Thanksgiving Webquest

Introduction

Welcome to the Thanksgiving Webquest!  

You are the star reporter in our newspaper, so we have decided to give you our hottest job.

Have you ever traveled on a ship?

Have you ever traveled on a ship for two whole months in a row?! The Pilgrims did, as they traveled to America for the very first time.

Now here's your chance to travel with them, to join the journey, and find out all about life on a ship back in the 1600's.

We need you to report back to us about all the details you have found out as you go along. 

You'll also be writing an article for us at the end of the trip. Are you ready? Grab your bags and let's go!

Task

Okay, now that you're on the boat, it's time to take out pen and paper and start taking notes on everything you see!

We'd like to hear about everything so that our readers can really picture the scene.

Tour the boat, meet the passengers, talk to the captain, and let us know everything you find out!

You'll be using several websites to find the information you need, and at the end, you'll be writing an article for the newspaper.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Process

1.  First you'll be divided into groups of two, and you'll be working together to explore some web sites and write your notes. Keep a journal of all the information you find out.  Please use the journal template provided by your teacher.

2.  The first thing you must research is the luggage that was brought on the ship.

What kinds of things did the Pilgrims bring with them?

They couldn't have too many things because they didn't have a lot of room.

Use the website below to find out what kinds of things and how many things they were allowed to bring.  

Then make a list of those things.

Record all of this information in your journal.

Once you are finished exploring this site, don't forget to write or draw your findings in your journal!

Name at least 5 things that would be most important to you and explain why.

http://www.mayflowerhistory.com

3. You and the Pilgrims are going to be on this ship for quite some time. Explore their new home, and let us know all about it!

Use the link below to explore the ship's areas and their uses. 

Record all the information in your journal.                                                                                                                                        

This is a big ship. Why don't you make a map of the ship that could have helped the passengers navigate their way around? Be sure to label and describe how each part is used.

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/voyage/tour.htm

4. Now that you have gotten familiar with the boat, it is time to get to know the people.

With over 100 people on board, there must have been many interesting things happening every day.

Tell us about some of the interesting things you have found out.

Use the sites below to explore the happenings on the voyage.

Record at least 3 of these findings in detail in your journal.  

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/voyage/journey.htm

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/mayflower.htm

 6. After 66 long days the pilgrims have arrived at their destination, America!

Explore where they arrived and write a reflection of the expedition and your thoughts about the new world.

  • How do you feel their trip went?
  • Would you want to have actually gone on it?
  • Do you think they were nervous about their new life in America?
  • What challenges do you think they might face in their next adventure?

These are just a few things to ask yourself when writing your last journal entry.

http://mayflowerhistory.com/voyage/

7. Now you must look over your journal entries and figure out which points you want to include in your newspaper.

Keep in mind that a lot of different kinds of people might be reading our newspaper, so try to include various details that will interest everyone!

Use the Google Doc template provided by your teacher.

  • You must include:
    • 3 short articles
    • 3 pictures and captions
    • 2 quotes
    • Name your Newspaper

We are sure you will do a great job! 

Evaluation

This is how your work will be evaluated. Keep this in mind as you work to make sure you are on the right track and doing a great job!
Evaluation Rubric
  Poor (10) Good (15) Excellent (25) Score
Creativity Student used little or no creativity in journal entries and design. Student used some creativity in journal entries and design. Student showed much creativity in journal entries and design.
Accuracy Student's journal entries were not accurate and showed little understanding of lesson. Student's journal was mostly accurate, but contained a few falsehoods. Shows moderate understanding of lesson. Student's journal entries were completely accurate and student showed complete understanding of lesson.
Completion Student completed 1-2 journal entries to full requirement. Student completed 3-4 journal entries to full requirement, and completed the article. Student completed all journal entries to full requirement, and completed the article and presentation.
Neatness/ Organization Student's journal was messy and unorganized. Student's journal was somewhat organized, but needs some work. Student's journal was very neat and organized.

Conclusion

By now you probably have a very good idea of what was going on in the Mayflower, and what it was like to be a Pilgrim on the ship.

Now that you have finished your journal and article, you have made our newspaper very proud!

We can't wait to give our star reporters another amazing article to complete!