I WENT TO D.C. TOO
WebQuest for interdisciplinary study
of Washington , D.C. in place
of Eighth Grade Trip
D.M.Maus
dmaus@milforded.org
Harborside
     Introduction / Task / Process / Resources / Evaluation / Conclusion
 

INTRODUCTION   So you didn't get to go to Washington! Through this WebQuest
     you can avoid being awakened at 5:30 in the morning, avoid standing in line EVERYWHERE
     you go, and avoid missing your loved ones and sports team's games. Instead you can become
     a certified "WTG" or Washington Tour Guide. Hopefully you will become as much an expert
     on D.C. as your colleagues on the trip. You will develop technology skills and note taking
     skills, develop cooperative learning group techniques, and learn about Washington, D.C., by
     using the computer lab and the print resources at the HMS Media Center.
 


TASK      A Virtual tour of D.C. will be created by you and your group. At some time during
     the week, a test will be taken, so that you can be issued a Tour Director Certificate. A D.C.
     word puzzle will be made and used in classes on both teams upon their return. At the end of
     each day the Daily Accomplishment Log will be filled out. Also a group planning meeting will
     occur.

PROCESS     Following these numbered steps will ensure that the project will be completed
     on time.

  1. 1. Find two classmates that you think will form a fantastic team, then choose two group learning products from the following list:
          a. a virtual tour of three locations in D.C. using any mode
          b. a radio/television show by three WTG's (Washington Tour Guide)
          c. a proposal to Congress to build a new monument to a deserving American, with a
             model
          d. a jeopardy- style game about D.C., to be used in all classes upon their return
 
        Note: Each of the learning products may be created in any form of technology, like
            PowerPoint or HyperCard, video, flip books,Web page or live presentations.
 
  1. 2. Scan D.C. material on the Web and from the print material in the media center.
  2. 3. After your group cooperatively chooses two learning products, pick two or more roles

    3.     in which you will become an expert.

    1. architect

          2.  artist
          3.  cartographer
          4.  comedian
          5.  historian
          6.  musician
          7.  poet
          8.  sports and recreation expert
          9.  technology expert
         10. any other role
  1. 4. A word search puzzle will be created for use in all eighth grade classes. Creating this puzzle will be fun and will help prepare you and your group for the WTG certificate test.
  2. 5. At the close of each day a log will be obtained from the teacher and will be individually filled out. A group planning meeting will begin and close each day.
RESOURCES     The resources that are available to you include the computer lab and the
     print material, teacher resources, either Media Center director, and your fellow group
     members. A primary source will be http:// www.washington.org . This site will direct you to
     a plethora of other very useful sites. Another site that deals with news,traffic,weather, sports,
     events of the day, people, and organizations in D.C. is http://dcregistry.com/  . The following
     site specializes in D.C. travel and can be found at http://dcpages.ari.net/  . If you need an
     excellent source for maps, http://www.mapquest.com/ is the site for you. Finally, with the
     help of Ms. Scire or Mr. Iorfino, print material abounds in the main room of the media
     center.

EVALUATION     In order to evaluate your work on this WebQuest, the following method
     will be used. The PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT RUBRICcan be located with a click.This
     will count toward 50% of your grade. Your LEARNING PRODUCTS (2) will garner 30%,
     your DC WORD SEARCH will be worth 10% and your DAILY ACCOMPLISHMENT
     LOGSwill be 10% of your final grade. This grade can be used in any of your core subjects.
 

CONCLUSION     Upon the conclusion of this WebQuest experience, you will have:

          W... a better understanding of our nation's capital; its buildings, history, and
                            attractions

          A ... improved technology skills

           S ... improved note taking skills

          H ... developed a " championship caliber" team through improved group skills

 

          D ... learned to communicate clearly and effectively about what you have learned

          C ... performed to the best of your ability, realizing that you were a valued part
                           of your team