A Quest for Exploration
 A 5th Grade Social Studies WebQuest


Developed by Josh Ames
email: amesj@epd86.org
homepage:  www.epd86.org/bolin/Ames/5ahomepage.htm
 


Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

 

Overview
During this exploration WebQuest the students will research an assigned explorer, and present it to the class.  The content area that is covered is social studies and language arts.
 
Illinois Curriculum Standards:
Social Studies
16 - Understand events, trends, individuals, and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations
16.A. - Apply the skills of historical analysis and interpretation
16.D. - Understand Illinois, United States and world social history
Language Arts
1.B.10 -  Paraphrase/summarize information in a text
3.B - Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences
3.C.3 - Write for a variety of purposes and for specified audiences in a variety of forms (reports, essays)
5.A.3 - Organize and integrate information from a variety of sources
5.C.1 - Create a variety of print and nonprint documents to communicate acquired information for specific audiences and purposes
 
For this WebQuest the teacher will need the Exploration Fact Sheet and the presentation rubric.  You can print them out or have the students do this.  You can link to them from the Resource and Evaluation page.

 

Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

 

Introduction
"If Columbus had turned back, no one would have blamed him.  Of course, no one would have remembered him either."
                                                                       -Unknown


What would be different about our history if Columbus hadn't of sailed the ocean blue?  What if Magellan believed the earth was flat?  Early explorers had a prominent role in the formation of our nation and many others.  They led the way for other explorers because of their heart for adventure. 
 

   

Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

 

Task

To honor the early explorers Lakeview Museum will be hosting a traveling exhibit named "Explorers of the New World."  The museum director has contacted me and asked if our class would help on the night of the exhibit opening.   The museum wants groups of two to do a short presentation about an early explorer for their opening.  Before you do your presentation you will need to research an explorer.


The director would like you to pick one of the following presentations:

  • PowerPoint

  • Posterboard Presentation

  • Role Playing

  • Webpage

  • Mobile

  • Newspaper Report

  • Book

  • Or....If you have another idea, run it by the teacher

 

Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

 

Process

1.    After the teacher has chosen groups, choose your explorer and report it to your teacher. 
 
2.  Here is what you will need to research and include in your presentation. 
 
  • Explorer's Background - date and place of birth, childhood information (if any), and homeland in time of exploration.
  •  Exploration and Purpose - Country the explorer sailed for, date he set sail, duration (length) of trip, and background of the country (at least two details).  What was the reason for the trip?
  •  Arrival Point - Where did the explorer end up?  What was found (at least two details)?
  •  Explorer's Contribution - Why is the explorer famous?  What was the effect (if any) of the exploration?
    •
3.  You and your partner will then pick who is Explorer One and Explorer Two.  Your job as explorers is to research what is assigned to you below.  These facts will be a starting point for your presentation.  Go to the Resource section to print out the Early Exploration Research Fact Sheet to begin.

Explorer One - Explorer's background, arrival point

Explorer Two - Exploration and purpose, explorer's contribution
 
4.  There are several ways you can present your explorer at the opening night of the exhibit.  Pick one that best suits you and your partner's strengths.  Inform the teacher of what type of project you are doing before you begin.

 

Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

 

Resources

In conducting your research and presentation please take advantage of the Internet, encyclopedia, and your classroom textbook. 


The Early Exploration Research Fact Sheet will be used to collect the explorer information.

  Links to use for research.  Have fun hunting!

Jacques Cartier

 

 

 


 

 Explorers Hall of Fame

 

 

 


 
Jacques Cartier
Explorers Timeline
Discoverers by Alphabet
Yahooligans
Ask Jeeves
Francisco Coronado
Explorers
Zoom Explorers

 

Evaluation

Students will receive a collaborative grade.  Click here to view the presentation rubric.

 

Conclusion

Upon completion of this project you will be an expert on your Early Explorer.  Hopefully you have learned many new things about your topic.  Ask yourself these few questions when you are finished:  How did I work with my partner?  What did I learn about myself during this project?  What was the hardest thing about this project?  What was the easiest?  What was the most interesting fact I learned?

   

                                                 

Congratulations on completing the WebQuest, way to go Explorers!

 

Overview|Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion