Canada's Regions
A WebQuest for 5th Grade Social
Designed by Jill Wilkinson, Chuck Hellman, Alan Matisz, Assisted by Ray Hoger
Introduction
Welcome Friend,
You are living in one of the regions of the second largest country in the world. Canada has tremendous beauty, great economic opportunities, and fascinating wildlife. For people living elsewhere in the world, Canada offers hope and a chance at a fresh start in life.
Attracting new people to settle in Canada is extremely important for its continued growth. You have been hired to promote your region with the hopes of attracting people. As a promoter of Canada, you will be exploring your region in detail from its waterfalls to its grizzly bears.
Welcome Aboard!
The Task
You and your team live in the same region and have been hired by the government of Canada to attract immigrants to your region. You will examine various aspects of your region including its location, physical features, description of the land, natural resources, industries, people, climate, and wildlife. After each team member compiles his/her information, you will meet to design a computer generated presentation, which will include an illustration that will be scanned into the computer, and a map.
Remember to consider what would attract people to your region.
The Process
Students will be placed in groups assigned by the teacher. Each person in the group will assume one of these roles:
- Economist - research information about the natural resources, industries and jobs
- Geologist - research information about the physical features (landforms).
- Statistician - research current facts about the climate and population
- Environmentalist - research the various types of wildlife and vegetation
- Cartographer/Guide - research the exact location of the region within Canada and prepare an appropriate map; research recreational opportunities
Each person will use the computer, textbook, other print materials, audio/visual resources, and/or photographs to gather information.
Final Products
The team members will meet back as a group to share their information and organize their facts into the final product. These products will be presented to the class in the form of a computer presentation. The computer presentation must include:
- Introduction to your region; physical features (landforms) with a graphic; wildlife with a graphic; climate facts for the seasons displayed in the graph mode; natural resources; industries; and people of the region
- Map - complete the regional boundaries for your region including the provinces and three major centers
- Illustration - draw a detailed picture showing a description of your region complete with a caption. This will be scanned into the computer
Resources
Evaluation
You will be marked using the following criteria.
Beginning - 1 | Developing - 2 | Accomplished - 3 | Exemplary - 4 | |
Quality of Subject Contenttriple weighting | Weak and insufficient support of ideas, information is confusing, incorrect or flawed | Fulfills minimal topic requirements in a rudimentary way, weak and/or thin examples, facts, or statistics | Logical explanations with clear, appropriate and correct examples, facts, and/or statistics that are properly cited and enhance understanding of the topic | Covers topic completely and in depth. Includes elaborate details that peak user interest and encourage readers to know more |
Organization | No logical sequence or structure of information. Information is confusing, vague, or disorganized | Some logical organization in structure, but purpose and ideas are somewhat vague, or confusing | Information is well organized and presented in a logical sequence. Some screens may lack detail or need refining | Information is presented in a logical, interesting and captivating sequence, that is intuitive and easy to understand |
Use of Technology | No title or overview, minimal graphics | Minimal multimedia elements may not support or reinforce text. Little consideration of balance, proportion, harmony, or restraint | Graphics, design, and text reinforce each other. Consistent and aesthetic design | Advanced, varied features and design create synergy, style, and elegance |
Collaborative Teamwork | All members did not contribute significantly. Decisions/ Responsibility not shared | Most members participated, but group has difficulty sharing decisions and workloads | Most Team members contributed their fair share, and usually maintain positive attitude | Workload and leadership divided fairly evenly among group members. Members motivate each other to do their best |
Language Skills | Poor | Insufficient | Adequate | Awesome |
Conclusion
Congratulations, as a result of your excellent work in recruiting people to settle in your region, we now have sufficient population to utilize the resources. Your region has been revitalized!
Teacher's Page
SICT Outcomes: C.1 Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies. (2.1, 2.2) C.3 Students will critically assess information accessed through the use of a variety of technologies. (2.2) C.4 Students will use organizational processes and tools to manage inquiry. (2.1) C.5 Students will use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry. (2.1) C.6 Students will use technology to investigate and/or solve problems. (2.1, 2.2, 2.6) C.7 Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning. (2.1, 2.2) F.1 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of technology. (2.1,2.2,2.4) F.3 Students will demonstrate a moral and ethical approach to the use of technology. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 ,2.6, 2.7) F.4 Students will become discerning consumers of mass media and electronic information. (2.1) F.5 Students will practice the concepts of ergonomics and safety when using technology. (2.1, 2.2) F.6 Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) P.1 Students will compose, revise and edit text. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) P.2 Students will organize and manipulate data.(2.2) P.3 Students will communicate through multimedia. (2.1, 2.2) P.4 Students will integrate various applications. (2.1, 2.2) P.5 Students will navigate and create hyperlinked resources. (2.2,2.3) P.6 Students will use communication technology to interact with others. (2.1)
