Caribbean Webquest

Teacher Page

The purpose of this WebQuest is to diversify and enhance the research process through technology. This WebQuest offers students and teachers an alternate method of gathering information and experiences, sometimes unobtainable through printed resources.

Curriculum Standards

This WebQuest was written to be used with students in grades 3 and up. During this WebQuest, students will investigate characteristics of selected islands to narrow down information about the island culture. As a group, they will come to a consensus as to how they can best present and promote their island to tourists. Students will need basic computer skills, including how to navigate on the Internet and word-processing, to complete this WebQuest.

Implementation

Completing this WebQuest will take a substantial amount of time. Please allot approximately six weeks for completion of this WebQuest. Some student may work more quickly than others. Please encourage your students to set goals and to adhere to them. We recommend that you guide their progress by implementing a weekly schedule of task accomplishments.

Week 1: Students will learn the background information on the Caribbean and begin to explore their expert roles. (three computer lab visits)

Week 2: Students will begin researching the islands. (classroom books and classroom computer)

Week 3: Students will complete their research and finish their Research packets. (classroom books and classroom computer)

Week 4: Students will write, coordinate, and plan their Island book and start their independent project. (three lab visits)

Week 5: Students finish writing, revising and editing. (two lab visits)

Week 6: Students finish and produce their final projects and presentations.

Remember that students have access to the Internet and are at risk for venturing beyond the sites provided in this WebQuest. Please monitor their web searching as you are monitoring their progress on this WebQuest.

Teacher's Job:

	It is your job to use this as an addition to any program or series of lessons you already do. It is not intended to be the sole core of research. I strongly encourage you to gather the recommended literature for the core teachings of this unit.
	It will also be your job to teach students "along the way" throughout this WebQuest. The WebQuest is not a teacher. It is a tool for students to gather information. Like any other activity, it will need to be taught, guided and monitored. You may wish to develop additional assessments for each portion of the WebQuest to ensure its appropriate use and for the students to meet your expectations.
	Outlines of lesson plans are available for you. Please make any changes necessary to accommodate to your needs. These are only suggested plans.
	You MUST arrange a schedule in your classroom or in a computer lab for students to have an appropriate amount of time to work on this project. I suggest 30 - 50 minute working sessions.

Student's Job:

	It is the job of the student to use his/her time effectively while engaged in the WebQuest.
	It is his/her job to use the WebQuest as a tool for researching Biographies, nothing else.
	It is his/her job to ask for help when necessary-to avoid wasting valuable time.
	It is his/her job to challenge his/her self during the WebQuest.
	It is his/her job to use materials other than the WebQuest, such as literature, to gather information and complete projects.

Lesson Plan Page

Sample Lesson Plans: (change according to your needs!) *Times, duration and use of each plan may change according to teacher/student abilities and/or needs.

Plan 1 Gather all materials needed to teach a unit on West Indies. Introduce materials to the students.

Plan 2 Introduce the term WebQuest and show examples.

Plan 3 Develop an "Expectations" or "Rights and Responsibilities" chart for the WebQuest.

Plan 4 Model how to use this WebQuest. Show them how to navigate through it and all of the different functions of it; especially how to research using the links.

Plan 5 Model how to use the Research Packet.

Plan 6 Develop organization/rotation of computer use in the classroom or lab.

Plan 7 Student Work time - (30 - 50 minute working sessions)

Plan 8 Student Work time - (30 - 50 minute working sessions)

Plan 9 Student Work time - (30 - 50 minute working sessions)

Plan 10 Introduce and Model each project that the children can choose.

Plan 11 Work time - Projects

Plan 12 Work time - Projects

Plan 13 Sharing

Plan 14 Evaluation

Grading

Students will be graded on both individual work and group work. Students will use a self evaluation form for their core grade. This form includes group grading, homework, writing and presenting.

A Caribbean Webquest