The Alchemist WebQuest

Introduction

Before we read the novel The Achemist by Pablo Coelho, you will need to gather some background information on the major concepts of the novel. These are important foundations that we need to discover before we can work to understand and appreciate Coelho's writing!

Task

Let's start your quest! Copy and paste these questions in a Word Document (mostly so you can save your work) or in Google docs (or something similar) and e-mail me your answers (E-mail: jbolt@ualberta.ca). If you prefer, you can write out the answers on paper (you don't need to copy down the questions). Just ensure that you hand in something to me!

The Alchemist WebQuest Handout:

Click on a link and answer the questions that follow it.

STEP ONE: Alchemy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

1. What is Alchemy?

2. What are the 3 main goals of Alchemy?

3. How is Alchemy different than modern science?

4. What is the etymology of the word "Alchemy" (what does the word mean)?

STEP TWO: Location

http://www.maps.google.com

1. Search: Tarifa
What country is it located in?

2,Search: Tangier
What country is it located in?

3.Search: Al-Fayoum

What country is it located in?

4.Search: Northern Africa
The main character, Santiago, travels from Spain to Egypt, what are the countries he must cross to get to his destiny?

STEP THREE: Definitions, search the following definitions

http://dictionary.reference.com/

1. Allusion

2. Moral

3. Fable

4.Omen

STEP FOUR: Allusions, Go to each webiste under each term and write a couple important facts about the allusion (who and/or what it is and what it involves)

1.Mecca

http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/places/mecca.htm

2.Melchizedek

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/373848/Melchizedek

3. 5 Pillars of Islam (Name and briefly explain)

http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html

4.Philosopher's Stone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosopher's_stone

5. Elixir of Life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elixir_of_life

Process

Visit all the sources and answer all the questions.
Hand in or e-mail your assignment once you have completed it.
(E-mail: jbolt@ualberta.ca)
Take a breath knowing that you are prepared to conquer the Alchemist Unit!

Evaluation

Below is the evaluation rubric for this assignment. The WebQuest answers count for 30 points of the grade. The categories of how the grade is made up are explained below.

Evaluation Rubric

	Poor - 5 points	Developing - 10 points	Good - 15 points	Fantastic - 20 points	Score



Content of Answers	Very little to none questions are answered.	There is some information but most does not pertain to the question. There is no use of resources to support claims.	Most information is clear and relevant with few to no grammar errors and properly cited supporting evidence (or citing has some errors).	All information is clear and relevant to the question and in full sentence format. Everything is properly cited where needed.	_/20

Grammar and Proper Word Usage	Answers have numerous grammatical and structural errors, to the point that the message is unclear.	Answers have a large amount grammatical and structural errors, but the message of the response is understandable.	Answers have a few large word usage and/or grammatical errors, but the response is clear.	Answers have few to no errors. The errors, if any, are small and do not affect the content of the response.	_/10

					_/30

Total Score: __/30

Conclusion

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” Pablo Coelho

Now that you have finished this project, you should pat yourself on the back! Great job! I hope this project has given you the courage to tackle The Alchemist in the coming weeks. If you finish early you can complete a fun modern day alchemy quiz from the following site: http://www.alchemylab.com/quiz.htm