• To understand a timeline of the Earth and where dinosaurs and people fit in
• To use the Internet to research a specific dinosaur and print necessary materials
• To learn key ideas about the dinosaur (habitat, life span, size, diet, etc.)
• To relate three major time periods to their habitat (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous in terms of the development of the planet)
• To create a model and a drawing to represent the dinosaur and its habitat
• To present the dinosaur as a team of expert paleontologists

Dinosaur Web Quest fits well into Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development. Second Grade students are unique in that they are transitioning between Piaget's "Preoperational" and "Concrete Operational" stages of development. The characteristics of both include:the child's ability to develop numerical abilities, imagine the future, reflect on the past, show growth in language and basic skills acquisition, among other things. The topic itself, provides an excellent opportunity for the students to reflect on the past. As a science-based research project, it also is effective in increased language acquisition (era, habitat, life span, etc.).

Dinosaur Web Quest supports Vygotsky's sociocultural theory which emphasizes a constructivist approach that utilizes the social environment for development and learning. This Quest becomes meaningful to the students as they interact and construct meanings together, using technology, while internalizing it as individual understanding.

Research has shown that some development can be accelerated when there are 4 major components within the teacher's pedagogy:

1. Understanding of Cognitive Development
2. Keeping students active and interested
3. Creating incongruity (allowing students to learn things not within their current schema)
4. Providing social interactions that will help students become less egocentric
   
   Planet Web Quest provides a place for all 4 components to reach maturation. The Quest requires them to learn both independently and as a team member. It facilitates learning from a variety of sources and it definitely keeps them interested and active.

The NET Standards that are most prevalently seen in this project would be:

• Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCRs, audio tapes, and other technologies.
• Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.
• Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.
• Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.
• Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.
• Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.