A Quest for a New Homeland

A WebQuest for Grade 5
By: Nicole Dotson
Kimberly Skoglund
Amy Terrible
Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction

The United States land is no longer fit for human habitation.   All U.S. citizens have 30 days to gather their belongings and relocate to one of six  countries.   Those six countries are Japan, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Brazil and India.  

Task

In a group of five, you will be assigned to learn about one of the six countries listed above.   Using the information you find you will compose a persuasive essay.  Your group will also present your findings to the class in a creative way.

Process

Phase I: Gathering Information

Your job is to find out the country's culture (including food and language), religious beliefs, history, geography and any other fun facts you find along the way.  

To begin your journey, click on the flag of your assigned country.

 Japanese Flag        South Africa Flag         German Flag   

    Japan                   S. Africa                 Germany 

           Flag of Brazil                         Flag of India

   Italy                       Brazil                       India

Additional Resources:

Japan

http://www.mtsu.edu/~intr020c

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/AO107666.html

www.countryreports.org/japan.htm

South Africa

www.saembassy-jakarta.or.id/basicfacts.html

www.infoplease.com

http://workmall.com

Germany

www.germanculture.com.ua/

www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gm.html

Italy

www.boglewood.com

www.tricolore.net/culture.htm

Brazil

www.geocities.com/Paris/Cafe/9327/history.htm

www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/brazil

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/brazil

India

www.kamat.com/kalranga/timeline/timeline.htm

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/india

 

Phase II:  Documenting Information

Your group will prepare a 2-3 page paper documenting the findings on your assigned country.  Take special care to address each of the points that you were asked to research.   Your paper should include the following:

Phase III:  Persuasive Presentation

Your group will prepare a 20 minute presentation, persuading United States citizens to live in your country.  Your group should bring in any items that may help you reach this ultimate goal (i.e. clothing, food, music, literature, pictures, etc.).  HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE!!

Evaluation

Overall, your group will be evaluated on participation, cooperation, and contribution.  The following areas will be taken into consideration for your group grade:

 

4

3

2

1

Content

More than one paragraph written for each of the five research areas.

Paragraphs include all essential information.

Only one paragraph written for each of the five research areas.

Paragraphs lack some essential information.

Less than one paragraph written and missing some essential information.

Little or no essential information.

Cultural Representation

Cultural representation is provided and represents each of the five research areas.

All representation is tangible.

Cultural representation is provided for and represents at least four of the five research areas.

Most representation is tangible.

Cultural representation is provided for and represents three or less of the research areas.

Some representation is tangible.

Little or no cultural representation is provided for the five research areas.

Neatness

All paragraphs are typed and easy to read.

No grammatical errors.

Most paragraphs are typed and easy to read.

One to three grammatical errors.

Some paragraphs are typed and easy to read.

More than three grammatical errors.

Little or no paragraphs are typed and easy to read.

Many grammatical errrors. 

Presentation

All members participate.

Voices are clear and easy to understand.

There is interaction with the class.

All members participate.

Most of presentation is clear and easy to understand.

 

Most members participate.

Most of presentation is clear and easy to understand.

Only a few members participate.

Most of presentation difficult to understand.

Conclusion

Congratulations!  You are now experts on the six countries that were explored.  Now that you understand and appreciate what each has to offer, what country would you like to live in and why?