WebQuesting:
Guided Learning Through the Web

The are two more parts to this tutorial. Both can be found on the How-To page.

What are WebQuests?

    Webquests are an excellent way to guide students through using the web to independently find information on sites pretested by the teacher. A Webquest is a sequential list of websites developed by the teacher that will most effectively guide the students through developing further understanding of a theme or idea. Combined with questions or other activities, Webquests provide assessment of learning as well as guidance. Great Webquests are like mysteries for students to solve. They utilize interesting and ubiquitous questions and multiple perspectives to intrigue students and spark debate. These webquests are time intensive for teachers and students, but are also memorable.  Skills students can develop include research skills, debate, communication, comprehension, assimilation, as well as the core learning at the crux of each WebQuest. There are additional specifications for truly GREAT WebQuests!
      We’ve all had the experience of searching for something and having to wade through dozens of sites that don’t quite hit our criteria. By going through the process as teachers, finding those sites that will be most impactful, adding questions to further direct student learning, and listing them in a way that will allow students to build upon their knowledge, teachers can ensure that the learning process is maximized. Use of webquests is essential for maximizing time and energy.  

     WebQuests can be applied to any subject or grade level, as the following examples show: 

 

My Experience: To the left is a screenshot of the first Webquest that I created.  It is text based but free and relatively easy to create using the Filimentality WebQuest creator.  As an educator of young children, most internet searches I've done have been teacher led and directed, while actual WebQuests are designed to be independent/group activities. However, I've since learned that even young students can use, enjoy, and benefit from WebQuests. Halfway down this page you will find examples of excellent WebQuests and their cooresponding descriptions. Click the links at the bottom of this page to review my WebQuest or create your own. 



Native American WebQuest for 4th Grade:

Sun Woman's Search for a Home by Sue Womak for 4th grade California State History   

In this WebQuest, students are asked to research California Native tribes at different times in history to determine which area, tribe, and from which time their 'Sun Woman' came from.  Put together clues as you explore California's regions & native American groups to discover where Sun Woman has come from.  This WebQuest integrates writing, social studies, and technology and includes a Teacher Page that lists standards and skills learned.


Check it out at http://imet.csus.edu/imet7/womack/sunwomanwebquest/pages/index.htm

 








Civics WebQuest for High School:

Social Security: A New Challenge for the 21st Century written by Carolyn O Burleson of Los Angeles, California.  

  
This WebQuest asks Social Studies high school students to find a solution to a problem that is currently facing our citizens and our government.  Through the activities presented students will understand the difficult and political/economic factors that make this issue difficult to reconcile. 

I love how the author sets the stage for this one with great questions. Intro from the WebQuest: "The Social Security Act was signed into being by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 to provide for the general welfare by establishing a system of Federal old-age benefits, and by enabling the several States to make more adequate provision for aged persons, blind persons, dependent and crippled children, maternal and child welfare, public health, and the administration of their unemployment compensation laws; to establish a Social Security Board; to raise revenue; and for other purposes. The Social Security Act has been amended in part, a number of times since then. However, today there is much concern over its present state. The debate over reform of the Social Security System rages as elected politicians banter it about. What is the problem with American Social Security? How should it be solved? This is an issue that will effect you far into your future. Should you have a say? Why should you even care at this stage of your life?" Question: "How should the American Social Security System be structured to provide for its elders and disabled citizens?"  


See it and use it at http://drb.lifestreamcenter.net/Lessons/soc_sec/



 


Ecosystems and Adaptations WebQuest for 3rd Grade:

The Amazing Animal Zoo written by Janelle Ringgenberg of St. Louis, Missouri.   3rd Grade Science - Biomes and Adaptations 

    WebQuests are for young students, too.
Through this WebQuest students learn about ecosystems and adaptations.  Language Arts and Tech skills are also integrated.  From task section: In order to design an animal for the Amazing Animals Zoo, you are going to go on an adventure around the world.  You will be stopping at different ecosystems and gathering information to decide where your animal should live.  You will use Word to print a table to organize your information.  You will then decide on what adaptations the animal has that help it catch a meal and protect itself.  You will design a poster of your animal. Then you will need to write a persuasive letter to the Zoological Society convincing them that the animal that you invented is the one they should choose for the exhibit.  

See it for yourself at: http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/itech/webquests/su2003elem/colbert/skyarial/intro.html



 


Geometry WebQuest - 9th Grade

Geometry in Real Life created by Rocio Acevedo, Jessica Knight, Steve Bates for 9th grade Mathematics

Bringing Math to life! Intro: "The U.S. government has decided to duplicate some important buildings, memorials and monuments that form part of the National Mall in Washington D.C.:  The Pentagon, The Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House, and The Capitol Building. The local construction company, Bumpkin Builders, will present some proposals to compete and win those projects. Your team has been asked to present a complete study of one of these buildings that will be replicated. Accuracy and precision are critical to the success of this endeavor. Prepare yourselves to accomplish this important job that will represent a great income to the company and yourselves."
   This site shows how WebQuests can and should be used to facilitate student understanding of mathematics. There is no reason that math should not be exciting and applicable to real life situations!


Check out this site at http://www.ats.edu.mx/personales/rocio/Math/index.htm




 


A Powerful WebQuest on Genocide: 10th-12th Grade

Never Again! Again? written by Carolyn O Burleson of Los Angeles, California.  Content Covered: English & Language Arts, History & Social Studies

Wow, this WebQuest is Powerful and can certainly impact how students see their world. It is my belief that we are responsible for teaching students ethics and helping them develop humanity as well as teaching them skills and curricular content.

  Intro: "Mass killings and genocides have occurred in numerous places in the world in the last century. Each time, humanity cries out, "Never Again!" Yet you can see evidence that it continues to occur. What is it in our consciousness that allows us to treat other human beings so inhumanely? The most recent cases of genocide are occurring right now or leading toward erruption. Thus bringing us to cry out, "Never Again! - Again?"" Involvement in domestic affairs of others is risky business. But how far should we let violence advance until we say, "STOP THE KILLING!" How much do we value humanity and ourselves as human beings? How much are we willing to risk to save the lives of others? Question: What can we do to prevent and stop mass killings in our world?


See it for yourself - and complete it at
http://drb.lifestreamcenter.net/Lessons/genocide/




 


Don't reinvent the wheel! 

Research ready-made and reviewed Webquests to use in your class!