Critical+Thinking,+WebQuest

Visit [] and []; choose a good example of a Web quest based on what you read there. Post a link on the Wiki with your brief explanation(a few sentences) as to why you think it is effective. Put your name next to your comments and a line under your contribution. When you have completed the assignment, post here "assignment completed"

Dawn Marchese http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=37897 This was an interesting Web Quest, as it is a social studies lesson about Thanksgiving, and also incorporates the character of Junie B. Jones. This allows the lesson to be cross-curricular with language arts and social studies. It is effective because it gives the students' so many activities that can be accomplished on a laptop. It would pique their interests as they are familiar with the character of Junie B. Jones. There are games, additional research which can be done independently or with a partner or small group, vocabulary sites, and all the necessary components for a 21st Century Learner to navigate across the curriculum through technology. The children can even "dress a turkey" which can lead into a lesson on idioms. This WebQuest also has assessments to ensure that your students understand the components of the lesson. I am floored by how much information is out there that I can use in my teaching!

Tara Swanton http://zunal.com/introduction.php?w=18886 This was a Web Quest about the four seasons. We just began a unit about the seasons so that is why I chose it. I have been trying to incorporate centers in my classroom more and this web quest has the students working in center stations to explore which senses are used during a specific season. I also liked this because each station provides students with real life experiences they can relate to. The rubric they provide for grading is very useful and is a great way to show the parents why the student scored where they did. I am really looking forward to finding more topics to use in my classroom. This website was great!

Rebecca Wise http://www.preparetomorrowsparents.org/antonello.html This web quest would used in my Human Growth and Development course, grades 10-12. I think a lot of high school students are aware of the struggles that come with having a baby, but I am not sure that they really get into specifics. I believe it's one of those topics that they hear about and think "yeah, yeah, yeah." This website would be a wonderful way to provide them with insight into the process of making arrangements and the cost of having a baby. The web quest is thorough and even has a modification section for those with special needs. It was great, I wish I would have seen this sooner!

Lynda Leonetti .[|http://webquest.org] This WebQuest is to assist students in providing them with background information before reading the book Yellow Star. The WebQuest requires students to work together with partners to access information about the Holocaust and specifically Lodz Ghetto where this book takes place. I chose this WebQuest because my students read the Devil's Arithmetic for summer reading, and Anne Frank during the year. They also attend the play. The WebQuest provides students with links to the American Holocaust museum, timelines of events, and visuals of the Holocaust. Often, discussions that arise during class have led us to our own online searches, but it's not organized and I believe the students are still confused by the atrocities that occurred during this time. While we are not using this book, I believe the activities and research can be used to provide the students with the background information. I would like to suggest this book for summer reading, or work with the ELA Curriculum lead to create our own WebQuest.

Brad Stetler http://questgarden.com/176/77/0/141115173153/index.htm I chose this "you are what you eat" web quest after carefully looking through many web quests on webquest.org. I was looking specifically in my content area and had a few things that I had set as criteria for something I would like to use. The first was that the information was current and relevant. In a subject like health there is always a new fad diet, a new drug, new health concerns, so it is important to have resources that are up to date. I was also looking for something that had very clear standards and objectives set by the teacher for the students. Finally, I was looking for something to enhance or personalize a unit that I think get a little dry for the students (nutrition) or give the students a chance to explore and learn resourceful resources for a topic that students may be reluctant to share their questions or concerns about (Sex Ed). This web quest really personalizes the nutrition aspect for the students and meets all my other requirements.

Flora Valdivia http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=151973 Although there were many interesting sites, I selected this web quest because I thought it would be interesting for the students - especially the girls! It is entitled, "Let's Go Shopping!" It is a useful assignment that provides students with links to math websites that will show examples and "how to" information, all within an authentic situation. Students are given the task of shopping at four different websites with a $500 budget to spend, which includes all discounts (percents), shipping charges, and taxes. Students are guided with specific instructions on how and what to calculate. There are websites and video links so that if students are having difficulty on something, they can read or view a refresher on how to proceed with that particular math calculation. The rubric is provided which is valuable for students to see how and what is expected of them. This web quest provides a good use of technology; a fun task for students to engage in and complete; authentic instruction; as well as assistance and support for students to work independently.