Jamaica's National Heroes

Introduction

Jamaica’s history is shaped by great leaders who fought for the rights of the people. Three of these national heroes—Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, and Alexander Bustamante—made lasting contributions to the country’s independence, politics, and national pride.

Your mission is to become a “Hero Investigator” and uncover the contributions of these great men. 

Task

You will work in small groups to:

1. Research one of the three heroes using a fact sheet.

2. Create a quick hero profile.

3. Present three key facts about your hero.

4. Play a quiz game to test your knowledge.

Process

Step 1: Introduction & Group Assignment (10 minutes)

• The teacher briefly introduces Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, and Alexander Bustamante.

• Students are divided into three groups, each assigned one hero.

• Each group receives a printed fact sheet with key details about their hero.

Step 2: Create a Hero Profile (15 minutes)

Each group will create a simple hero profile on a sheet of paper, including:

• The hero’s name

• Three key contributions

• One challenge they faced

• A simple drawing or symbol that represents them

Step 3: Present Your Hero (15 minutes)

• Each group presents three key facts about their hero to the class in 1-2 minutes.

• Students take notes while listening to other groups.

Step 4: Hero Quiz Game (15 minutes)

• The teacher asks five multiple-choice questions about all three heroes.

• Students answer by raising their hands or writing on mini whiteboards.

• The team with the most correct answers wins!

Step 5: Wrap-Up Discussion (5 minutes)

• The class discusses: Why do we honor these heroes?

• Students share one way they can be heroes in their own communities.

Evaluation

 

Evaluation Rubric

Task Excellent ( 3 points) Good (2 points)

Needs Improvement (1 point)

Hero Profile  Well- organized, clear, and creative; includes all required details. 

Mostly complete but missing some details or creativity. 

Lacks important information; minimal effort.

Presentation

Confident, clear, and well- prepared; all key facts presented.

Good effort but some hesitation; minor  details missing. Needs more preparation; lacks clarity or key facts.
Quiz Participation Answers most questions correctly; actively engaged. Answers some questions correctly; moderate participation.  Few or no correct answers; little participation.

 

Conclusion

Great job, Hero Investigators! You have explored the lives of Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, and Alexander Bustamante.

Now, think about this: How can YOU make a difference in your community, just like these heroes did?

 

Credits

This WebQuest was designed for Grade 6 Social Studies using information from:

• Jamaica Information Service (JIS) – https://jis.gov.jm

• National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) – https://nlj.gov.jm

https://youtu.be/IMVI8u2DlCI?si=raBUquN3-9isC7Kc

https://youtu.be/IMVI8u2DlCI?si=raBUquN3-9isC7Kc

 

Teacher Page

Grade Level:6

Duration: 60 minutes

Subject: Social Studies

Topic: National Heroes

Objectives:

By the end of this WebQuest, students should be able to:

1. Identify the contributions of Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, and Alexander Bustamante.

2. Explain why they are honored as national heroes.

3. Develop teamwork and speaking skills.

Materials Needed:

• Printed fact sheets for each hero

• Chart paper or notebooks for hero profiles

• Markers or pencils for drawing

• A simple oral quiz

Teacher Instructions:

1. Introduce the Topic (10 mins): Briefly explain who the three heroes are and divide students into groups.

2. Group Activity (15 mins): Each group creates a simple hero profile.

3. Presentations (15 mins): Groups share their hero’s key facts.

4. Quiz (15 mins): Ask five quick questions to review what was learned.

5. Wrap-Up Discussion (5 mins): Discuss why we honor these heroes and how students can make a difference.