Nuyorican Poets Café Webquest

Introduction

     Hello 8th graders! Welcome to the year 1973!

     As fate has it, you are a young intern for the New York Times. Tired of making coffee and occupying the smallest desk in the office that is next to the bathroom, you have been devoting all your extra time to find your first big new break.

     Your hard work is about to pay off.

     One Friday night, your best friend from the Lower East Side of New York lets slip that there has been a buzz in the neighborhood. A group of talented Puerto Rican poets and playwrights, including Miguel Piñero, have been meeting at an apartment, just a few plots down from your friend's apartment. 

     You decide to take a look.

Task

Your task it to:

1. Bring an authentic Puerto Rican dish. (You don't want to show up empty-handed.) This will keep you aquainted with the culture and spice of life. Find your recipe and post it. 

2. Likewise, you will need to briefly list 3 customs or traditions of the Puerto Rican culture. Remember that while you may be a New Yorker, you are no where close to a Nuyorican.

3. Attend a poetry night at the apartment. (Psst! Tonight, Miguel Piñero is performing, "Seekin' the Cause")

     *While you're there, take note of the mannerisms and language Miguel uses. This will make a great human interest piece. 

4. Write your article. Answer all the points of the "High Five" Model of writing.

     *These are: 1. News (what happened), 2. Impact (why should I care?), 3. Context (what's the history here), 4. Scope (who is affected?), 5. Edge** (what's next?)

**Edge: you will answer this more in depth for your next assignment. You are only required to briefly explain the edge for your article for your webquest project.

!!! Remember, this is your first big break that could get you a desk away from the men's room. Check for errors and make it interesting!

Process

Here are your links:

1. You can use any of these: http://www.topuertorico.org/culture/foodrink.shtml

http://thelatinkitchen.com/slideshow/best-puerto-rican-recipes

2. This link has many different categories you may click on. http://www.topuertorico.org/culture/ 

3. Seekin' the Cause by Miguel Piñero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkY9BtSxyWQ 

4. These will help, but do not feel limited.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuyorican_Poets_Caf%C3%A9

http://www.nuyorican.org/nuyorican-poets-cafe/history-awards

Evaluation

Title: Webquest Rubric
Teacher Name: Ms. Walker
Student Name: Date:


Content


0-7        The content is absent or not related to the topic.
8-13      The content is ordinary and somewhat related to the topic.
14-19    The content is clear and directly related to the topic.
20-25    The content is substantial, intriguing, and original. It relates directly to the topic.

Paragraph Development

0-7         Few or no paragraphs relate to the topic; transitions between paragraphs are awkward
8-13        Some paragraphs relate to the topic and present convincing details that support the argument; transitions between paragraphs are sometimes smooth.
14-19      Many paragraphs relate to the topic and often present convincing details; paragraphs
often flow seamlessly from one to the other.
20-25       Each paragraph always relates to the topic and presents details that allow the reader to understand the argument more complete; paragraphs flow seamlessly from one to the other.

Purpose

0-7          There is no purpose relevant to the assignment. Several parts of the task were left uncompleted.
8-13        Purpose is vague, misstated, or not always supported by details. Most parts of the task were completed.
14-19       Purpose is defined and understandable, supported by details. All parts of the task were completed, but with error.
20-25       Clearly defined purpose, carefully and convincingly presented. All parts of the task were completed effectively.

Grammar

0-7          Grammar choices keep readers from understanding the piece.
8-13        Grammar choices sometimes confuse readers.
14-19      Uses appropriate grammar that does not interfere with meaning.

20-25      Uses completely appropriate grammar that helps readers understand meaning.

Total Score: points out of 100 possible points.

Self Evaluation (+5 points):

Conclusion

Wonderful searching! I am proud of you!

Submit your completed work to your Editor (Ms. Walker), and patiently await the results. If you recieve an A on your project, consider yourself apart of the permanent news team!!

If you do not receive an A, you will have to keep being viligiant! Your hardwork will pay off eventually. And when it does, your writing will be as smooth as Miguel Piñero.

Credits