Pentagon Papers

Introduction

Welcome to our Webquest! Here, you will learn about the Pentagon Papers and how the American public reacted upon their release. In 1971, the New York Times began to leak the Pentagon Papers, containing coveted information relating to the war in Vietnam. Complete this quest to learn more about Washington's approach to the war. 

Task

Students will carefully read articles on provided website links regarding the Pentagon Papers. They will then answer the questions about the material they read listed under the Process section. Last, they will write a one paragraph opinion essay. 

Process

Task 1:

Here are the website links provided containing useful information on the Pentagon Papers:

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/pentagon-papers.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/450326/Pentagon-PapersNow answer the following questions regarding the articles you just read about the Pentagon Papers. 1. Who commissioned the Pentagon Papers?2. What major newspaper published articles on the Pentagon Papers?3. Who (specific person) leaked the papers?4. What was revealed from the leak?5. What period of time did the revealed information cover?6. What was the date that classified information began to be released?7. What was revealed about Harry S. Truman?8.Who ordered the bombing of North Vietnam in 1965?9. Which president was running for reelection in 1972 and had his administration embarassed by the release of the Pentagon Papers?10. Who did the Supreme Court rule in favor of and why?Task 2: Last, with your new knowledge of the Pentagon Papers, write a one paragraph essay on your opinion of the Supreme Court rule. Do you agree or disagree? 
 

Evaluation

Exceptional 

All Points Earned

Admirable

-3 Points

Developing

-6 Points

Needs Improvement

-10 Points

Use of Internet 

(Links Provided)

Successfully uses suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. 

 Usually able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance.  Occasionally able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance.  Needs assistance or supervision to use suggested internet links and/or to navigate within these sites

Web Quests Tasks Completed

 All areas of the project were addressed and handled with a high degree of sophistication. Project is interesting and completed.  The project is only partially completed. The project submitted demonstrates a great deal of thought. (Between 75-100% complete) The project is only partially completed. The project submitted demonstrates a moderate level of thought. (Between 50-75% complete)  The project is incomplete and/or it is apparent that little effort went into the development of the project, and/or project is less than 50% complete. 

Project Attractiveness

 Makes excellent use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance the presentation.  Makes good use of font, color, graphics, etc. to enhance the presentation.  Makes use of font, colors, graphics, effects, etc. but occasionally these detract from the presentation content.  Use of font, colors, graphics, etc. but these often distract from the presentation content. 
Time Use Classroom time was used to work on the project. Conversations were focused on the work.  Classroom time was used to work on the project the majority of the time. Conversations were not disruptive and focused on the work.  Classroom time was used to work on the project the majority of the time, but conversations often were disruptive or did not focus on the work.  The students did not use classroom ime to work on the project the majority of the time and/or was highly disruptive. 
Grammar, Font, and Spelling The final body of the work was free of grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.  The final body of work had 1-2 errors related to spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.  The final body of work had 3-5 errors related to spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.  The final body of work had major errors related to spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. 
Conclusion

Thank you for completing our Webquest! We hope you have learned vital information of a crucial moment in American History- the Pentagon Papers. 

Credits