Introduction
It can be said that history is the reason why we are where we are today. The events of the past have allowed for our world to be the way we currently see it. Today, we will be focusing on specific events and important people who have contributed to the changes we now see in America.
Task
You will be divided intro groups of 3-4 students.
Each group will be responsible for creating a timeline of important events for a specific person in which you will draw out of a hat. The important individuals will include the following: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriett Tubman, Amelia Earhart, and Sacajawea.
Process
Students should watch the video titled "25 Most Influential People in History by Attribute" as a resource to introduce them to several other influential people in the world.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxskNUENzh4 align:center]
In groups of 3-4, students will create a timeline that will need to consist of AT LEAST 5-7 points of important dates in the individual’s life. (This can include their birthday, the day they participated in the notable event, the day they passed away, etc.)
Students are encouraged to use posters, different forms of technology, and whatever other resources they feel is necessary to capture the attention of their audience (the class) while providing important information on the famous individual.
An additional resource that may help in creating a timeline can be found at the following: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline_2
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on the number of points they provide on their timeline for important dates, as well as additional resources involved in the presentation of the material.
Students who include at least seven important dates on the timeline with at least 1 additional resource will receive a 5/5 score.
Students who include five to seven important dates on the timeline with 1 or no additional resources will receive a 4/5 score.
Students who include three to five important dates on the timeline with 1 or no additional resources will receive a 3/5 score.
Students who include less than three important dates on the timeline with 1 or no additional resources will receive a 2/5 score.
Conclusion
A single individual can sometimes have a very large impact on the way the world is. With that in mind, please write a one-paged reflection on a different famous individual other than your groups’ and describe how he or she changed how the world is today and how the world would be if that individual did not encourage change.
Credits
I would like to extend a "thank you" to YouTube for always providing an abundance of videos to help teach students a large amount of information at any given time, as well as Classroom Clipart for offering a source for free clipart.
Teacher Page
Purpose and Rationale
This webquest was designed for students to better understand why and how history affects the world we live in today. When most students think of history, they think of days that were long before their grandparents were even born. Students should be made aware that individuals in their own lifetime are currently making history for our future years. By providing the students an opportunity to create a timeline, they learn time and continuity.
This webquest will be used for a fourth grade classroom. The Washington State Social Studies Standard that will be met after completion of the assignment is as follows:
4.1.1 Understands and creates timelines to show how historical events are organized into time periods and eras.