Unfortunately,

kbk2_badbeginning.jpg (54340 bytes)

Mr. Snicket. . .

 

Introduction

Task

Process

Resources

Evaluation

Conclusion

 

Introduction:   Even from the "Bad Beginning" things were not going well for the Beaudelaire children, according to Lemony Snicket. But who is Lemony Snicket, and why is he telling us these melancholy (a word which means sad, tragic) stories of the three orphans and their nasty cousin Count Olaf?  Unfortunately, Mr. Snicket, we intend (which in this case means plan, expect) to uncover your true identity and reveal who you really are.  We will also put our creative (otherwise known as imaginative, inventive) minds to work to figure out how toexpose Count Olaf's disguises, and we will decipher (used here to mean untangle, understand) clues from Sunny which will solve these dilemmas (or problems, challenges).

                                                

Task:     If you like boring, easy-to-solve, non-challenging activities, you might want to click out of this webquest right now, because this will not make you happy.  If, however, you like to untangle identities, develop devices and unravel riddles, welcome! You will investigate the mystery of Lemony Snicket and share your findings in a Powerpoint presentation and give an oral report on your invention to detect Count Olaf.                            

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Process:  You will work with Klaus, Violet, and Sunny to find out who is transcribing (documenting, retelling, recording) their story of misfortune and tribulation (trials, change of fortune).

    Klaus, being the reader and researcher that he is, will investigate the mystery of Mr. Snicket, who seems to be elusive and shy, and report his findings about this self-proclaimed scribe (writer, author) of their lives to the others in a Powerpoint presentation.  Adjust your glasses and begin the search.

 

   Violet, the inventor of the group is trying to find a way to avoid Count Olaf.  She will devise a plan to detect his presence and identify him to the hapless (unlucky, bumbling) relative currently in charge of their health and well being.  You will share your idea in an oral presentation using a poster or other visual. So tie your hair up 
in a ribbon and get started.

 

   Sunny, being a baby, is not easily understood when she talks.  Decipher her words by way of a crossword puzzle to help her brother and sister accomplish their tasks. Print the crossword page and start solving. Bite down hard and dig in. 

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  Resources:  Here's a clue -- Try looking for the answers to your query (question, inquisition, quandary) at these sites.

http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/abc123001.html           http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/usa12062001.html           http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/pw12032001.html           http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/wp12032001.html           http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/la09092001.html
http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/xmsn08222001.html             http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/bg/08052000.html          http://whoswhohp.tripod.com/lemony/articles/aicn/05132000.html      
www.lemonysnicket.com
www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2000/08/17/snicket/  

Unfortunately Mr. Snicket -- a Crossword Puzzle

                                                    

Evaluation: Each person will have a rubric to self-assess their work.  This same evaluation will be used by the teacher.

Rubric 

 Your work will be evaluated using the criteria listed below. Review the categories and decide as a group where you feel your score should be.  Be honest or Count Olaf may be paying you a visit!
                              KLAUS --   40 POINTS POSSIBLE

Circle Appropriate Number

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Needs Attention

Completed work on time

5

4

3

2

1

Worked cooperatively

5

4

3

2

1

Stayed on task

5

4

3

2

1

Contained important and accurate information

5

4

3

2

1

Clearly written: Grammatically correct

5

4

3

2

1

Contained images, or graphics

5

4

3

2

1

Attractive and colorful Powerpoint

5

4

3

2

1

Creative

5

4

3

2

1

Total

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     

                             VIOLET --   20 POINTS POSSIBLE

Circle Appropriate Number

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Needs Attention

Completed work on time

5

4

3

2

1

Worked cooperatively

5

4

3

2

1

Stayed on task

5

4

3

2

1

Creative

5

4

3

2

1

Total

 

 

 

 

 

                             SUNNY -- 20 POINTS POSSIBLE

Circle Appropriate Number

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Needs Attention

Completed work on time

5

4

3

2

1

Worked cooperatively

5

4

3

2

1

Stayed on task

5

4

3

2

1

Accurate information

5

4

3

2

1

Total

 

 

 

 

 

                                                       

Conclusion:  Now that you understand "Sunny-talk" and have helped Violet protect her siblings (brother and sister) from Count Olaf you will be able to enjoy the future books about the Baudelaire children written by Lemony Snicket.  And, having helped Klaus uncover the real identity of Mr. Snicket, you can appreciate the sense of humor that allows a mind to be creative enough to write such heartbreaking tales of three orphan children!

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This webquest created by Bev Hoffman for L595 Spring 2002.  
Last Updated March 2005 by Trisha Armstrong