This Web Quest is a team project which gives every student the opportunity to collaborate with peers. Each student will do research with print and non-print materials, develop questions and answers that focus on the adminstration and historical context of one president, and participate in the Presidential Press conference.
Students select a chief executive from the "Bag of Presidents." Teachers might use the current chief executive as a model for introductory lessons in research, hot button issues of the day, and press conferences. Teachers might also want to avoid having two students in the same class research the same president.
Students will receive a GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to guide them as they read and take notes. Research will focus on three key areas : biographical information, political career and years as chief executive.Chief Executive : Students will review their notes to select key issues the President would be asked to address in a White House Press Conference. Students will pose as reporters to formulate five specific questions. Students will then pose as the President of the United States to develop answers to each question. Each answer should be a minimum of one paragraph. Answers should contain historical facts, examples, reasons, or references to cause/effect relationships which existed during the President's term(s) in office. Each student will write a rough draft of the five questions and answers, work with a peer edditor for revisions and proofreading, and then write a final draft. The written component of the project will consist of five paragraphs. The evaluation sheet lists the criteria for content, drafts/revisions and mechanics. Students will receive this at the beginning of the unit.
The Press
To simulate a nationally broadcast press conference where individual Presidents respond to questions about issues of the day and their administrations, students will play the role of their chief executives. Each President of the United States will have the opportunity to answer three important questions. Reporters will have the questions in advance so they can practice their lines, and presidents will be able to refer to their notes while answering questions from the press. The evaluation sheet details the rubrics and points for content, voice and presentation.
Reading, writing, thinking and speaking are important skills in this unit. You will be using a variety of resources : referrence materials, nonfiction books, biographies and World Wide Web sites. The Presidential Press Conference gives you a chance to work as a team while the writing component pairs you as peer editors. Get off to a good start by being focused and organized. A Web Quest challenges you to think about what you learn and to demonstrate your ability to to use and apply this information in various ways. Everyone will receive a large manila envelope to store the unit packet, research notes, printouts, graphic organizers, drafts and final copies. This envelope will be collected at the end of the unit. Clearly write the following information--in ink-- on the outside of your envelope : your name, your class period, the name of your peer editor and the name of the President of the U.S. you will research.
The following pages are designed to guide you through the unit and help you organize your information and your time. You will receive copies of the world wide web and library graphic organizers for research. Use your time in the library wisely. Enter the bibliography information in your notebook BEFORE you put away materials. Take turns at the computer. Working with your PEER EDITOR in the library is recommended.
