In a webquest,
many standards are met from a variety of disciplines. I have listed
the standards that I focus on most.
Selected Standard
Using Backward Design Principles:
Fourth Grade Social Studies 4.2
1. Discuss the major nations of California Indians, including their
geographic distribution, economic activities, legends, and religious
beliefs; and describe how they depended on, adapted to, and modified the
physical environment by cultivation of land and use of sea resources.
Additional Standards Met:
Language Arts:
2.0
Reading Comprehension
Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
2.2 Use
appropriate strategies when reading for different purposes (e.g., full
comprehension, location of information, personal enjoyment).
1.0
Writing Strategies
Organization and
Focus
1.1 Select a focus, an organizational structure, and a point of view based
upon purpose, audience, length, and format requirements.
1.2 Create multiple-paragraph compositions:
a. Provide an introductory paragraph.
b. Establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence at or near the
beginning of the first paragraph.
c. Include supporting paragraphs with simple facts, details, and
explanations.
d. Conclude with a paragraph that summarizes the points.
e. Use correct indention.
Research and
Technology
1.5 Quote or
paraphrase information sources, citing them appropriately.
1.6 Locate information in reference texts by using organizational features
(e.g., prefaces, appendixes).
1.7 Use various reference materials (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, card
catalog, encyclopedia, online information) as an aid to writing.
1.9 Demonstrate basic keyboarding skills and familiarity with computer
terminology (e.g., cursor, software, memory, disk drive, hard drive).
Organization and Delivery of
Oral Communication
1.5 Present effective introductions and conclusions that guide and inform
the listener's understanding of important ideas and evidence.
1.6 Use traditional structures
for conveying information (e.g., cause and effect, similarity and
difference, and posing and answering a question).
1.7 Emphasize points in ways that help the listener or viewer to follow
important ideas and concepts.
1.8 Use details, examples, anecdotes, or experiences to explain or clarify
information.
1.9 Use volume, pitch, phrasing, pace, modulation, and gestures
appropriately to enhance meaning.
Students
need to know and understand:
*
The
physical environment, (geography), determined many aspects of the Indian
culture.
* How to use organizational features in resources (headings, index,
table of contents, etc.)
* Note-taking strategies
* Paragraph Construction (topic sentence, supporting sentences,
concluding sentence)
* Writing process (rough draft, revision, final draft, bibliography)
* Basic PowerPoint skills
Personal
Note:
This
WebQuest was designed with the fourth grade classrooms of California in
mind. I used the adopted text, Harcourt Brace, California, to help guide
me in the creation of this WebQuest. Please keep in mind that everything
here can be modified to meet your particular needs.
When I have implemented a WebQuest in my
classroom, I try to make sure that there are plenty of other related
projects for my students to be engaged in. I do this primarily because I
have a very limited amount of technology available to me, and I want all
of my students actively learning. While some students are researching,
others are creating Power Point slides, or designing and creating
artifacts to bring to the Ceremony. If some students are very fast and
have everything completed, they can help others finish or begin on a topic
that perhaps wasn't covered by someone else, and is of interest to them
Divide your class into six cooperative groups. Each
group will be an Indian Tribe. The tribes are listed on the Resource Page.
You may research all six tribes, or you
may decide to select only a few. That's up to you and the needs of your
classroom. Each group needs to decide who is going to research the
different topics. Once this is decided upon, the groups can begin
researching, and taking notes. You will need to walk them through the
writing process.
I always show my class several different
Power Point presentations so they have a good idea of what theirs should
look like. When their research is finished, they can begin working on
their story boards and eventually create their Power Point slides.
Once the research, Power Point
presentation, and artifacts are finished, the Indian Alliance Celebration
takes place. Students come dressed as Indians and I find someone to act as
the Great Chief and others to be members of his council. The anticipation
is incredible! Parents can be invited to look on as the ceremony takes
place. Be as creative as you want. The fun is up to you and your students.
