wpe6.jpg (35616 bytes)

 

 

 

A Language Arts \ Social Studies Web Quest

for Eighth Graders

Created June 2001 by

Rita Newton

Introduction        Task        Process        Resources        Evaluation        Conclusion

Introduction:

Over the past year, we have taken an exciting journey through time.  We crossed the Delaware with George Washington; struggled through the summer of 1787 as the delegates in Philadelphia created our unique plan of government; and witnessed the birth of political parties.  We traveled with Lewis and Clark; fought he Battle of New Orleans with Ole' Hick'ry; marched the Trail of Tears; defended the Alamo against Santa Anna; and lived through the heartbreak of Bleeding Kansas.  Our class went west with the Donner Party and found gold at Sutter's Mill.  We watched as our country became a nation divided by the issues of slavery and states' rights and, ultimately, by war.  We listened as the man from Illinois declared that a "house divided against itself cannot stand".  Finally, we traveled to Appomattox Court House to see our nation once again united.  An exciting journey indeed!

 But...  what if you could really go back in time and view one of these events as it actually transpired and talk with the men and women who made the decisions? 

 Well...  Congratulations!  You have been hired by the American Time Travels company as a travel guide and designer for  their new series of travel brochures advertising their latest adventures: journeys through time!

 

Task:

Your job is to choose one of the three time periods of American history we have discussed this year.  You will then choose a specific event within that time period to research.  Then you will design a tri-fold brochure on Microsoft Publisher advertising that event and convincing customers to buy a ticket for their trip of a lifetime!

 

 Process :

1. From the tables below, choose one of the time periods and one event within that time period.  Using the links provided, your text book, and other sources available in the media center, research the event. 

2. Take notes on your findings.  Make sure you know the important names, dates, and details associated with your event. 

3. Find three graphics from the web sites or scan three from your text or other sources.  Save them on your H Drive for use in your brochure.

4. Begin planning your brochure.  The front should include a company logo,  a graphic, and the title of your adventure.  The remainder of the brouchre will be your "sales pitch".   Your goal is to educate customers about the event and then persuade them to travel back to that time and experience it first-hand.  Utilize the persuassive techniques discussed in langauge arts and demonstrate your knowledge of the event by including important names, dates, and details.  Consider dividing the brochure into different sections with sub-titles; offer special opportunities such as a personal meeting with George Washington or a front-row seat at the McClean House.  Be creative!

5. Using an 81/2 X 11 piece of paper, make a rough draft of your brochure.

6. Using Publisher, create your brochure.  Save it on your H Drive and on my folder under the S Drive.

7. Print a copy and turn in.

 

Resources:

 

 American Revolution and Founding of the United States of America: 1754-1801

Boston Tea Party

Link #1WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link#2 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link#3 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

The Boston Massacre

Link#1  WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link#2 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #3 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

 The Battles  of Lexington and Concord

Link #1   WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes) 

Link #2 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #3 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

 Washington crossing the Delaware

Link #1 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #2  WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #3 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

The Constitutional Convention

Link #1 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #2 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

Link #3 WB01625_1.GIF (156 bytes)

 

National Expansion and Reform: 1801-1861

The Corps of Discovery

Link#1 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link#2 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link#3  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

The Battle of New Orleans

Link#1 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link #2 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link #3  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

The Alamo

Link#1 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link#2   WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link #3  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

The Oregon Trail

Link#1 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link#2  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link#3 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

The California Gold Rush

Link#1 WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link #2  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

Link #3  WB01628_.GIF (153 bytes)

 

The Civil War and Reconstruction Period: 1850-1877

The Underground Railroad

Link#1  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#2  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#3    WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

The First Battle of Bull Run

Link#1   WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#2  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#3   WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

The Battle of Gettysburg

Link#1   WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#2  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#3  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

The assassination of Lincoln

Link#1   WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#2  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

Link#3  WB01616_1.GIF (140 bytes)

 

Evaluation:

Your final product will be evaluated using the following:

 

Points Possible

My Points

Use of lab time

10

 

Following Directions

10

 

Use of Publisher

10

 

Correct use of language arts (spelling, punctuation, grammar)

35

 

Demonstrated knowledge of subject matter

35

 

Overall Points

100

 

 

Conclusion: 

Hats off to you!  You have successfully completed a project which has integrated language arts, social studies, and computer skills!  Hopefully, you have a better understanding not just of a particular event in history, but also of how knowledge gained in your classes can work together.

Mrs. N.

 Last updated April 6, 2005 by Trisha Armstrong