This webquest was created to aid you in the process of researching a historical topic of your choice.

Introduction:

Welcome sixth graders! Over the next few months you will select and research a historical topic of your choice. Your Quest is below, followed by a number of tasks that will aid you in the research process. Begin by posting a question and answer to our corkboard.

Goals

You will be able to:

Identify what you already know, want to know, and have learned about your topic.

Formulate your own questions for research (and then find the answers!).

Compare and contrast a primary and secondary source.

Create a working bibliography of primary and secondary sources using MLA style.

Summarize information read into notes.

Organize and synthesize researched information into paragraphs to create a report on your chosen historical person or event.

Universal Studios is looking for the next blockbuster movie. Steven Spielberg contacted Allen W. Roberts School and asked the 6th grade students to research and create historical fiction novels that he will personally read. The best novel will be turned into a screen play and Mr. Spielberg will direct your favorite actors in next summer’s big blockbuster movie, created by YOU!

In order to create the best historical fiction novel, you must first research the time period, historical events, and historical figures so your writing is accurate. Your research will be presented to your teacher in a written report. Remember, accuracy is important to Mr. Spielberg. Your research is vital to creating a historically accurate novel.

Finally, your research will be used by you to write a three chapter historical fiction novel. Your can be set in a historical time period of your choice. The novel should be based on a variety of research, include 2 or 3 well-developed characters, have a well-developed plot, be well-edited and include a relevant and interesting cover. Since your audience is Steven Spielberg and the executives at Universal Studios, do your best work to create an authentic and interesting story!

Brainstorm!

Task 1

Generate ideas about your selected topic.

  • What do you already know?
  • What do you want to know?

Formulate statements and question in the attached KWL(Know, Want to Know, have Learned)

Organize

Task 2

Use your KWL chart to brainstorm questions that will drive your research. Create a semantic map using Inspiration to organize your research. Ask yourself

  • Who is/are important historical figures of the time?
  • What did they do or what was important about the event I chose?
  • When did it take place? What events were taking place at that time?
  • Where did the events take place or where is my historical figure from? BE SPECIFIC!What are important details about this place?
  • Why did the event happen? How did it change history?

Compare

  • Read the sources below to learn the difference between primary and secondary sources.
  • Choose at least 1 primary and at least 2 secondary sources to use in your research. Use the attached Venn Diagram to compare and contrast one primary and one secondary source you have found.

Primary and Secondary Sources:

Venn Diagram

Evaluate

Prerequisite: Compare and Contrast the internet to books/text using a group Venn diagram.

Not all search engines are the same. As a group, view and discuss this PowerPoint presentation.

Complete:

Internet Citation Checklist

Internet Citation Organizer

Wading through the Web

Builda Working Bibliography

Your research is only as good as the sources you choose.

  • Identify 4 sources with which to conduct your research.
  • At least 1 must be a primary source and at least 2 must be secondary sources. First read:

Evaluating Print Sources

  • Submit a working bibliography of sources you plan to use to Ms. Blanco prior to beginning research

MLA Style

Noodletools

Research

Use the following websites, along with library resources, to complete your research. Organize your information using note cards in Noodletools.

BBC History / National Geographic
PBS / Cyber Sleuth
Webster / Encyclopedia Britannica
History.com / Library of Congress
Fact Monster Kid’s Almanac / The National Archives
New York Public Library Student Page / The Smithsonian