This lesson focuses on informational writing and the Middle East. This is an interdisciplinary unit between the ELA and Social Studies content area. By the end of this project, students will be able to craft an informational piece of writing and gather research. Students will also be able to express their writing in a format best suited for their learning needs. This WebQuest was created by Alex Fahey.
Georgia Standards of Excellence
Teacher Considerations
Content Area and Grade Level: This lesson was designed for a 7th grade Advanced Content ELA class. The students use both ELA and Social Studies standards to research their informational piece. Differentiation: This assignment can be differentiated in a variety of ways. Grouping:
Groups based on reading level
Groups based on student choice
Groups based on writing pre-assessment
Groups based on Middle East topic
Modifications:
For enhancement, students can choose their own topic in the Middle East. (Students would have to be responsible for their research.)
Students needing accommodations can use various assistive technologies listed below.
Adjust rubric and timelines as needed
Assistive Technologies:
Snap & Read Chrome Extension
Google Translate Extension
Grammarly Chrome Extension
Voice recording added to most pages
Video included throughout the WebQuest
Technical Considerations: This project will be completed in Office 365. Teachers may want to create a collaborate Padlet and/or Flipgrid to match the tasks for this WebQuest. Students should have an understanding of how to work and collaborate in Word Online, Flipgrid, and Padlet. In the weeks prior to starting this WebQuest, the teacher should review these skills with students.
ISTE Student Standards: 1. Empowered Learner: Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences. 3. Knowledge Constructor: Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. 6. Creative Communicator: Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. 7. Global Collaborator: Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.
Implementation Overview: This project will take place over the course of three weeks. A project timeline calendar at the start of each project will be provided to students to guide their progress. This WebQuest is the quarter summative project for the informational writing unit. Therefore, students will start this WebQuest with background knowledge in the RACE strategy and other informational writing topics.
Resources Needed: Every group will need a laptop and access to the Internet. The rubric was taken from Cobb County's Springboard resource. Some resources were used through Flocabulary and NewsELA accounts.
Evaluation: 80% on the rubric will show Mastery of the standards. 73% shows proficiency according to school standards.
Conclusion
This project combines both ELA and Social Studies standards, but can easily bring in other content areas. It should be a fun to implement in any class! Good luck!