WebQuest on The National Mall

Introduction:

Our Nation's Capitol is an exciting and intriguing place. If you are lucky enough to visit there you will most likely leave feeling as if you needed more time to explore and understand what you have witnessed. Hopefully this WebQuest will allow you an opportunity to further enhance your knowledge about Washington, DC and a few of the many historical landmarks which make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Task:

You and a your partner will work in cooperative pairs. One of you will be the navigator and will work at the keyboard as the two of you complete this project. Your partner will assume the responsibilities of the recorder and will keep a written log of all information which together you deem necessary.

Together you will explore a web site that will enable you to take a virtual field trip to many historical landmarks located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Afterward, you will take an online quiz and then submit your answers to your teacher for evaluation.

The Process:

At the computer:

1. Click on Resources to view and print out the Mall Organizer. On this sheet you will take notes as you take your virtual field trip.
2. Click on Resources to visit the Mall Map which will be the launching point for your tour.
3. Read and follow directions for going to The Washington Monument and begin taking notes. Read the entire page.
4. At the bottom of the page click on "continue the tour to_The White House_." Continue on the tour until you have visited all twelve sites ending at The Library of Congress. (STOP)
5. Click on FILE and QUIT.
6. Click on Resources to visit and print the Mall Tour Quiz. Take the quiz on-line or traditionally (the teacher will instruct you as to which way).

In the classroom:

Discuss and share with your classmates what you discovered while on your virtual field trip. Include in your discussion any problems which occurred between you and your partner, or any difficulties you may have been faced with.

Write a review of the web site on which you did your surfing. Be sure to include good points as well as areas needing improvement.Do not forget to include information on what you were able to learn on your virtual field trip.

*If you are using this site as a preview for an upcoming visit to Washington, DC, than upon your return reevaluate the information found in this quest. Write an essay evaluating the accuracy of the information,its value to you on your visit, and the depth and quality of the information given. Include in your essay any information you feel should be added to this quest.

Resources:

MALL ORGANIZER

MALL MAP

MALL TOUR QUIZ

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Evaluation:

• Work is done cooperatively. Each student contributes and time is spent on task.
• Directions are followed accurately.
• Work is completed on time.
• The Mall Tour Quiz is completed with an 80% success rate.
• Contributions to the classroom discussion are appropriate.
• Written work is neatly done.
• Spelling and grammar are correct.
• Information is accurate.
• Information is appropriate.

Click to view Rubric for scoring student work.

Conclusion:

After taking your Virtual Field Trip, participating in a classroom discussion, and evaluating the web site in an essay you will have learned more about a few of the historically significant sites found on The National Mall in Washington, DC.

As a reward for your hard work you should click on the words National Anthem in Resources.

A Preview of The National Mall in DC WebQuest was designed and researched by, Kerry M. Pilkey, Fifth Grade Teacher at Jesse Wharton Elementary (Guilford County Schools) in Greensboro,N.C.

GCS WebQuests