A Web Quest for 3-5th Grade (Maine Studies)
Designed by
Page Dilts, Jody Henderson, and Lynn Hoenig
MSAD #34, Belfast, Maine
Put your creativity to work and have fun learning about the state of Maine!
Do you know who Milton Bradley is? He is the creater and designer of the game Monopoly, BORN IN MAINE! Now YOU have the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and maybe even make millions with your creation of a Maine Game! In this Web Quest you have the opportunity to research, design, and create a game about Maine.
Students
will design and create a board game about the State of Maine.
Here are the websites you may use:
http://www.state.me.us/sos/kids
Here are some books you might find useful:
1. Fradin, Dennis B. Maine. Sea to Shining Sea. Chicago: Children's Press, 1994
2. Kummer, Patricia K. Maine. Minnesota, Capstone Press, 1998
3. Engfer, LeeAnne. Maine. Hello USA. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 1991
1. Brainstorm a list of popular board games. Decide upon your game's format.
2. Your first role in your team of 3-4 students is that of researcher. As a team, you are responsible for researching the following categories to create questions and answers:
Geographical
Features: ocean and bays, islands, fjord, mountains, lakes and
rivers, borders, counties.
State Facts: nickname, flower, bird, animal, insect, gemstone, song, seal, flag, berry
Famous People: politicians, authors and poets, sports figures, entrepreneurs, artists
Your team needs to create at least 50 questions and answers (at least 15 from each of the three categories listed above). Write each question on the front of an index card and write the answer on the back.
3. Your second role is that of Designer. Make a rough draft proposal of your game (all members of the team must be in agreement) and submit this idea to your teacher. The following guidelines must be adhered to:
a. Write the Name of the Game
b. Write the rules, including object of the game; number and appropriate age of players; how to determine who goes first; time limits; and directions on how to play the game.
c. Submit a sketch of the gameboard, playing pieces, game box, etc.
d. Include the index cards with questions and answers in a sealed envelope
e. Include a materials list.
4. Your third role is that of Creator. Once your proposal has been accepted, you may begin creating your game. Work as a team on your task of making a Maine Game.
5. Your fourth role is Evaluator. Play your own game and determine as a team what changes can be made to improve the quality of your Maine Game. Make the necessary adjustments so your game is ready to be played by others.
6. Your fifth and final role is Player! As a player you will participate in the Maine Game Tournament. Remember good sportsmanship with comments of support to the other designers.
Congratulations, Gameologists! By completing this Web Quest, your team was able to design, create, and play a Maine Game!
Pass Go and Collect $200!
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Preparation:
- Gather books and other resources on Maine to be used in the classroom and preview the websites listed in the resources section.
- Introduce the web quest to the students so that they are clear on the task and expectations.
- Hold a Game Day in which children will be exposed to board games, rules, etiquette, etc.
- Gather materials: index cards, oak tag, markers, game boxes (shirt or pizza boxes, etc.)
- Each team will need a way for them to organize and store their materials.
- Make copies of the student and teacher evaluations, and money certificates to distribute to students at the conclusion of the Web Quest.
Extensions:
- Games can be shared with other classrooms, families, senior citizens.
- Create a borrowing system for the games, similar to a library
Other Resources:
- Student and Teacher Assessment Recording Sheet
- Rubric Description
Money Certificate