WebQuests provide an excellent way to involve students in authentic learning
activities. The inquiry-based WebQuest format encourages students to utilize higher
level thinking skills as they complete assignments using information gleaned from
the Web. Whether you're looking for ready-to-use WebQuests that you can integrate
into your curriculum or online resources you can use to create your own WebQuest,
these sites should prove helpful. Included: Five resources
for creating and using WebQuests in the classroom.
Weaving the World Wide Web into your curriculum requires knowledge, planning, and a certain level of technological skill. One of the easiest routes to authentic technology integration is the WebQuest -- "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information learners interact with comes from the Internet." The WebQuest format requires students to engage in online research as they complete a series of tasks leading to a final project. A WebQuest requires students to integrate, transform, and utilize information, not just to locate it. Depending on your level of technology skills, you might use one of the thousands of ready-made WebQuests found online, or utilize online resources to create your own WebQuests. Either way, these sites can help:
The WebQuest Page
This ultimate resource for teachers interested in using the WebQuest model not only offers an excellent list of WebQuests sorted by subject and grade level, it also provides advice for creating your own WebQuests, training materials and templates, WebQuest news and resources, and more. This is the place to start!
Biology Corner
The Biology Corner offers several original WebQuests and Internet lessons, as well as an extensive annotated list of ready-made WebQuests covering a wide variety of science topics. The most recent additions to the list of WebQuests for students in grades 9-12, for example, include such topics as cloning, bioethics, hazardous wastes, and animal anatomy.
Mr. Pitonyak's Pyramid Puzzle
This Web-based, middle school math project offers students the opportunity to practice their math skills as they complete tasks requiring them to determine area and volume, estimate, and more. In this activity, students must create a scale drawing and model of a pyramid, estimate the cost of building it based on projected materials and quantities, and submit a bid for the job.
SESD Teacher Resources
This site features a host of well-researched and annotated links to Internet projects, WebQuests, virtual tours, and Internet scavenger hunts for teachers and students. The WebQuest Boot Rack sorts the WebQuests links into major subject areas and the MegaQuest link features original WebQuests created and evaluated by students in grades K-12.
FirstGov for Kids
FirstGov for Kids is a rich resource for creating your own WebQuests. The site is arranged into educational subject areas, and each area offers links to numerous sites that provide information appropriate for students. Be sure to check out the site's Web Treasure Hunt, which can be printed and completed by surfing through the FirstGov categories.
For even more great sites for WebQuests, visit the WebQuest and Scavenger Hunts area of Education World's Site Reviews Archives.
Article by Hazel Jobe
Education World®
Copyright © 2003 Education World
09/03/2003
Updated 05/25/2005
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