Hoover Dam WebQuest2011

By Kristin Rowe

Hoover Dam:To Build or Not to Build?

Introduction | Task | | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

A WebQuest for 4th Grade Social Studies by Kristin Rowe

kristin.rowe@asd20.org

Task

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Work with your assigned group to create a PowerPoint presentation to the state of Nevada to try to receive approval for building the Hoover Dam.

Should the Hoover Dam be built? Is it worth the time and money? Is the Hoover Dam beneficial? Explain whether or not you believe the Hoover Dam should be

built. In your PowerPoint project, give the reasons behind your

decision. Be sure to explain each section in detail.

Introduction

Introduction | Task | | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

The year is 1930. You are the head architect of a large company who has been asked to build the Hoover Dam between Arizona and Nevada. There are many pros to this project, but there are also some cons. Is the Hoover Dam worth being built?

You are an environmentalist in the year 1930 and you hear that the Hoover Dam is going to be built. Is this good for the environment? Explain your position.

Process Introduction | Task | | Process | Evaluation |

Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

1. First you'll be assigned to a team of 3 students. You will need to decide which role you would like. The choices are note taker, architect (pro), environmentalist (con)

2. Once you've picked a role to play, research information about Hoover Dam.

3. You will need to keep track of your references and record them on your PowerPoint Presentation.

Process (Continued)

Helpful Websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoover_Dam

http://hooverdam.travelnevada.com/home.aspx?obid=Search-Google-General&gclid=CIvNkfyjtqkCFSFl7AodklICOQ

http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Ge-Hy/Hoover-Dam.html

Process (Continued)

The expectations of this project are as follows: Each team member must participate in the project and the presentation You may want to use a T-Chart to brainstorm your ideas: (shown below) There should be a minimum of 8 slides-with correct transitions and working links Slides must be easy to read The Pros and Cons should be written without spelling mistakes or grammar errors There should be pictures included in the PowerPoint (not from clip art) Use the Hoover Dam PowerPoint Template:

Evaluation

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

You will receive one grade per group. Because of this, make sure that each of you are doing your fair share of the project. Use the rubric that has been provided for you.

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

PowerPoint Presentation

Created a PowerPoint Project with no clear idea presented

Created a PowerPoint Project with limited information on each side-Pros and Cons

Created a PowerPoint Project that displayed a clear understanding of each side (pros and cons). Included references and presented project to class with each team member participating. Slides easy to read and links worked.

Created a PowerPoint Project that included steps for a 3 and also included other viewpoints.

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

Stated objective or perform-ance

Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance.

Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance.

Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance.

Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance.

Conclusion

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

At the end of this project, you should be very familiar with both sides of the issue.

Now that the Hoover Dam has been built, do you think it would be beneficial for another dam of this size to be built today?

How would it be done differently 80 years later? Do you see yourself as more of the architect or as the environmentalist? Take some time to think of these questions and if you would like, you

may present your thoughts to the class.

Credits & References

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

History Alive Text Book Include a link back to The WebQuest Page and the

Design Patterns page so that others can acquire the latest version of this template and training materials.

Credits & References(Continued)

We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is hereby granted for other educators to copy this WebQuest, update or otherwise modify it, and post it elsewhere provided that the original author's name is retained along with a link back to the original URL of this WebQuest. On the line after the original author's name, you may add Modified by (your name) on (date). If you do modify it, please let me know and provide the new URL.

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

Hoover Dam: To Build or Not to Build?

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

A WebQuest for 4th Grade Social Studies Designed by Kristin Rowe

kristin.rowe@asd20.org

Teacher Page

Introduction

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

This lesson was developed as part of Academy School District 20’s Summer Institute Class for Webquest.

This is to tie in with the new Colorado State Standards for Social Studies for the 4th grade. Not only is it for Social Studies, but it also addresses the Technology Standards as well.

Teacher Page

Learners

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

This lesson is anchored in fourth grade social studies and involves technology as well.

In order to complete this project, students will need to be competent in their use of PowerPoint. They will also need to know how to delegate work to their teammates. A lesson on how to work successfully as a team should be taught ahead of time.

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Curriculum and ET-IL Standards

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

Here are some of the questions to think about as you are researching your topic:

Social Studies Standards Addressed• How does the physical environment affect human activity? • How does human activity affect the environment?• How do you know when you've made a good decision? • How do you know when you've made a bad decision? • Why is it important to research issues and engage in civil debates?

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Curriculum and ET-IL Standards (Continued)

As you work on your project with your group, think about:

How you are going to present your information? Will you be making inferences? Will you be using critical thinking? How will your project be creative? Remember to use team work, as this is a project that you

will receive a “team” grade on.

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Process

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

Student Process1. First you'll be assigned to a team of 3 students. You will need to decide which role you would

like. The choices are note taker, architect (pro), environmentalist (con)2. Once you've picked a role to play, research information about Hoover Dam.3. You will need to keep track of your references and record them on your PowerPoint

Presentation.

Teacher ProcessThis lesson will be taught over a months period of time. This will enable students enough time to work

together in class to gather information on both sides of the issue and then to develop their PowerPoint presentation. The teacher can give the groups time during social studies to work on their projects. It may be beneficial to teach a new lesson during that time period and then give time afterwards. This will allow the teacher flexibility in covering all the necessary standards. The teacher may want to ask the technology teacher for some guidance on PowerPoint if they are not an expert themselves.

The teacher needs to create the groups ahead of time to make sure they are balanced.

Teacher Page

Process (Continued)

• The teacher should read the section of the textbook on the Hoover Dam to become familiar with the information. The teacher could also use the internet to become acquainted with the environmental aspects of the project.

• Because the students will be using the laptops for a majority of this project, the teacher should sign up for a biweekly time to use the computer lab to ensure the class has enough computer time since laptops are shared among three to four other classrooms.

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Resources Needed

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

To be successful on this project, you will need:• Copy of History Alive! Textbooks • PowerPoint (found on school laptops)• Flash drive to save your work• Reference books on the Hoover Dam• Websites on the Hoover Dam

Teacher Page

Resources Needed (Continued)

• If the lesson makes extensive use of specific websites, it would be appropriate to list, describe and link them here. It would also be helpful to link the names of books suggested to Amazon or other online sources.

• This lesson can be taught by the core classroom teacher. If possible, the technology teacher could come in to the classroom to assist this activity.

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Evaluation

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

• I will know the lesson was successful if students are able to present their PowerPoint to the class and it covers both sides of the issue clearly.

• I will be looking at their PowerPoint Presentation and using the rubric given to them. (See rubric)

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