Classroom Webquests
Welcome to my WebQuest Page! The following links will take you to different WebQuests within the Language Arts genre. The topics are all different, yet all of the webquests should help you to develop and utilize your writing, reading, listening, speaking, and researching skills.
Greek Gods and Goddesses, by Karen Allen, Lane Middle School
This webquest is designed for 7th grade language arts students; however, I feel that it could also be used with high school students as well. In the webquest students are asked to research Greek gods and goddesses and then must choose among different writing roles in order to complete their project (e.g. cartoonist, fiction writer, children's author, investigator, or journalist). I would use this webquest at any level of secondary education during a unit on Greek Mythology. The goal of using this webquest would be to have students better understand how the Ancient Greeks made sense of their existence, to use this information to create a piece of writing, and to then practice their speaking skills through a class presentation.
An Introduction to Nonfiction Literature, by Susan Graziano, Pennsville Memorial High School
This webquest is designed for 9th grade language arts students, and as the title suggests, is meant to be an introduction to the genre of nonfiction literature. Students are asked to read several historical letters, produce an interpretation of each, and then complete the quest by taking on the persona of a historical figure through the writing of their own piece of nonfiction. I would use this webquest in a 9th or 10th grade classroom as a way to introduce the nonfiction genre. Perhaps this quest could be used before delving into a larger biographical or autobiographical work. The goal of utilizing this webquest would be to get students thinking about the many forms of nonfiction and the appeal that it can have.
Shakespeare in Your Own Words, by Joshua Dye, San Diego State University
This webquest is designed for high school language arts students. Students are exposed to the language of Shakespeare, asked to study a particular monologue of their choice, attempt rewriting that monologue in contemporary language, and then perform the modern piece for the class. I would use this webquest with high school students as an introduction to the language of Shakespeare; most likely it would be used before studying one of Shakespeare's plays in its entirety. The goal of utilizing this particular webquest would be to familiarize students with the language used during Shakespeare's time, and to show students that they are capable of making sense of it all.
The Mysteries of the Eight Parts of Speech, by Sara Willey, Austin Peay State University
This webquest is designed for high school language arts students. Throughout the webquest students are exposed to--and become familiar with--the definitions and functions of the eight parts of speech. The final task is for students to come up with an effective way to teach these parts of speech to English Language Learners. Although the webquest states that it is set up for the high school level, I might also consider using it at the middle school level, too, as a way to familiarize students with the eight parts of speech. Overall, this webquest would be a fantastic tool to use for a grammar lesson at any of the secondary grades. The goal of using this webquest would be to get students using their gained knowledge about the eight parts of speech in a real-life scenario; also, this webquest has behind it the intention of exposing students to the issue of illiteracy in the United States.
Students United for Humanity, by Carolyn O. Burleson, Los Angeles Unified School District
This webquest is designed for 10th grade language arts students. Students are exposed to many aspects of the United Nations with a focus on where the UN stands with regard to human rights. Students then use this information to create a model plan for their classroom and school that recognizes the equal rights of all members of the population. I would use this webquest in any high school language arts (or social studies) classroom in order to teach a variety of lessons. The main goals of utilizing this webquest would be to teach students the connection between the larger world and their school world, to promote and develop students' research skills, as well as to encourage the use of critical thinking.