Introduction
     This lesson was developed as part of a summer course, Linking the Curriculum with the Internet, offered in the Winchendon Public School District in conjunction with Fitchburg State College.
      This webquest is based on the MA Social Studies frameworks and addresses the standards dealing with the major monuments and historical sites in Washington, D.C.  The components of the lesson include an Internet search, library research, note-taking, letter writing and a creative project.
 

Learners
     This lesson is designed for the 4th grade Social Studies curriculum but also addresses several Language Arts standards.  It can easily be extended to other grade levels and subject areas. For example, students could use both math and map skills to design a map of the monuments and historical sites of  Washington, D.C. to scale.
    Students need basic computer skills on navigating the Internet.  They need prior knowledge on use of the library card catalog, finding information in nonfiction resources and use of a print encyclopedia.  To complete written assignments, students should have knowledge of  the parts of a letter as well as the difference between fact and opinion.
 
 

Curriculum Standards
 
 

Social Studies Standards Addressed

Concepts and Skills
4.  Observe and describe national historic sites and describe their function and significance.

Regions of the United States
4.19  Identify major monuments and historical sites in and around Washington, D.C.

ELA Standards Addressed

Reading and Literature
8.15 Locate facts that answer the reader's questions.
8.17 Distinguish fact from opinion or fiction.
13.6 Identify and use knowledge of common textual features (paragraphs, topic sentences, concluding sentences, glossary).
13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader's questions.

Composition
19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research.
22.4 Use knowledge of correct mechanics, usage, and sentence structure when writing and editing.
23.5 Organize ideas for an account of personal experience in a way that makes sense.
24.2 Identify and apply steps in conducting and reporting research.

      Many thinking and communication skills are utilized during this webquest. These skills include creative problem solving,  creative production, critical thinking, observation and categorization and making inferences. 
 
 

Process
      Students will conduct research on the Internet using the following links:

http://www.awildorchid.com/monuments2.htm

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/index.html

http://www.nps.gov/nama/monuments/monument.htm

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0772993.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress

http://www.usatourist.com/english/places/dc/smithsonian.html

http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/tour.html

http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/SocialStudies/Landmarks/WashDC.htm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/monuments/washingtonmonument/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/monuments/whitehouse/
 
 

      Students will spend an equal amount of time in both the computer lab and the school library.  They will use a printed worksheet to record and organize their notes (fact and opinions). The worksheet will require them to verify information found on the web using library resources.  Upon completion of the worksheet, students will compose a letter summarizing their findings and expressing opinions based on what they have read.  Finally, they will apply their new knowledge in a creative project of their choice.
      The webquest is designed to be completed in 4 sessions in both the computer lab and library. It would be completed by one class at a time but is intended for use by all students in the grade level.
 
 
 
 

Resources Needed
 

• Computer lab
• Library
• Encyclopedias
• Nonfiction books 
• Teacher prepared notetaking worksheet
• Paper and pencil for letter writing
• Supplies for creative art project (posterboard, shoeboxes, markers, etc.)

Evaluation

RESEARCH   (35 points) 

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

LETTER         (35 points)

Content  (20)                                   _____
Mechanics/Spelling (15)                   _____

PROJECT       (30 points)

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

          TOTAL SCORE           ___________
 
 

Conclusion

     This webquest covers a major section of the Massachusetts Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks.  While learning about specific monuments and historical sites in Washington, D.C., students will enjoy using the Internet and conducting library research.  They will be given the opportunity to use their creativity both in the letter writing assignment and final project.  
 
 

Credits & References

     Please refer to the websites listed in the Process section above.  Photo credits are listed on the student webquest page.