Introduction
This Webquest is designed for Form 6 SL students who are preparing to read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
Before you read the novel, you need to have some background information on the novel and the author. You will be put into groups by your teacher and then given a topic to discuss in your group, research about it and then provide a resource material for the rest of the class.
If school is safe for us, then you will present what you’ve learned to the rest of the class! If not, be prepared ...you might just have to make a video presenting your wonderful ideas to us and show the rest of the class how you have become an expert in your topic!
Some questions that will be answered by this Webquest:
What is the history of Nigeria?
Who are the Igbo?
What is colonialism and who colonized Africa?
Who is Chinua Achebe and why did he write Things Fall Apart?
Ready to get started? Ok, let's begin...
(Click on the link for Task.)
Task
Groups
In your small discussion groups, you will work together to create a resource material for the class about one topic that relates to the novel, Things Fall Apart.
Each group will research the given topic, take notes on the information, and then create a presentation using PowerPoint, Google slides, Publisher...you choose, as long as the rest of the class can access it and read it!
Lastly, if school is safe and depending on time your group may give a class presentation on your topic and your expertise will help the class understand the background of the novel. Or if we are still stuck indoors at home, I might ask you to present to the class through Zoom for example!
Topics/Scenarios:
- Nigeria: This group will travel across oceans to the continent of Africa. Group members will learn everything they can about the country of Nigeria (where Things Fall Apart takes place) and teach us all about it.
- Igbo: This group will also travel to Africa, but they will focus on the Igbo people. Group members will immerse themselves in the Igbo culture and teach us about their customs, values, history, etc.
- Colonialism: This group will be time travelers and go back to 1890 when British colonialism was at its peak in Africa. Group members will learn about African colonialism in general--more specifically, in Nigeria--and teach us all about it.
- Chinua Achebe: Members of this group will become reporters, using primary and secondary sources to find out information on the author of Things Fall Apart. This group will then report their findings to the class.
- African Storytelling: Members of this group will learn at the importance of storytelling in African culture. You will learn about the history of storytelling and read some of the stories that are often told. Also, group members will become storytellers themselves and tell/a story to the class!
- Nigerian Food: This group will learn about the cultural rituals involving food and drinks. You will report to the class your findings and give examples of recipes that can be used for a class feast. They can create some examples in preparation for when we get back!(Yum!)
(Click on the link for Process to get started.)
Process
Your teacher will have announced on Google Hangouts the groups and what topic you are researching.
Below, you will find the steps for completing your Webquest as a group. Be sure to read the directions carefully and thoroughly. You may only use the websites listed.
Today and next lesson.
- You will work in your discussion group.
- .Take a look at the websites that relate to your topic--this is where you will pull information for your presentation. You may only use these websites AND the links within these sites. (See the list below.)
- As you research and take notes (DON'T PLAGIARIZE!), think about how you will divide your information into subtopics and which group member will be responsible for each one. Include visuals, such as: maps, graphs, timelines, photos, etc. You may use websites other than the ones listed for IMAGES ONLY, but be sure to keep track because you must list the sources on your Works Cited slide.
- You may have to continue researching for homework. It is your group's responsibility to make sure that by the third lesson your research is done.
NIGERIA
http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/Nigeria.html
http://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/index.php?page=about-nigeria
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/nigeria-guide/
http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Country_Specific/Nigeria.html
IGBO CULTURE
http://www.africaguide.com/culture/tribes/ibo.htm
http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/Igbo.html
COLONIALISM IN AFRICA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/index_section11.shtml
http://www.southernct.edu/organizations/hcr/2002/nonfiction/colonialism.htm
http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africanaage/essay-colonization-of-africa.html
http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/students/curriculum/m9/activity4.php
CHINUA ACHEBE ACHEBE
http://www.notablebiographies.com/A-An/Achebe-Chinua.html
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/achebe.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCic_RoPhoM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl9lE5yN1qY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilB_4FtlG6M
*Note: The youtube links are three parts of an interview with Chinua Achebe. You must watch all three parts in order; otherwise it won't make sense.
AFRICAN STORYTELLING
http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/hum211/afrstory.htm
http://africanstorytelling.net/2010/10/african-storytelling-four-distinctions/
http://africa.mrdonn.org/griots.html
NIGERIAN FOOD
http://www.answers.com/topic/palm-wine
http://www.igboguide.org/HT-chapter8.htm
http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/.
Lesson Three
- Use your research notes to create your resource material for the class. Each group member must contribute information and be responsible for writing up part of the resource.
- You will need to reference all your work. This can be a separate page or added at the end .Create a Works Cited title and present your references using the MLA format. Include all the websites. You may use sites such as Noodletools to create your Works Cited. (Watch the video link here on how to use Noodletools
https://youtu.be/S3t-7mKYFoo - Your resource material should be finished by next Thursday 7th May.
- Use the class time to work on it and discuss with the others in your group, share ideas etc. You can ask the teacher as well during the lesson time for any questions nor guidance. You will need to spend time outside lesson time to complete it.
- Keep these Do's and Don'ts in mind:
Do:
Use pictures to enhance your presentation. Be sure to cite all images on the Works Cited.
Embed videos or other media to enhance your presentation.
Use bullet points or an outline to present information.
Paraphrase and summarize the research information.
Edit and proofread numerous times to avoid errors!
Don't:
Use too many pictures or graphics--it takes the focus away from the content of the presentation.
Copy and paste text into your presentation without citing it--this is plagiarism!
Write blocks of text--keep in mind it's a presentation, not an essay.
Use sounds that will be distracting.
Evaluation
Ask the others in class how useful and interesting the resource material was. Did they understand what was written? Any suggestions for improvements? What was missing?
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now an expert in your chosen topic and are ready to teach the rest of the class about it. Woo hoo!
I can now sit back and let you take over teaching Things Fall Apart! - Not!
Credits
Webquest
Created using Google Sites Template
Permission
We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited. The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions.
Original Author of Webquest before modification:
Veronica Calles created the original webquest for her M.S. in Education with emphasis in Technology at CSU Fullerton. She has a B.A. in English Literature and Composition and a Single Subject Credential in English, both from San Jose State University. She currently teaches in Santa Barbara, California.