Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Introduction

Vive Mardi Gras!

a

Bonjour!

Today our virtual journey will take us to New Orleans for "Mardi Gras". You will be exploring the background, history, meaning and will gather some facts about this carnival.

Task

With your group you will be investigating several sites to obtain some information. Then you will fill out a quiz to see how much you have learned.

By the end of this webquest, you will have a better understanding of how and why Mardi Gras is celebrated. Finally, you will be able to plan and prepare for our own school carnival!

Process

Jumbo Size Masquerade Masks

 Complete the following quiz:

 

1.Translate "Mardi Gras" in English.

2. What are the origins of "Mardi Gras"?

3. When was the first official recorded 'Mardi Gras" in New Orleans?

4. What are the 3 traditions of "Mardi Gras"?

5. What are the 3 colors of Mardi Gras and what do they symbolize/

Click here to find answers:

www.momes.net/dictionnaire/minidossiers/vocabulaire/je-sais-tout-carnaval.html

 

www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history.html

 

6.What are"throws"?

7. What is the slogan of New Orleans 'Mardi Gras"?

8. Find 2 french expressions with the words Mardi Gras or carnival

9.What is the shape of the "King Cake"?

10 What does this shape convey?

11. What item is placed in this cake? What happens to the person who has/eats the slice with the hidden item?

12. Look at the king cake recipe. What ingredient is missing?

13. Testing your personal knowledge what is the root of carnival (in french carnaval)?

14. When will be "Mardi Gras" in 2015?

15.Cite 5 francophile cities which are also having a similar carnival (but may be not as big).

 

Click here for more information. You may also find other sites.

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mardi-gras-2015.html

Evaluation
Evaluation of the answers based on

beginner

 5points

intermediate

10 points

advanced

15 points
vocabulary

grammar
punctuation
constructed sentences
paragraphs
accuracy of content

Here is the way you will be evaluated.

Voila!

Conclusion

This activity was designed to enhance playfully and collaboratively previous lessons about vocabulary and language arts ( building sentences and small paragraphs). It is another way to learn a language and its culture. The rhythm is different. It requires to read authentical french documents and write in french.It is also an opportunity to work via internet and without a teacher's assistance. You can learn a lot on your own.

Hopefully,it wil  open the door to different "Mardi Gras" in other francophile cities and discover even more traditions and differences. 

Pierrot

Credits
Teacher Page

This webquest has been designed to explore different francophile cultures and explore the traditions of "Mardi Gras" in the target language.

I am thankful to have had the ability to have access to so many websites and webquests.