Mark Twain WebQuest

Introduction

You will use this webquest to research information on the famous author, Mark Twain.  Read the task, follow the links, read the information and answer the questions in the given space.  Label the questions you are answering so I will know which question/answer belong together. Your answers MUST be in complete sentences.

 

Task

Task #1:

Type a PARAGRAPH explaining the connection between Twain and Halley's Comet.  (Include the web address from where you found your information).

Task #2:

Using the given websites (and any others you may find), answer the following questions about Twain:

     1. What was Mark Twain's real name?

     2. Where was he born?

     3. Where did he grow up?

     4. What work did he do on the Mississippi River?

     5.  What does "Mark Twain" mean?

     6.  When was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer published?

     7.. What are five interesting facts about Mark Twain?

     8.   How did Mark Twain create his characters?

*Remember, ANSWERS IN COMPLETE SENTENCES. Make sure to note any additional websites you used.

Task #3:

      1.  Name at least three things you can tell about Tom Sawyer by watching this clip.

      2. Judging by the movie trailer, what do you think the book will be like?

Task #4: Check out the given links to find an interesting picture of Mark Twain. Copy and paste it into your pages document (or assignment sheet).

Then, answer the following questions:

     1.  Why did you choose this picture?

     2. Do you feel it captures Twain's personality? Why or why not?

Check over your work to make sure you have answered all the questions, used complete sentences,  and correct grammar, usage and mechanics.

Process

Task #1: Go to google (or another search engine) and type in "Mark Twain and Halley's Comet". Follow an appropriate link to discover what the connection is between the two.

Task #2: Websites to research Mark Twain's Life. Use this information to answer the questions in task 2.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_clemens.htm

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/railton/index2.html

http://marktwainhouse.org

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/huckfinn/context.html

Task #3: Use this information to answer task #3

Link for movie trailer for Tom and Huck:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C-xXZyX2zU 

Task #4: Use the following websites to help you answer task #4

  http://www.marktwainmuseum.org 

  http://www.marktwainhouse.org/man/famous_twain_quotes.php

  http://www.cmgww.com/historic/twain/about/photos.htm       

 

Evaluation

Did you answer all the questions?

Did you use complete sentences and correct grammar, usage and punctuation?

Did you cite your sources (the websites you used)?

_________/5  Task #1 Paragraph explaining the relationship between Mark Twain and Halley's comet. 

_________/5   Task #2 Research on Mark Twain's life.

_________/5  Task #3  Movie trailer analysis

_________/5 Task #4  Analysis of Twain's picture; written pararaph answering question 4.

__________/10  Directions were followed, sources were cited and correct grammar, usage and mechanics was used

                                                                                                                           Final Score:  _______________/30

Conclusion

After completing the webquest, you should be much more knowledgable about Mark Twain and his life. Learning about his life helps us to understand who he was as an author and why he wrote the works he did. After completing this webquest, you are ready to begin reading "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer".

Credits