Should we celebrate Columbus Day?

Each year on the second Monday of October we celebrate Christopher Columbus day.  Some schools and businesses even have the day off.You may have colored pictures of him or his three ships in elementary school, learned that he discovered America, and of course recited, "In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."  

 However, some people wonder if Columbus really discovered America because he did not end up where he intended to, and there were already people living where he landed.  It is your job to investigate and decide for yourself, should we celebrate Christopher Columbus Day?  As you go through the WebQuest be sure to keep your mind open and enjoy making your own discoveries!    

Get your thinking caps on!  Throughout your voyage through this WebQuest you will see, hear, and read things that you may not have known about Christopher Columbus.  As we celebrate Columbus Day this year, I want you to not only know who we are celebrating, but to answer the question, should we celebrate Columbus Day?  Although many people celebrate him as a hero, we should look at all of the facts and decide for ourselves if he is someone worth celebrating.  Be sure to take good notes so you can give reasons for your opinion.  For instance, if you decide that we should continue to celebrate Columbus Day, then saying it is fun to have a day off of school is not an acceptable reason.  Once you have made your decision and gathered your evidence, you will be writing persuasive letters to our principal asking her to keep the holiday, or to no longer celebrate it.  Enjoy your journey. 

Step 1. Due 10-10-16

To begin your voyage, watch this overview of Christopher Columbus from history.com.  You may recognize the names of his ships and a few other facts from years past, but you will be surprised at what else the video has to say.  Note that although they discount some of the accomplishments that are at times accredited to Columbus, they still point out what he did accomplish and seem to support the celebration of Columbus Day.  Take notes on important details from the video.  Use the link for online cornell notes template. 

 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4u8VGTbSMoPMWxfRWptUHV6SE0

Step 2 Due 10-10-16

Use the following websites to complete the worksheet  Worksheet

http://exploration.marinersmuseum.org/subject/christopher-columbus/  (Website 1)

http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcolum.htm (website 2)

Save the worksheet in your google docs and upload to google class

You need to make sure two things are uploaded to google class.

1. Conrell notes 2. worksheet Make sure your name is on both. 

Step 3 10-13-16

When taking a position on a controversy it is always good to look at each sides' perspective.  Read this document from the Order Sons of Italy in America.  Watch this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il5hwpdJMcg 

to see the view of those who wish to instead celebrate an indigenous holiday.  Take notes on both perspectives.  

 https://drive.google.com/openid=0B4u8VGTbSMoPMWxfRWptUHV6SE0

Step 4: 10-15-16

Use the persuasion map (I will give you a hard copy)  to help you plan your letter.  Your goal should be either celebrating Columbus Day or no longer celebrating Columbus Day.  Your three reasons should be main ideas or important details that you discovered on your voyage. Your facts or examples should be information you gathered that supports those three main reasons.  If you prefer to use another planning method please simply explain it to me and I will most likely approve.    Turn in your completed maps.  

Weekend homework 

 think about what you learned throughout your voyage and decide whether you will be arguing for or against the celebration of Columbus Day. Begin thinking about what you learned that could help support your position.

Step 6: Writing Due 10-19-16

Using feedback I have written on your persuasion maps, write a rough draft of your letter to the principal.  If you have any questions or need some guidance I will be circulating around the room to assist you. Keep in mind that formal letters begin with Dear ______, and end with Sincerely, ______.  You are writing to our principal, so be sure to use proper spelling and grammar, and please refrain from using texting or any other form of shorthand.  Your letters should be taken seriously and you want to show that you are proud to stand behind your chosen side on this controversy.

Sgsmlk  (Website 2)

Please take the quick survey and see your opinion results 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCMM6SH