasks. Each task will enable you and your colleages to learn how to get started in the sport of rock climbing.

The tasks are as follows:

Task # 1.

• Go shopping online for equipment.

Task # 2.

• Access a rock climbing gym and pretend to sign up to be a member.

Task # 3.

• Choose an activity, class, competition, or special day to take part in at your gym.

Task # 4.

• List and describe (1) interesting piece of "news" happening at your new rock climbing gym.

A completed task must include print outs, as well as answers to the specific questions asked. More information on assignment requirements is provided under the Process heading.

• series of questions that must be answered,
• summary to be created,
• problem to be solved,
• position to be formulated and defended,
• creative work, or
• anything that requires the learners to process and transform the information they've gathered.

Resources

1. 1. You will need to go shopping online at REI
2. 2. Here are some suggestions of various rock climbing gyms that you can use, (but if you find another one, feel free to use it.)

• UPRISING ROCK CLIMBING CENTER (click on "MEMBERSHIP" )
• VERTICAL HOLD SPORT CLIMBING GYM (click on "THE GYM" )
• MISSION-CLIFFS INDOOR CLIMBING ( click on "MEMBERSHIP" )
• UPPER LIMITS ROCK CLIMBING GYM & PRO SHOP (click on "GYM", then on "RATES & MEMBERSHIP FEES" )
• PLANET GRANITE INDOOR CLIMBING PLAYGROUND (click on "FEE" ) 
• SANCTUARY ROCK GYM (click on "GENERAL INFORMATION", then on "WHAT DOES IT COST?" )
• ALASKA ROCK GYM (click on "MEMBERSHIP" )

The Process

Task # 1: With the imaginary amount of $280.00, pretend to purchase:

• 1 harness
• 1 pair of rock climbing shoes
• 1 ATC belay device
• 1 locking "D" carabiner
• 1 large chalk bag

" Completing the sale" is achieved by printing out a page off the computer showing a picture and details of the item you choose. You should be shopping for equipment that is ideal for indoor sport climbing, as well as within your price range. Be careful to stay within your budget, since full credit for this task will only be given if all five items are purchased. When you are finished with Task # 1, you should have five (5) printed pages. You should also be familiar with many different styles and brands of rock climbing equipment. Go back to the Resources heading to find out where to go shopping. Total your "purchases" below:

___________ harness

+__________ shoes

+__________ ATC

+__________ carabiner

+__________ chalk bag

___________ TOTAL

Task #2: Access one of the various rock climbing gyms around the country via the Internet and pretend to sign up as a member. You will become the newest member at the rock climbing of your choice, by printing out the rate schedule and answering the following three (3) questions: ( Hint- go back to the Resources heading)

1. Are there any discounts given if dues are paid in advance?

2. What are they? ( Be specific)

3. What state is your rock climbing gym in ?

Task #3: Choose a competition, activity, class, or special day to take part in. Sign up for this event by printing a page from the rock climbing gym's website. Make sure the page you print contains detailed information regarding that event. Note: You may also recieve credit for this task by printing a page from the gym's event schedule and highlighting the activity you want to participate in.

(--Keyword hints: Calandar of events, Upcoming events, Special activities, and Classes--)

Task #4: List and describe one (1) interesting piece of "news" that is occurring at your new rock climbing gym. To achieve creditfor this task, you must print out a page that proves your "news" is non-fictional. (The "news" does not include a listing of events or classes.)

What's happening at my gym?

Learning Advice

• Try to learn as much as possible about the "sport" of rock climbing while surfing through the sites.
• Make sure that you read each task carefully. Be certain to complete all the questions and include print outs in the assignment.
• Have fun on your quest !!!

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Conclusion

Congratulations !!! You are on your way to saving the world from a deadly virus. You have also learned how to shop on the web, access web sites throughout the country, and most of all, complete a web quest.