Introduction
Welcome to Biltmore Estate! In this WebQuest, we'll be exploring "America's Royal Palace" with Serafina.
Image Source: https://www.culinarylocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/biltmore.jpeg
Task
Our goal in this WebQuest is to learn about the history of Biltmore, including its construction, technological advances, and how it fits into the story of our protagonist, Serafina.
Image source: www.jumpintoabook.com
Process
Using the links provided, answer the following questions about the history of Biltmore Estate.
Write all answers on the handout provided.
1. In what year did construction of Biltmore Estate begin? http://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/estate-history
Image source: Pinterest.com
2. How many rooms does Biltmore have? http://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/estate-history
Image source: Garden-Home.org
3. How long did it take to build Biltmore? http://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/estate-history
4. In 1899, when the story of Serafina takes place, most homes were very primitive. What were some of the technological advancements at Biltmore? (list at least 5) http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/biltmore-techtour/
5. Serafina’s Pa worked on a machine called the “dynamo” in the basement. What did this machine do? http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/biltmore-techtour/1314
Image source: learnnc.org
6. In Serafina and the Twisted Staff, Serafina and Braeden slide down the banister of the Grand Staircase. How many steps are there on this one staircase? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate
Image source: www.bobvila.com
7. There were 75 acres of “formal gardens” directly surrounding Biltmore House. Name at least types of gardens included in these “formal” gardens. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate
Image source: romanticasheville.com
8. Serafina and Essie loved to read. How many books are there in the Biltmore library for them to choose from? http://www.softschools.com/facts/us_history/biltmore_estate_facts/2263/
Image source: pinterest.com
9. Serafina’s life revolved around the Biltmore and the forest. What is the name of the national forest surrounding Biltmore? http://www.softschools.com/facts/us_history/biltmore_estate_facts/2263/
10. At different times, Serafina and Braeden used secret doors in Biltmore. What were these secret doors used for in the real Biltmore? http://www.biltmore.com/Blog/article/behind-biltmores-hidden-doors
Image source: Good Morning America
11. What was the date of George Vanderbilt’s first housewarming at the Biltmore? http://www.biltmore.com/blog/article/the-banquet-hall-tree-a-christmas-at-biltmore-tradition
12. In which room in the Biltmore is the tallest Christmas tree always placed? http://www.biltmore.com/blog/article/the-banquet-hall-tree-a-christmas-at-biltmore-tradition
Image source: www.exploreasheville.com
13. In the Serafina books, it seems that the Van Dyck room drew very evil visitors (Thorne and Granthan). Who is this room named for? http://www.biltmore.com/blog/article/6-biltmore-rooms-named-after-artists
Image source: biltmore.com
Evaluation
This assignment will be counted as a classwork grade.
Conclusion
We (Mrs Connett and Serafina) hope you've learned a lot about Biltmore, and are excited to dive into Serafina's story!
Image source: Youtube.com
Credits
All image sources noted beneath the image.
Created by: Mrs A Connett 2/20/2017