Introduction
Jonas and his community have no memory of the past or any knowledge of history. They also have no information on other colonies that might be similar to theirs. In this webquest, you will study various historical happenings and information about other colonies (countries). You will gain knowledge about Lois Lowry. You will also have a better understanding of yourself, your community, The Giver, and utopian communities.
Task
Throughout this webquest you will be working on several activities that will require you to research various historical events and people that have impacted the world we know. You will look at different countries and cultures and learn how they compare with the one you live in. You will also be required to dig into our past and consider why history and memories are or are not important. I think we all agree that the past is rich with information, knowledge, and memories! What do you think the world would be like if you had no knowledge of the past?
Options:
1. Date in History:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today
Look up today in history, yesterday in history, and your birthday in history. Record events for each on your packet.
2. Informational Chart
This Index allows you to compare well-being across countries, based on 11 topics the OECD has identified as essential, in the areas of material living conditions and quality of life. Take notes about the five areas listed by summarizing the data. Use specific examples from your research in your answer. Compare/Contrast three different counties.
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Jobs/Employment
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Education
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Health
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Community
3. Lois Lowry Information Chart
Find 5 interesting facts about Lois Lowry's "Biography."
List 3 books you find on the "Book" page.
What kinds of things can you find on the "New Stuff" page?
4. Utopia Research
The three web addresses below are "utopias." Choose two of them to research. Consider their similarities and differences, then, complete a Venn Diagram (in your webquest packet) comparing and contrasting the two communities you have chosen.
The Farm in Tennessee
http://www.thefarm.org/index.html
Twin Oaks
http://www.twinoakscommunity.org/
Victory City
5. Memory Treasure Chest (mandatory)
Choose one of the following events from our not-so-distant history. Summarize what the event, why it is important in our history, and what we can learn from the event.
http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/photogal.htm
http://www.holocaustchronicle.org
http://acepilots.com/ww2/pictures.html
http://www.dailysoft.com/berlinwall/photographs
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/us/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-fast-f…
http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/Science/MoonLanding/MoonLanding.htm
Process
Before you begin working, take a moment to browse through all of the activities listed in "task options" under "Task" at the left-hand side. You will need to choose three activities that you would be interested in doing. Try to choose the ones that you find interesting and useful. When you are finished with this project, you will have completed a total of FOUR of these activities; The Memory Treasure Chest is required; the other three are your choice. Be sure to read through all of the directions carefully and finish the entire activity before you move on to the next one. Some of the activities may take longer than others, but each of them opens a doorway to understanding who you are as well as a better understanding of The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Evaluation
| Demonstrates understanding of project | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Demonstrates web navigating skills | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Organization | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Time management | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Includes at least 3 tasks plus Treasure Chest task =4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Uses at least 4 sources | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Shows knowledge of events chosen in Treasure Chest Task | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Overall Appearance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the webquest! You should know more about history, other countries, and utopian societies similar to the one in Lowis Lowry's The Giver.