Into the Wild Web Journey

Introduction

Welcome to Mr. Paulino's webquest.

 

Into the Wild is an exciting story written by Jon Krakauer that deals with the life and times of Christopher McCandless. The book deals with themes such as truth, wilderness, transcendentalism, adventure, and society. This Webquest requires you to work in groups of three to research and study the different themes and ideas in the book. Ultimately, this will help you to not only better understand the book, but to relate to it in a new and profound way.

Task

This project will involve both research and personal reflection on topics and themes included in the book. The work should be divided equally among partners in the book. The project will include the following:

1 - Background into the McCandless Family

2 - How to survive report

3 - Alaska Pamphlet

4 - Create soundtrack for the movie

5 - Compare and contrast McCandless with one of his heros

6 - Write a eulogy

Process

Part 1 - Background into the McCandless Family

 

Watch either the documentary on "Into the Wild" (on YouTube) or look at the following article to write a short report on Christopher McCandless' family. Examine the sister, mother, and father and explain how each person impacted Christopher's life.

Part 2 - How to survive report

Write a report that looks at explains what a person needs to bring and needs to do in order to survive in Alaska. Use information from the article , as well as information you may gather on your own, to write this report.

Part 3 - Alaska Pamphlet

Alaska has been described by many adventurers as the last frontier. It is an amazing place that is beautiful and untouched. Write a short pamphlet with pictures and an inviting description of Alaska. You can use the Alaska Magazine website to gather information.

 

Part 4 - Create soundtrack for the movie

Using the themes of survival, adventure, truth, etc., create a 6 song soundtrack that reflects the psychology and experiences of Christopher McCandless. Write a short explanation for each song that states the reason you chose the song.

Part 5 - Compare and contrast McCandless with one of his heroes

Research into the lives of one of McCandless' heroes, such as Henry David Thoreau, Jack London, or Leo Tolstoy, and explain how he is both similar and different. Make sure to study their philosophical ideas and how it compares/contrasts with the main character's life.

Part 6 - Write a eulogy

Reflect on Christopher McCandless' death and write a eulogy. Make sure to write something that reflects both his ideals and his family. Describe not only how he died, but what he stood for.

Evaluation

After you completed your Webquest, make sure to hand me all the worksheets/paperwork at my Teacher's desk.

 

Afterwards, you will use the information from your report to create a Powerpoint presentation (1-2 slides per part) that you will share with the Teacher through Google Docs. The following is the rubric that I am using to grade your work.

 

 

4

3

2

1

Score

Task

Responds thoroughly to each part of the task, using research to provide insightful details.

Responds to each part of the task, provided details from research.

Somewhat responds to each part of the task, using research that is sometimes questionable.

Mostly misses the point of the task and research is mostly questionable.

______/4

Teamwork

Everyone participated equally on the project

Mostly everyone participated equally on the project

The work was unevenly divided in the group

One person did most of the work

______/4

Creativity

Students creatively responded to the task and went above and beyond the task.

Students creatively responded to the task.

Students use some creativity and detail to respond to the task.

Students did not show much insight or creativity when responding to the task.

______/4

Presentation

All presenters are knowledgeable, insightful and confident on stage

Almost all presenters are knowledgeable and mostly confident on stage

Presenters are somewhat comfortable with the material on stage

Presenters are unsure of a lot of the material presented on stage

______/4
Conclusion

You are at the end of the Into the Wild journey! Hopefully by the end of this project, you appreciate the philosophy and experiences of Christopher McCandless.  Understand that life is more than what is prescribed to you and that happiness is ultimately about freedom of expression and action, as well as something that is shared with loved ones.

Credits

Credits (Sources)

 

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Alaska Magazine

National Geographic Magazine

Alaska Wild

Into the Wild (Movie)

Teacher Page

Common Core English Language Arts Standards

 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.B
Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.A
Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B
Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.