Visiting Our Nation's Capitol

A WebQuest for 4th Grade Social Studies

Designed by

Mrs.McLynch
Mrs.Pinsoneault
Mrs.Thomas

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction
     Your grandmother's friend, Mrs.Lafayette, lives in France.  She is visiting the U.S. next month with her grandchildren , Pierre and Colette, who are your age.  Grandma has asked you to be their "tour guide" on a quick trip toWashington, D.C. because she knows your class will be studying the major monuments and historical sites in our nation's capital. Mrs. Lafayette has mailed a list of the places that they are particularly interested in visiting.  Grandma has asked you to provide them with background information on these monuments and historical sites so everyone will know more about them before you "hit the road".
 
 
 
 



The Task
      Grandma knows that there is lots of information on the Internet that is not true.  Therefore, she will not just let you "surf the web" to find information for your new French friends.  She is requiring you to use at least one encyclopedia and one non-fiction book to prove or disprove what you find on the web so you will not be sending them false information. Therefore, after using both Internet resources and library print materials, you will send a letter  to Mrs. Lafayette and her grandchildren reporting on your research. In addition, you will send a copy of your research notes.  Also, since you will be missing school during the actual trip, your teacher will expect you to complete a creative project based on one of the monuments or historical sites that you visit. 
     




The Process
     The places Mrs. Lafayette, Pierre and Colette would like to visit in Washington, D.C. include the following monuments and historical sites:
 
 
White House 
Capitol Building 
Library of Congress
Smithsonian Museums
Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Iwo Jima Memorial 
(Marine Corps War Memorial)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Washington Monument

 
 

      Your teacher will give you a form to complete while using the Internet and library resources for  research. On this form you will list several important facts about each place and an opinion that is based on your research..  You will also record the sources where your information was found.  Spend one half of your class time in the computer lab using the Internet websites listed below.  You will spend  the remaining class time in the library using the computer card catalogue, encyclopedias and other nonfiction sources. 

Click on the stars below to find information.
Ben's Guide to Government: Symbols of U.S. Government
FactMonster: Washington, D. C. Memorials and Landmarks
KidPort Reference Library: Washington, D. C. Landmarks
National Park Service: Washington, D. C.

    When your research is complete, you will write a letter to Grandma's friend.  In your letter you will introduce yourself, explain your research process, and describe in detail the three places in Washington, D.C. that you are most anxious to visit. You will also complete a slideshow for Mrs. Lafayette that she can use to persuade her grandchildren to come with her on the trip.
        Following your trip to Washington, your teacher may also ask you to choose one of the monuments or historical sites you visited and  complete one of the creative projects listed below. (Details for each project will be provided by your teacher.)

  • a travel brochure
  • an advertising poster
  • a diagram
  • a poem
  • a song
  • a postage stamp design
  • a t-shirt design
  • a skit
  • a diorama




Evaluation

You will be evaluated individually on the following items:

  • Your research
  • Your letter to Mrs. Lafayette
  • Your creative project


RUBRIC

RESEARCH   (35 points) 

Use of Time  (10)                             _____
Note-Taking (25)                             _____

LETTER         (30 points)

Content  (20)                                   _____
Mechanics/Spelling (10)                   _____

POWERPOINT PROJECT       (35 points)

Content  (20)                                   _____
Map (10)                                         _____
Planning/Creativity  (5)                   _____
 

          TOTAL SCORE           ___________
 



Conclusion
     After completing this webquest, you have visited many of the important monuments and historical sites in our nation's capital.  You have learned about their history and significance as symbols of our country.  If you are particularly interested in learning more about these places or others continue to use your research skills both on the computer and in the library.  We hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.in the future and act as an actual tour guide for others. 


Credits & References

http://www.readio.com/americas/washington-dc/images/white-house.jpg
http://www.oftheeising.com/images/300/capitol-300.jpg
http://www.wellesley.edu/Polisci/Intern/Washington-Monument.jpg
http://intergate.sdmesa.sdccd.cc.ca.us/political_science/photos/jefferson-memorial.jpg
http://curtwelch.com/neptune-fountain/building2.jpg
http://www.readio.com/americas/washington-dc/images/lincoln-memorial.jpg
http://www.faraway-soclose.org/photos/dc01.html
http://www.marine-family.org/trip/iwotitle.jpg
http://photos.nondot.org/2002-04-20-Washington-DC/2002-04-21/full/079%20-%20Vietnam%20Veterans%20Memorial%20Wall.jpg
http://www.leechco.com/bigtrip/bt091702castle.gif
 
 
 
 
 
 


Last updated on July 8, 2004. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

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