Introduction
You are going to figure out what it takes to be an American Citizen. There are many things you will need to know and do to become a citizen of the United States. Preview the pages given up top to find out what your task will be, the process of your task, how you will be evaluated, and the conclusion of your webquest.
Task
You will be answering questions about becoming a citizen through research using text, internet, and other resources. Questions you will need to answer are:
- How does an individual become a citizen?
- What fundamental rights and liberties are guaranteed in the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America?
- What civic duties are expected of all citizens?
- What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship?
- In what ways do citizens participate in community service?
After you have found the answers to your questions, you will write an "I-Search" paper describing what makes you an American Citizen. An "I-Search" paper will have you referencing yourself in your paper, while also using research resources and citing these resources. You will describe the rights and liberties you have experienced or plan to use as a citizen. Explain ways that you have or will show that you are a responsible citizen by participating in your duties and community service.
Process
1. Create a K-W-L chart using the questions provided on the task page.
2. Research.
- Websites you may use, but are not limited to are:
- This website describes the requirements to Be a United States Citizen. Click on the underlined words to take you to the website.
- Find a list and simple information about the Amendments to the Constitution. Use these links for more detailed information about the First Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment. Click on the underlined words to take you to the website.
- American Citizens have Civic Duties, Rights, and Responsibilities that they are given and expected to obtain.
- Be sure to look in your local library or books for other research.
3. Ask community members about ways to be a responsible citizen and participate in community service. After you have found a way to work in your community, spend 3-5 hours volunteering in your community. Describe the service you performed in your paper.
4. After researching this information, complete your KWL chart. Answer your "Want to Know" questions with the information you have "Learned."
5. After you have answered all of the questions on your KWL chart, participated in a community service activity or activities and found any extra information about becoming a United States citizen, you will write your paper describing your citizenship as an American.
6. Extension: Take the Naturalization Self-Test Practice Test. Record your score at the top of your paper.
Evaluation
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Beginning |
Developing |
Accomplished |
Exemplary |
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Research Abilities |
KWL chart barely completed. Questions are not answered, and not well thought out. Students do not use the resources provided. (5 pts) |
KWL chart somewhat completed. Very few questions and answers. Student’s only present/use one resource. (10 pts) |
KWL chart completed. Questions are answered and students presented more than one resource. (15 pts) |
KWL chart is fully completed. Questions are answered in detail and new facts may even be presented. Student presents and uses a variety of resources. (20 pts) |
____out of 20 |
|
Understanding of Citizenship |
Student was able to write a paper that correctly answered at least 1 question giving details and citing their resources. Student answered this question and organized their thoughts in an order that makes sense to the reader in the format of an “I-Search” paper. (10 pts) |
Student was able to write a paper that correctly answered at least 2-3 questions giving details and citing their resources. Student answered these questions and organized their thoughts in an order that makes sense to the reader in the format of an “I-Search” paper. (20 pts) |
Student was able to write a paper that correctly answered 4 questions giving details and citing their resources. Student answered these questions and organized their thoughts in an order that makes sense to the reader in the format of an “I-Search” paper. (30 pts) |
Student was able to write a paper that correctly answered all questions giving details and citing their resources. Student answered these questions and organized their thoughts in an order that makes sense to the reader in the format of an “I-Search” paper. (40 pts) |
____out of 40 |
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Community Service Hours |
Student completed 0 hours of volunteer work and service to benefit their community. Student did not include any details about community service hours and being a responsible citizen in their paper. (0 pts) |
Student completed up to 1 hours of volunteer work and service to benefit their community. Student included some details of how this makes them a responsible citizen. (10 pts) |
Student completed 2 hours of volunteer work and service to benefit their community. Student included details of how this makes them a responsible citizen in their paper. (20 pts) |
Student completed 3-5 hours of volunteer work and service to benefit their community. Student included details of how this makes them a responsible citizen in their paper. (30 pts) |
____out of 30 |
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Extension Activity |
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The student completed the task of the extension activity and wrote their score at the top of their paper. (10 pts) |
____out of 10 |
Conclusion
Now that you have completed your tasks to describe yourself as an American citizen. We will be discussing these questions in class to explain the rights, duties, responsibilities and freedoms of a citizen. We will discuss community projects that are going on so that you may or may not decide to help out and be a volunteer community service provider for the greater good.
Credits
"All Amendments to the United States Constitution." All Amendments to the United States Constitution. University of Minnesota/Human Rights Library, n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.
"Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities." Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities. Department of Homeland Security, n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.
"First Amendment Rights." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.
"Naturalization Self-Test 1." Naturalization Self-Test 1. Department of Homeland Security, n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.
"Primary Documents in American History." 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress). The Library of Congress, 20 Apr. 2015. Web. 04 June 2015.
"U.S. Citizenship." U.S. Citizenship. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 04 June 2015.