A WebQuest for Grades 4, 5 and 6

Designed by D. Naujokaitis and The Pugglers

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Canada is a vast country, proud of its diversity, its multiculturalism and the accomplishments of her people. Canada is especially proud of all the authors who are writing books for children that are well- known around the world. Who are these men and women who are promoting literacy and the joy of reading? What kind of books are being written for children in Canada? 

Your job as a member of an investigative team is to research Canadian authors. Your task has many levels to explore.

• Before choosing an author you will have to decide for what age level the author will be writing. Most of the teams are interested in books that are for their age level (Grades 4-7)
• Conduct research using both online and offline inquiry techniques to find the author that will interest you. Be a risk taker and research someone you haven't heard of before.
• You may decide to work backwards. You might find a book  written by a Canadian author that you would love to read. Read it and then find out all you can about the author.
• Using HTML or a webpage editor (Claris Homepage, Frontpage or Flash) you will design a webpage to showcase your chosen author.
• Your webpage will be part of an electronic gallery celebrating Canadian authors for children.

To accomplish this task, these are the steps you will follow.

1. You you will work with a partner.
2. Each team member will have an opportunity to play different roles throughout the webquest- recorder, designer, webmaster, investigator- according to the role that the activities demands.
3. After you decide on the author you should direct your research to find the following information
   • Biography:  include date and place of birth, childhood, family, education. Keep it short, concise and interesting.
   • Why did he/she become a writer?
   • What type of books are written? Give examples  with a review of at least one book.
   • Did the author receive any awards?
   • How is the author inspired? Where do the ideas come from?
   • Do they have a special process or way of writing?
   • What advice does your author have for budding new writters?
   • Why do you like/dislike the author's books?
4. Use the links provided below to help you do your research. Choose someone you don't know and conduct a thorough analysis.
5. Create a webpage for your author. Make sure you cite your sources (at least three) and obtain permission for use of graphics and information.

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Evaluation

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Conclusion