Introduction
This WebQuest was developed as part of the requirements for the Aurora University / Kane County (IL) Regional Office of Education course
"Infusing Engaged Learning with Technology using Webquests: OEDS581-5023", August 2-6, 1999, under the guidance of instructors Brian Booth and Richard Levine

This is a WebQuest where students will research sites across the United States to create a simulated bike trip from coast to coast.  They must stop at four National Parks along the way.

Content Area and
Grade Level

This lesson is anchored in the fifth grade social studies (mapping and U.S. history) and science (FOSS land forms module) curriculum.  It can be easily extended to include math by having students compute mileage along their route.  This lesson could be extended to the middle school level.
 
 

Implementation Overview

There are four student roles for each group, but the size of the student groups can be adapted according to the size of the class.   Internet access at home should be one criteria for establishing the student groups.  To maximize class time and to insure authentic assessment, the requirements and format of this activity should be discussed at the beginning of the Social Studies unit on Conservationists or the Science FOSS land forms module.  This would be an appropriate time to include student input in the development of the rubric. Class time devoted to this activity depends upon how each individual
teacher decides to structure the unit.

Things to think about before the start of this activity:

     Contact school library media specialist to schedule library research time and to enlist help in locating
     resources.
     Send assignment alerts to local libraries.
     Schedule computer lab time or plan times for computer use for each group. For suggestions on how to
     do this with a variety of different learning environments go to Learning Environment.
     Survey students to find out home internet access and computer skills to aid in forming equitable
     groups.
     Decide on the final format of the paper, such as large broadsheet, web page, or something.

A group of Virginia students took a real cross country bike trip across America.  They created a web site with map of route, mileage, journal entries and pictures.  You can visit it at:

                  http://pointer.wphs.wpps.k12.va.us/cc_cycle.htm
 

Resources Needed

Students are encouraged to begin with the information available in their textbook and expand to material in the school and local libraries before using the Internet. This activity lends itself well to team teaching but can be done by an individual teacher.
 

Entry Level Skills and Knowledge

Students will need to have basic research skills. Students will need to know how to:

     access information in a library and on the Internet.
     take notes.
     cite sources in correct format.

Students will need to know how to create a basic slide presentation in Power Point, Hyperstudio or a Web page.

Students will need the skills necessary to work cooperatively in groups.

Teachers will need to have a comfort level with computers and the Internet or have someone assisting them who does.
 
 
 

Evaluation

The rubrics for the unit should be discussed with the students before they begin their roles. Perhaps the rubrics should be jointly developed by you and the students -"What makes a good presentation or brochure?" In this way they may buy into the activity more and have a better understanding of the goals.
 
 

Possible Variations

For variations of this unit, math could be added for mileage/distance.

For other variations of a scoring rubric, go to this example  or this  example.

Conclusion

This unit is important because it involves students in activities that challenge them, have them make sound theories, do quality research, do analysis, make judgments and then create an interesting product to communicate their results. Technology is as tools in making these exciting learning experiences even deeper, richer and more motivating. Students are not acting as vessels to be filled with knowledge, but as active participants in learning.
 
 
 
 

Last updated 8/6/99
 
 

This site is for non-profit, educational use only. If you have any comments, questions or resources you would like to see added, contact Heather Hunt, at Horizon Elementary School, Hanover Park, IL.