Barev Says
Introduction
Read all the instructions before you begin.
You and your classmates are going to take a trip to Armenia, a small European country that was part of the Soviet Union. Before you can go, however, you'll have to make some preparations and do some research so as to make the best use of your time and money. You'll have to apply for passports, make flight and hotel arrangements, plan a budget, make itineraries, etc. After the trip is over, you'll have to write a report, giving detailed instructions on what you did and how you did it. You can also play music, show pictures, prepare food, etc.
The Task
The whole group will research the country before proceeding. Check out the history, food, customs, etc., and report to the class.
Then you'll be divided into four groups. One group will be in charge of making the arrangements. Get passport applications for everyone and help complete them. Check various web sites to get the best airfares.
The second group will research the country--what to see, what to eat, where to shop, etc.
The third group will research Armenians in America--where do they live, what have they done, famous Armenian-Americans, etc.
The fourth will research the Armenian Genocide, giving its causes and effects on modern international relations.
Each group will report to the class as a whole
Group 1
Make the arrangements.
- Get a passport application. Make copies for everyone in the group.
- Complete application with copies of birth certificates and pictures. You don't need the real certificate, just a copy. You can use your school picture.
- Check out various travel websites and get the best airfares.
- Contact the Armenian Embassy in Washington and get a visa application. Make copies and complete.
Questions:
- What time of year to go?
What will it cost?
- What kind of clothes do you need to bring?
- How do I get a passport and visa?
- What hotel should we stay in?
Group 2
Research the country.
Make a budget and plan a two-week itinerary, answering the following…
Questions:
- How long has the country been in existence?
- What were the significant things that have happened during that time?
- What are the major attractions?
- What kind of food can we expect to eat?
- What kind of souvenirs should we look for?
Group 3
Research: Armenians in America
and Armenia
General Benefit Union. Armenians have been in America for over a hundred years and have made many contributions to our country.
Questions:
- Where states have the highest number of Armenians?
- Have there been any famous Armenian-Americans?
- What have they contributed to America?
- Are there any Armenians in North Carolina?
Group 4
Research
Armenian History. In a 20 year period between 1895-1915, more than three million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Turks. They were tortured, murdered, and driven from their ancestral homes and forced into the desert with no provisions for food or water.
Questions:
- What caused this horrific event?
- What parts of the Ottoman Empire were affected?
- What effects does it continue to have today?
American Resources
Passports
http://www.firstgov.gov
Airfares
http://www.expedia.com
http://www.travelocity.com
http://www.cheaptickets.com
http://www.levontravel.com
Armenian Resources
Web Sites
---http://www.cilicia.com
---http://www.arminco.com
---http://www.noyan-tapan.am
---http://www.agbu.org
---http://www.euroamericans.net/euroamericans.net/armenian.htm
---http://www.narek.com---http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/armenia/
Books
---The Lonely Planet Guide to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
---Passage to Ararat
Armenian-American resources
Web Sites
http://www.agbu.org
http://www.euroamericans.net/euroamericans.net/armenian.htm
http://www.telf.com/church/index.html
Books
Evaluation
In the classroom,
Each group prepares a written report and makes an oral presentation using whatever materials they think best--pictures, food, music, etc.
Thoroughness of research, quality of visuals, organization, and overall presentation will determine the final grade.
By
Randy Clawson, Sedgefield Elementary School
GCS WebQuest