The object of this WEBQUEST is to encourage students to view the cause and effect relationship of historic achievements.  Students will explore the effects of the achievments of famous Americans and how those achievements shaped our American identity.

        The quest consists of a partner activity in which the students research and find cause and effect relationships.  Next, partners assume roles and produce a piece of writing that reflects their learning.  Finally, several sets of partners meet and reach a consensus about the most outstanding American.  They must evaluate the importance of the achievements of all Americans studied and judge which may have contributed most to our American identity.

     To be honest, experience has shown that the last task is very difficult.  Students develop fierce loyalties to their subject and are often unable to reach a concensus on which of the Americans is most deserving of the "American of the Year" award.  That is why an alternate process for that decision is mentioned--a third party.
 
 

These are three additional links that may facilitate the process for the student and for the teacher:

   -- A Notesheet that students may use to guide their evaluations of the effect of the achievments made by the American they have chosen.

   -- A questionnaire to determine student understanding of the webquest process and specific tasks.  The questionaire can help structure the task for the student.  (blank for student or answers for teacher)

  --  A suggested rubric for assessing student learning in the written pieces.