Presidential WebQuest | Create WebQuest

Introduction

Welcome! Today we are going to be comparing the lives and Presidencies of George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. You probably know some facts about both these men, but after this Webquest you will know a whole lot more about the events and policies that shaped each presidency, as well as their lives. Both these men were the Leader of the Free World for eight years and made some pretty important decisions that not only affected the lives of Americans but also of people from around the world.

Task

For today's Webquest we are going to split into four groups. One group for each of these Presidents four terms. I also want each group to write a paragraph about each man's background and family life, pointing out any aspect that you believe influenced his policy and decision making as President of the United States. Once everyone is done collecting their information we will come together and as a class put together a presentation of George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

Process

For Today's Webquest:

1.Students will be divided into four groups and assigned to their topic.

2.One group will research George W. Bush's first term.

3.One group will research George W. Bush's second term.

4.One group will research President Barack Obama's first term.

5.One group will research President Barack Obama's second term.

6.The class will come together to create a Powerpoint presentation.

Powerpoint requirements:

minimum 4 sources from each group
minimum 12 slides total
include background/family life and how it may have influenced his policy and decision making
include descriptions of major events/ policies/ legislation that occured during each term the members of the President's cabinet (and what each members' responsibilities are)

Evaluation

Here is the rubric for this Webquest assignment. Please read this before beginning your research and use it to help organize and guide you through the Webquest.

Element	Exemplary (8-10points)	Proficient (4-7 points)	Partially Proficient (1-3)	Unsatisfactory (0 points)	Score
Research	Student accurately researched a variety of information sources, recorded and interpreted significant facts and evaluated alternative points of view	Student used relevant information from multiple sources of information, evaluated and synthesized relevant information.	Student misinterpreted research information and failed to identify relevant arguments.	Student ignored all alternative points of view and did not use enough sources.	__/10
Introduction	The introduction presents the overall topic and draws the audience into the presentation with compelling questions or by relating to the audience’s interests or goals.	The introduction is clear, coherent and relates to the topic.	The introduction shows some structure but does not create a strong sense of what is to follow. May be somewhat appealing to the audience.	The introduction does not orient the audience of what is to follow.	__/10
Content	The content is written clearly and concisely with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. Information is accurate, current and comes mainly from primary sources.	The content is written with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. Includes persuasive information from reliable sources.	The content is vague in conveying a point of view and does not create a strong sense of purpose. Sources used appear unreliable.	The content lacks a clear point of view. Information is incomplete, out of date or incorrect. Includes only one or two facts about the topic.	__/10
Citations	All sources of information are clearly identified and credited using appropriate APA style formatting.	Most sources of information use proper citation format.	Sometimes used citations, other times did not cite information.	There was no use of citations.	__/10
Group Participation	Contributed helpful insight and information that furthered the Webquest project.	Student was involved in all aspects of Webquest, but did not contribute any new or useful information	Student was involved in part of the Webquest., but did not work well with others.	Student did not participate in the Webquest.	__/10

Conclusion

In this Webquest you will learn about the past 16 years of US History by studying the Presidents that led them, George W. Bush and Barak Obama. Both of these men have different backgrounds, political views and ways of leading the United States. It is important to know and learn about these differences so that you can be better informed about current events and the people responsible for them. You will also have the answers to the following questions

What dates were each President in office?
What major events happened during each term?
What important policies were made or legislation passed during each term?
Who were the members of each cabinet and what were their roles?

Basically, you will have a basic understanding about the roles of the President and his cabinet, the importance of a leader in a time of crisis, and most importantly how there is always more than one way to solve a problem.

Credits

President Barack Obama

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/barackobama

http://www.politico.com/politico44/

George W. Bush

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewbush

http://www.biography.com/people/george-w-bush-9232768

Additional Links

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet

http://intranet.shoreline.edu/presidents-cabinet/documents/Presidents%2…

Teacher Page

SC Standards

Key Ideas and Details

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington’s Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech, King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”), including how they address related themes and concepts

Production and Distribution of Writing

9. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research