The Goal: The goal of this WebQuest is to teach students how to read and evaluate Internet material for a specific purpose and audience. Each team of three students is given a task to determine the best web site to find the identified information needed by a middle school student. Each team is given three web sites to evaluate. Each student must complete three web evaluation forms, one for each site. Then the team members will compare their evaluations and determine through consensus which one to recommend for the particular task. Each team is required to write three letters. One to congratulate the web site selected and two others to inform the "rejected" sites. The Materials: one week in the computer lab folders for each team identification badges for each team pencils, highlighters, and pens color-coded nametags (three for each color) with team members identified (they can be done randomly or deliberately) All print materials can be accessed through the site; however you may want copies on hand. Print materials include: MCPS Evaluate Your Web Site SWI@MS.COM Contract Team Choice Sheet Team Rejection Sheet Team Member Attitude Rubric Team Member Product Rubric Evaluation Sheet What Students Will Know and Be Able to Do: Use the Internet Read for information (a specific purpose) Critically evaluate informational web sites Write business letters Work in groups Reach consensus Practice decision making Use Microsoft Work Use PowerPoint Create a polished finished product I suggest that as a class the teacher walks the students trhough the process. There are 12 teams; therefore enough tasks for 36 students. If you have 36 students in the computer lab at the same time, ask for a BIG raise. It would be wise to choose one of the teams, and do it with the students, or let them all do the same one as a class to practice. That will afford the teacher the opportunity to troubleshoot any major problems before they materialize. Differentiation: Examine the team's tasks. Some are more difficult that others. If you choose to ability group students, then choose accordingly. However, for this project heterogeneous groups work best. Everyone brings a different perspective and need to the discussion. There is an opportunity to examine more sites built into the quest if a student wishes. An Added Bonus for Teachers The sites identified for each team may be changed. You can develop yor own tasks and attach them. A science teacher may choose to just do science related tasks. However, it would be wise to allow students the opportunity to evaluate these sites first so they garner some experience. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I'd love to hear about successes and extensions, but I need to know the flaws so I can fix them as well. If your students create PowerPoint slides, please send them in an attachment so I can share them with my students. carole_tauber@fc.mcps.k12.md.us SWI@MS.COM WebQuest