Six WebQuests appropriate for

Library Media

selected by

Kasie Inman

Kinman@aguafria.org

Thrill Rides

http://www.wfu.edu/~mccoy/NCTM99/coasters.html

Students: 6-12 grade

This Web Quest is a great way to get students excited about variables, graphing, and charting (math). I really like the concept of the students using the web to collect data relative to their assignment. I liked that students were not looking for a “fill-in-the-blank” kind of answer on the sites they were directed to. The students are empowered to collect data that is not only relevant but also what interests them. In addition, this Web Quest would be something the students can (re-)create as a follow-up/enrichment activity. Although, I was frustrated that one of the links did not work. Likewise, the students were not required to evaluate the process they went to collect the data or reflect on their progress.

A Traveler’s Graphic Journal

http://www.teachtheteachers.org/projects/DBoin2/t-index.htm

English/Language Arts Students

This is one of the most comprehensive WebQuests I have encountered. The quest is well-organized for both the teacher and students. There is a rubric and the task is well thought out and clearly defined. There is even a clear description on student roles in the cooperative groups. I liked this WebQuest because it was cooperative, real world, and constructive. In addition, the teacher resources are fabulous.

Chinese Cultural Revolution Webquest

http://www.eteachers.com.au/Samples/int/Sec/China/Studyroom/6cultrev/webcultural.htm

10-12 Modern History Students/Social Studies

This is a wonderfully complex WebQuest. The students are assigned to become experts on an individuals experience in the Chinese Cultural Revolution. But each student must develop a working knowledge of the Revolution. Then each student joins the group and together they answer questions about the revolution based on their “experience.” What I really like about this WebQuest is the students were given “models” for responses. The students are immersed in a cultural-historical experience in this WebQuest.

DNA For Dinner

http://www.peaceco.net/webquest/webquest.htm

9-12 Science

The WebQuest, DNA For Dinner, requires students to explore a modern problem and propose a solution via legislation. The quest requires students to become familiar with the issue of genetically engineered food. Once students learn about the issue they must evaluate existing legislation and propose their own laws to address the issue. This site has won a number of awards, but I had a hard time finding teacher instructions.

A Shubert WebQuest

http://schubertquest.tripod.com/index.html

University Level Music

One of the reasons I selected this site is it is a University level WebQuest! Another reason is the site requires each student to become intimately acquainted with Shubert. The students must know him well enough that they can “complete” his unfinished 8^th symphony. This is a fantastic display of higher order thinking and constructivism.

On the Cutting Edge

http://ouray.cudenver.edu/~dl0young/cutting_edge/files/index.html

9-12 Technology

On the Cutting Edge Webquest is a great way to engage students in a technology rich assignment. The students are challenged to design a website that is good enough to convince a company to hire them. The design team is comprised of four individuals, whose tasks are both individual and cooperative. The resources listed are designed to ensure the success of each of the group members. This task can really engage students in learning, cooperative interdependence, and real world problem solving.