Introduction
You recently viewed a movie called "The Man Who Saved Christmas." It was based on real events in the life of A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the Erector Set toys.
Task
The world wide web is a great tool for digging deeper into a topic. Today you will follow this webquest to learn more about some of the details surrounding "The Man Who Saved Christmas" film. On the next page is a series of tasks for you to complete. Record your responses on a piece of paper. Be sure to number them accordingly. By clicking on the heading you will be taken to a webpage that contains information you need to complete that task.
Process
1. When and where was A. C. (Gilly) Gilbert Born?
2. What were two of Gilly's talents as a boy?
3. How did Gilly get the inspiration for inventing the Erector sets?
History of the Erector Set Toy
1. What revolution in the early 1900's created the perfect timing for toys like the Erector set? (read the first paragraph)
2. When and where were Erector sets first introduced? How much did they cost? (paragraph 8)
3. During WWII Erector sets were made from wood instead of metal. Why? (paragraph 18)
1. What was the name of the No. 1 Erector set?
2. How many pieces were in the set?
3. How old was Gilly when the No. 1 Erector set was introduced?
World War I & Using a Primary Resource
1. Like Frank Gilbert, Albert Lester Kleinecke, served in World War I in France. He wrote letters from France to his mother, sister, niece, nephew, and brother-in-law. Click on the photo link to see "Bert" in his uniform. Did the movie accurately portray the uniform Frank wore? How?
2. Click on the following link to read a letter from "Bert" to Mary dated December 22, 1918. After reading the letter ask Mrs. Donaghey for a piece of drawing paper and illustrate one scene from the letter. Letter Home
Top 10 Toys for Christmas 2017
1. According to this website, what is one of the top 25 toys for 2017?
2. What is the cost of the toy you listed in question #1?
3. Which toy from the top 25 would you most like to receive and why?
Erector Sets Today
In 2000, the Meccano company bought the Erector brand. Then, in 2013, the Canadian company Spin Master purchased Meccano and still produces Erector sets in Calais France. Spin Master now has offices all over the world but had humble beginnings.
1. In what year and by whom was the Spin Master company started?
2. What was Spin Master's first marketed product?
3. Which Meccano set would you most like to have and why?
Evaluation
Each question is worth two points with the following exceptions.
Your drawing is worth 20 points.
Each question in the conclusion section is worth 10 points.
Conclusion
Big Question #1
Gilly was torn between his passion, making toys, and his duty to his country, making ammunitions. For what or for whom would you sacrifice your passion and why would you do it? Your answer should be at least one paragraph (4 sentences) long and demonstrate correct spelling and punctuation.
Big Question #2
In the United States, Erector™ is considered the longest continuous running brand in the toy industry. In your opinion, why has this brand survived for so many years? Your answer should be at least one paragraph (4 sentences) long and demonstrate correct spelling and punctuation.
Credits
The following web pages are used to find information on this webquest.
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/gilbert.htm
http://www.moah.org/buildex/buildex.html
http://www.girdersandgears.com/erector-1914-1.html
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.11256/
http://www.christmastoysite.com/page/top-ten-toys.aspx