About this WebQuest
Created by: Jeff Gerlach
Published: March 1, 2010
Intended Grade Level: High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Subject: Political Science/ Civics
Expected Time Required: 2 to 3 hours, depending on class size and aptitudes
Published: March 1, 2010
Intended Grade Level: High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Subject: Political Science/ Civics
Expected Time Required: 2 to 3 hours, depending on class size and aptitudes
Michigan Curriculum Framework
Click the above image to view the entire framework in a pdf handbook.
The following social studies standards are met by this WebQuest:
Civics Standards
Civics Standards
- Standard III.I Purposes of Government.
- Standard III.2 Ideals of American Democracy
- Standard III.3 Democracy in Action
- Standard III.4 American Government and Politics
- Standard VII.I Responsible Personal Conduct
Pedagogical Strategies
This WebQuest utilizes inquiry based strategies to guide students in their engagement with internet resources. The role of the teacher is that of "guide-on-the side", a learning facilitator there to provide support and guide the learning process.
Above all else, the WebQuest is designed to spark controlled exploration. Students interact with internet resources, but these resources are restricted to a carefully chosen group of sites. Initially, students interact with blog resources in a largely tutorial manner. Slowly this shifts to allowing them to construct their own blogs utilizing political resources. The goal is to have students model their behavior after positive blog examples so that they may maximize the power of the web 2.0 technology.
Above all else, the WebQuest is designed to spark controlled exploration. Students interact with internet resources, but these resources are restricted to a carefully chosen group of sites. Initially, students interact with blog resources in a largely tutorial manner. Slowly this shifts to allowing them to construct their own blogs utilizing political resources. The goal is to have students model their behavior after positive blog examples so that they may maximize the power of the web 2.0 technology.
Utilizing RSS Readers
If you are a teacher who wants to use this WebQuest in your classroom, I strongly advise utilizing an RSS reader's ability to send your students' blog posts to you and to their peers.
If you are unfamiliar with with RSS, the video to the right will be a great introduction for you.
Netvibes and Google Reader are both great RSS Readers that I strongly recommend. Using an RSS reader to grade/view blog posts is a much more efficient process than visiting each blog individually by saving the links.
In addition, having your students set up their own RSS Reader pages will increase the quality of collaboration on eachother's blogs via commenting.
If you are unfamiliar with with RSS, the video to the right will be a great introduction for you.
Netvibes and Google Reader are both great RSS Readers that I strongly recommend. Using an RSS reader to grade/view blog posts is a much more efficient process than visiting each blog individually by saving the links.
In addition, having your students set up their own RSS Reader pages will increase the quality of collaboration on eachother's blogs via commenting.
It may be wise to conduct a tutorial lesson in which students set up their own RSS reader page prior to engaging in this WebQuest, if you would like to utilize this technology.
Credits/Influences
- The Member of Congress activity was inspired by a similar lesson created by Shannon Pypa
- All embedded videos are from YouTube
- The online quiz was created using ProProfs (This site offers much more detailed scoring data than the simple certificate that the students submit via email in the Blogosphere section in case you wanted to create your own.)
- "Blogging Monkeys" cartoon by Christopher J. Falvey
- "House of Representatives Chamber" photo courtesy of knowledgerush.com
- "Map of Michigan's 14th Congressional District" from John Conyers Jr.'s congressional website
