Introduction
Welcome, Producer!
You are a producer working for Pixar! Your job is to review the (soon to be VERY popular) Pixar shorts you have created to ensure they follow a plot that incorporates the elements of fiction. It is important that you are thorough because, once you are done, they will be sent to movie theatres everywhere!
Your essential question: How do the various elements of fiction work together to develop a plot?
Are you up for the job? Let's get started!
Task
Your Task
As a Pixar producer, you will be analyzing a short film, identifying the elements of fiction, and plotting them on a plot chart. But first, in order to do this, you will first need some practice in identifying the elements of fiction by exploring the public library and INFOhio resources.
Your end goal is to show that your Pixar shorts follow a plot chart and contain an exposition, rising action, a climax, falling action, and a resolution.
Process
Process and Resources
You will be assigned a partner. You and your partner will work through the following activities together.
Step One
- Go to Kids InfoBits and search "Elements of a Story," or click the link that will take you directly to the article.
- You and your partner should take notes on the important elements in your Google Doc. This will help you later on.
Step Two
- Now that you have learned about some of the essential elements of a fictional story, you will be using a public library resource to choose a short story, read it with your partner, and identify the elements of fiction within the story.
You will paste the link to the story as well as your answers in your Google Doc on Google Classroom.
* This part of the quest is scaffolded by ELA level. Be sure to choose the appropriate link corresponding to the ELA class you are in:
- Regular ELA: BookFlix
- Advanced ELA: Literary Reference Center
Step Three
- "Fiction" is an umbrella term that incorporates a variety of subgenres, such as science fiction, fantasy, realistic, and more! Take some time to explore IWonder. Under "Do you want to find the perfect book?" take some time exploring the different genres of fiction.
- Write a paragraph in your Google Doc describing the genre you are most interested in and why, and list a few books you found in those genres that might be of interest to you!
Step Four
* This part of the quest is scaffolded by ELA level. Be sure to choose the appropriate link corresponding to the ELA class you are in:
Regular ELA: Using Book Nook, search for a book trailer of a fictional book. After viewing, write a list of the elements of fiction that are mentioned in the book trailer in your Google Doc, along with pasting the link to the book trailer.
Advanced ELA: Explore Kids InfoBits Literature category. Under "Types of Literature," choose a FICTIONAL genre and explore! Paste the links to three interesting resources in your Google Doc with a brief description of each one!
Step Five:
FINALLY! You have done all the prep work mastering the elements of fiction; now it's time to put your skills to the test!
- Go to Youtube and search for a Pixar Short of your choice.
- In your Google Doc, create a plot chart for the short. Be sure to include the following elements and DESCRIBE the scene in detail: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, main characters, minor characters, setting.
You're done!!! *Confetti* Don't forget to click "Turn In" :)
Evaluation
Evaluation
Although you are working with a partner, you are each responsible for completing the Google Doc assigned to you in Google Classroom. Therefore, you will each be receiving an individual grade!
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1-0 | |
| Step One | Student completed detailed notes on all the elements of fiction |
Student completed some notes on the elements of fiction |
Student completed some notes of elements of fiction, but they are not detailed |
Student completed few notes, but they lack detail |
Student completed little-no notes |
| Step Two | Student found a short story and identified all elements of fiction in detail |
Student found a short story and identified all/most of elements with some details |
Student found a short story and identified some elements with some details |
Student found a short story but identifies few elements with little details |
Student found a short but did not identify elements or details, OR student did not find a short |
| Step Three | Student wrote a paragraph about the genre they are interested in, gave details, and provided a list of books |
Student wrote a |
Student wrote a paragraph about the genre, gave few details, and provided 1-2 books |
Student wrote a paragraph about the genre, but lacks details and/or a list of books |
Student did not write a paragraph but lists books, OR student attempts to describe genre but lacks list, OR student did not complete this step |
| Step Four | Student completed step four entirely |
Student completed step four entirely but is not entirely correct |
Student completed step four but it is incomplete |
Student attempted step four but is incomplete |
Student did not attempt step four |
| Step Five | Student selected a Pixar Short and correctly identified all elements of fiction |
Student selected a Pixar Short but is missing/incorrectly identified 1-2 elements of fiction. |
Student selected a Pixar Short but is missing/ incorrectly identified 3-4 elements of fiction. |
Student selected a Pixar Short but did not identify most of the elements of fiction |
Student selected a Pixar Short but did not identify elements, OR student did not attempt step five |
Conclusion
Congrats! You've completed the quest!
By completing this quest, you have proven that you are a master at the elements of fiction. You explored the various elements, applied this knowledge to identify the elements of fiction within a short story, and ultimately, plotted a Pixar Short and identified the various elements that are essential to creating a fictional short.
Like this quest? Check out these additional resources! :
- Jeopardy: Test your knowledge of the elements of fiction with a friend!
- Video: If you need some additional review!
- Additional resources for teachers
Credits
This webquest was created by Michelle Kenney for BGSU's Classroom Technology Master's program (EDTL 6150)
May 8, 2020
Teacher Page
Special Notes
If you are a teacher looking to use this webquest in your own class, the set up is very simple! If you have Google Classroom, all you will need to do is post an assignment titled "Elements of Fiction Webquest" (or whatever you'd like!)
Attached to the assignment should be two things:
- A Google Doc for students to type their answers on. Tip: Make sure you assign a copy to each student!
- The link to this webquest!
- Consider attaching a copy of the rubric you will be using so students can double-check that they have submitted everything!
Content Standards
This webquest meets the following 7th grade Ohio ELA content standards:
- RL.7.3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
- W.7.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.