USF's WebQuest
Teacher's Page
| Unit Summary | Teacher's Resources | Day 1 Lesson | Day 2 Lesson |
| Day 3 Lesson | Day 4 Lesson | Day 5 Lesson | Day 6 Lesson |
| Day 7 Lesson | Conclusion | Student's Web Quest | |
WebQuest Title: England: A Tiny Island Nation With Colossal Influence
Author: Kevin Anthony
Date: February 4, 2003
Dear Colleague:
This webquest is designed to be a part of a larger 7-day unit on the geography and history of England. Moreover, it is designed to illustrate how the geographic circumstances of England helped to shape the development of this small country into a major world power. This webquest asks the students to draw from many Internet sources to study the history, geography, culture, climate, and natural resources of England. Utilizing the wealth of information available to the students on this subject, they will complete 3 major tasks that will be beneficial to their knowledge and understanding of this subject, and will help them become more acquainted with projects and presentations that they will encounter at a college level.
Goals/Objectives:
The main goal of this unit is to convince students that geography plays a vital role in the development of nations and in history in general. Most people simply think of geography as maps with rivers and mountains labeled in their proper places. Geography is so much more important than people realize. Whether we realize it or not, it surrounds us all and touches us all, and affects our history, economy, climate, and even future. While basic fundamentals of geography such as map making and reading are important aspects, it is important to study the various other elements that encompass geography as a subject. Through the lecture, webquest activity, and group presentations central to this unit, the instructor hopes to make students aware of the importance of geography and begin to help students create projects that will be similar to those that they will produce later in their academic careers, or in future jobs.Days:
7 days (50 minute)
Content:
All materials that will be used for the introductory lecture and webquest activities will be for a high school reading level. Internet sources will be relied upon very heavily, but books and physical maps, as well as any other resources are encouraged and accepted.
Methods:
This unit will employ direct instruction and cooperative learning as the two major teaching techniques. Not only will the teacher use direct instruction when presenting the main lectures, but the students will use a form of direct instruction themselves when they present their materials to the class.
Webquest Summary:
Goals/Objectives:
This webquest is designed to give students a greater appreciation for the importance of geography in the development of a major nation, in this case England. This activity will require students to work in groups of four, and will rely heavily upon cooperative learning. Students will be expected to complete three main assignments: 3-5 page historical/geographic analysis, two maps, and a power point presentation about their intended trip to England. Each group will present their materials to the class on days six and seven of the unit.
Days:
3 days (50 minutes)
Content:
The main resource for this webquest is the Internet, which is no surprise. However, students are encouraged to find books or other aides that may provide them with extra help, especially for the historical analysis.
Methods:
Cooperative learning is the main focus of this webquest, but the students will also have to present their materials to the class for analysis as well, so they are getting great experience with direct instruction as well. This assignment should allow students to work as a team to complete a major educational project.
Unit Information:
Unit Lesson Sequence
Day 1 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Lecture Early English History Day One Lesson Plan Early Kingship Handout about Kings Conquest Early Administrative Institutions Common Law
Day 2 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Lecture English Geography including climate, major cities, industries, crops, and rivers. Day 2 Lesson Plan Introduction to webquests Handout on later kings Division into groups Power Point Handout for webquest expectations Expectations Handout
Day 3 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Webquest Students will begin their activity in their assigned groups of four Internet Teacher will circulate to answer questions and check progress of the groups.
Day 4 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Webquest Students will continue working Internet
Day 5 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Webquest Students will continue working Internet
Day 6 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Student Presentations Groups will present their maps and power point presentations to the class highlighting their intended trips to England. Internet, Power Point
Day 7 Back to Top
Lesson Plan Outline
Method (Attention Getter, Lecture, Callout Group, etc) Content/Key Ideas/Concepts/Facts
Materials
(Transparencies, audio, handouts, etc)Student Presentations The remainder of the groups will present their materials to the class for evaluation. Internet, Power Point
Hopefully after completing this webquest activity and unit on the geography of England, the students will have a greater appreciation for the importance of geography and the effect it has on the historical development of nations. Moreover, it is my belief that completing group projects like this one, will positively affect the academic and employment futures of the students. We are all going to have to work with other people our entire lives to complete tasks in our jobs and academic careers, so the sooner they learn to cooperate with one another, the better off they will be.
Credits/References: Hollister, C. Warren. The Making of England 7th ed. Lexington, Massachusetts: D.C. Heath and Co., 1996.
Smith, Lacey Baldwin. This Realm of England 7th ed. Lexington, Massachusetts: D.C. Heath and C., 1996.