Where Would We Be Without It???
Teacher Page
A WebQuest for 6th Grade Social Studies

Designed by
Denise Woloszyn
Oak Lawn, IL

Introduction
This lesson was developed as a course project for the WebQuests class at Connected University. It is intended to be a culminating activity, after completion of the required units in the social studies text, "Ancient Civilizations."

Learners
This lesson is anchored in sixth grade social studies and language arts.  For the social studies component, the students will conduct research on the innovations developed by ancient civilizations.  Language arts skills will be addressed as the students compile their information and report it in a variety of written and oral formats

Curriculum Standards
As a result of this lesson, students will learn that the people of ancient civilizations made many important contributions that still impact our lives today. 

Social Studies Standards Addressed
The following standards deal with the student's ability to collect historical information, report on their research, and relate the information to their own society.

15.D.2.b 16.A.2.c 16.B.2.a 16.B.2.b 16.d.2 16.E.2.b 18.A.2

Language Arts Standards Addressed
The following standards address goals relating to the student's ability to write clearly and effectively.

3.A.2.a 3.A.2.b 3.A.2.c 3.B.2.a 3.B.2.b 3.B.2.c 3.C.2
The following standards relate to a student's ability to research information, organize it effectively, and report it in a variety of formats.
5.A.2.a 5.A.2.b 5.B.2.b 5.c.2.a

The students will also have the opportunity to practice cooperative group skills and problem solving skills as they work through the lesson.

Process
Advance Preparation:

  • Students will complete the required units of study in the social studies text.
Teacher Skills Required:
  •  Basic computer skills and knowledge of Internet operation
Time Frame:
  •  Two 40 minute computer lab classes (with assistance from the Tech Aide)
  • Eight 45 minute social studies classes 
Students will work in groups of 3-4 to complete the following activities:
  • Before you begin your research, you will participate in a whole class discussion to determine evaluation criteria for your project.
  • You and your team will need to choose two ancient civilizations to research.
  • Using the resources listed above, search for information on the innovations developed by these civilizations.  How did they impact the lives of people in ancient times?
  • Once you have identified the specific innovations, determine how they have impacted our lives in the modern world.
  • Decide which of the innovations had the strongest impact on life today.
  • Answer the question:  Where would we be without it?  Explain how life would be different today if these ancient peoples had not developed this particular innovation.
  • Prepare the results of your investigations in the format of your choice for presentation to the class.  Be sure to cite all of your information sources accurately (See information citation handout).  Possible presentation formats include:
    • HyperStudio presentation
    • AppleWorks slide show
    • Multimedia presentation (Kid Pix or other presentation software)
    • Other (See teacher for approval)
  • Following your presentation, participate in a whole class discussion to receive constructive feedback about your project.
  • Complete a personal rubric evaluation and a brief written self evaluation.
  • Participate in peer evaluation of other students' presentations
Resources Needed
  • Print materials:  books, magazines, encyclopedias, etc.  (Available in the classroom or the library.)
  • Electronic materials:  CD-ROM software, including electronic encyclopedias
  • Internet access for research purposes 
  • Software tools for presentation of information:  HyperStudio, Kid Pix, AppleWorks, Netscape Composer.
  • Ancient Civilizations Internet Resources List (See student page)
  • The Teacher  (Available to answer questions about software tools, suggest search strategies, etc.)
Evaluation
 
Beginning

1
Developing

2

 Accomplished

3
Exemplary

4
Score
Research
Skills
 Lost focus during the research process.  Information not accurate or complete. Used 1 or more sources to locate information. Needed continued assistance to complete the task. Used many resources to locate relevant information. Needed minimal assistance to complete the task.
Used a variety of resources to locate relevant information
independently		   
Project 
Planning
 Unable to come up with a plan and work within time limits, even with teacher help. Needed teacher help to organize and plan.  Some steps missing in planning.  Made revisions with teacher help. Able to work within time frame.  Developed a system to organize information. Made revisions with teacher help. Made really good use of time.  Remained focused on the tasks.  Used a clear plan to organize information. Made revisions when needed.     
Collaboration
Does not perform any duties of assigned team role.  Always talking--never allows others to speak.
Frequently argues.
Performs very few duties.
Usually doing most of the talking--rarely allows others to speak.  Sometimes argues.		 Performs nearly all duties.  Listens, but sometimes talks too much.  Rarely argues. Performs all duties of assigned team role.  Listens and speaks a fair amount.  Never argues with team mates.   
Final 
Product
 Product is incomplete.  Contains missing details.  Not completely accurate.  Does not show understanding of the question. Product is complete, but does not show complete understanding of the question. Product answers the questions in a way that reflects learning, using some detail and accuracy. Used the information in a meaningful way to create an original product that clearly answers the question with accuracy, detail and understanding.   
Students will also complete a brief written self evaluation, answering the following questions:
  • If you could do this project again, what would you do differently to improve the final results? 
  • What would you keep the same?

    • What could be done to improve the project for use with future classes?

Conclusion
Many students don't understand the need to study the history of ancient civilizations.  They do not see the relevance to their own lives.  This lesson should give them the opportunity to think carefully about the major impact these ancient peoples have had on our modern society.

Credits
Graphics Courtesy of:

Last updated on February 20, 2002 by Denise Woloszyn
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page