WebQuest for Independence: 4th grade lesson by Alyssa and Trevor

Introduction

“Join, or die!” proclaimed Benjamin Franklin. Imagine what life today would be like if colonists had not taken up arms against Great Britain. What freedoms would you be without?

The WebQuest for Independence will help you understand the struggle that the colonists went through to allow us to live the lives we do today. So, tie up your boots and get ready to join in the march towards freedom!

Task

 Students, in partner pairs, will research one of five events regarding the Revolutionary War (see below). The event you choose must be checked by the teacher as to not have all groups researching the same event. The questions to be answered regarding the topic are the following:

  1. Who was involved? What major figures from both sides were involved?
  2. Explain what happened
  3. What was the outcome?
  4. How did it affect the colonists’ cause? How did it affect the British?
  5. What do you think would have happened if the other side was victorious in the specific event?

After researching this information, you and your partner will create a PowerPoint containing the information from the questions you have just answered. Be prepared to share PowerPoint with the class.

Remember to refer to the rubric, found in the evaluation section, so you are aware of the expectations/what you will be graded on.

Events:

  1. Battle of Bunker Hill
  2. Crossing of the Delaware
  3. Boston Massacre
  4. French coming to Aid
  5. The Declaration of Independence

Links pertaining/referencing the events above can be found in the Credits section.

Process

1.Teacher will assign small groups. 

2. Each group will choose an event from the five provided. Groups need to have their event approved by teacher before beginning the Webquest for Independence.

3. Students will use the links provided to answer the five questions listed in the Task. Answers to the questions should be answered electronically, using a Word software program.

4. After researching the event, groups need to create a PowerPoint Presentation containing the answers from the questions researched.

5. Groups will present their PowerPoint to the class; presentations should be at least 2 minutes. Make sure to pay attention while other groups present.

6. Refer to rubric and make sure you meet all criteria.

Evaluation

WebQuest for Independence Rubric

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2

3

4

Score/Level

Creativity

Project includes little variety in presentation techniques

Material presented with little originality or creative thought

Some apparent originality displayed through creative use of materials

Exceptional originality of presented material

 

Content

Unorganized and meets less than half the requirements

Project meets half of the requirements; well-organized

Project is well- organized and meets most requirements

Project is well-organized and meets all requirements

 

Grammar

Multiple grammatical and stylistic errors

Some errors in grammar and/or format that does not interfere with clarity

Few grammatical and/or stylistic errors

Nearly error-free which reflects clear understanding and thorough proofreading

 

Presentation

Careless, hurried, and illegible presentation

Project appears rushed of somewhat careless, but the content is legible

Clear, uncluttered, and attractive

Evidence that pride and care was taken and the message of the product is clearly defined

 

Conclusion

By the end of this WebQuest, you will be able to recall informational facts regarding the Battle of Bunker Hill, crossing of the Delaware, Boston Massacre, French coming to aid, and the Declaration of Independence.

You will have made a PowerPoint following the guidelines provided for you in the Task section. Now that you have learned about the American Revolution, would you have joined the colonists’ cause?

Credits

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/rev-prel.htm 

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/revwar-75.htm

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/revwar-77.htm

The above three websites include a comprehensive look at the major events leading up to the American Revolution, the conflict itself, and the conclusion of the Revolution/events that proceeded.

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywar…

Offers information pertaining to the events that encompass the American Revolution and provides links to additional resources.

References for Images:

https://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrB8paTJQdVkngA9gyJzb…-?.origin=&back=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Damerican%2Brevolution%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Dmozilla%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D31&w=500&h=369&imgurl=freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com%2F~prsjr%2Fwars%2Farw%2Fgifiles%2Fspirit_of1776d.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffreepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com%2F~prsjr%2F0jayne%2Fjayne%2Fdar_members.htm&size=53.4KB&name=...+National+Society+of+the+Daughters+of+the+%3Cb%3EAmerican+Revolution%3C%2Fb%3E+%28NCDAR&p=american+revolution&oid=7082105c2305af82b650e992e5997cde&fr2=piv-web&fr=&tt=...+National+Society+of+the+Daughters+of+the+%3Cb%3EAmerican+Revolution%3C%2Fb%3E+%28NCDAR&b=0&ni=21&no=31&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12kpbafrs&sigb=13rv3emc8&sigi=12k8bb0ip&sigt=12eckovuf&sign=12eckovuf&.crumb=7tgyv61kKkl&fr2=piv-web&hsimp=yhs-001&hspart=mozilla

http://thesgem.com/2014/04/sgem69-cry-me-a-river-early-goal-directed-th…

https://www.google.com/search?q=join+or+die+cartoon&biw=1920&bih=885&so…

http://hiagescino.land.ru/images/abf5f3994e8d8fc5.jpg

Teacher Page

Standards for Teachers to Keep in Mind:

Key Learning Area Social Studies

Standard Develop understanding of past, present and future
RemoveIndicator SS 2.2 Understand how things, people and places change over time
RemoveIndicator SS 2.3 Demonstrate an ability to connect new ideas to past experiences
Key Learning Area Approaches to Learning
Standard Demonstrate Imagination, Creativity and Invention
RemoveIndicator AL 5.1 Approach tasks and experiences with increased flexibility, imagination and inventiveness
RemoveIndicator AL 5.2 Use or combine materials/strategies in novel ways to explore and solve problems
Key Learning Area Creative Arts
Standard Use a variety of visual art forms for creative expression and representation
RemoveIndicator CA 1.3 Select different media to express emotions and ideas