Introduction
The Enlightenment was a period of new ideas. In this webquest, you will be researching what those new ideas were and how they effect the way we think today.
Task
Your group task is to find and analyze the writings of Enlightenment thinkers.
- Find the writings of at least three different Enlightenment thinkers and list their names.
- Read a document that each thinker has written and determine what the primary subject is.
- Compare their ideas to the ways we think today.
Process
The following websites can be used to learn more about the Enlightenment. You are also free to use other websites, so long as you cite the source that you found it from.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/enlightenment
https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/what-enlightenment-and-how-did-it-transform-politics
https://iep.utm.edu/american-enlightenment-thought/
Evaluation
Below is the rubric. A total of 9 points may be earned for completing the tasks listed.
| Task | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Identify Enlightenment thinkers. | Identify 3 Enlightenment thinkers. | Identify at least 2 Enlightenment thinkers. | Identify only 1 Enlightenment thinker. |
| Analyze Enlightenment writings. | Determine the primary subject of 3 Enlightenment documents. | Determine the primary subject of at least 2 Enlightenment documents. | Determine the primary subject of only one Enlightenment document. |
| Compare Enlightenment ideas to today. | Find 3 comparisons of Enlightenment ideas with today. | Find at least 2 comparisons of Enlightenment ideas with today. | Find only 1 comparison of Enlightenment ideas with today. |
Conclusion
The Enlightenment was a great turning point in how people saw the world around them. It's effects can still be seen today in regards to how people view things like science and government. Hopefully this webquest has provided you with a deeper understanding of your own perceptions.
Teacher Page
This webquest is designed for 9th grade World History while learning about the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution.