The Chief Illiniwek WebQuest Lesson Plan

• Chief Illiniwek WebQuest

Curricular Area:

• Social Studies / English

Grade Level:

• 8th American History (could be used at the High School level)

Goal/Purpose:

• Students will examine the controversial issue of the continuation of Chief Illiniwek as the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign's mascot. They will practice consensus-building skills. They will develop and defend their own personal opinion on the issue.
• This WebQuest is designed as an aid to the processing of this contentious issue in the community of Champaign/Urbana, the state of Illinois and the globe at large.

This lesson addresses the following Illinois Learning Standards:

• Recognize and investigate problems; formulate and propose solutions supported by reason and evidence.
• Recognize and apply connections of important information and ideas within and among learning areas.
• Express and interpret information and ideas.
• Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers and networks to access information, process ideas and communicate results.
• Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members of groups.
• 14.C.3 Compare historical issues involving rights, roles and status of individuals in relation to municipalities, states and the nation.
• 16.A.3b Make inferences about historical events and eras using historical maps and other historical sources. 18.A.3 Explain how language, literature, the, architecture and traditions contribute to the development and transmission of culture.
• 18.A.3b Explain how social institutions contribute to the development and transmission of culture.
• 18.C.3b Explain how diverse groups have contributed to U.S. social systems over time.

The objectives for the the students who participate in this WebQuest are:

• Explain the controversy surrounding Chief Illiniwek in limited detail
• Create a visual, computer based presentation which effectively conveys a report overview
• Work with other students to combine information and compose a report on the chief issue
• Analyze the chief issue and construct a consensus on a solution
• Evaluate yourself and the peers in your group
• Demonstrate cooperative learning skills
• Compare websites and online information and choose information that will be most beneficial to your character
• Synthesize the information from your sources into a report
• Continue to develop computer literacy skills, specifically use of internet, word processing and PowerPoint presentation software

Length of Lesson:

• 4-6 class days

Materials:

• computer lab
• computer projection devise (in class)
• patience / preparation

Teacher resources:

• WebQuest Homepage
• The Chief Illiniwek Dialogue Report

Prerequisite Learning:

• This unit should be used as an addition to a unit on Native American cultures in North America.
• Students should have a basic knowledge of Native American culture - hopefully a knowledge that emphasizes respect.
• Students should have an understanding of group work expectations.
• Students should be familiar with the use of a web browser and basic word processing programs (MSWord or AppleWorks)

Procedure:

• Familiarize yourself with the quest, all software involved and the procedures
  • It will probably be helpful to bookmark the site (favorites in IE)
• Start out by introducing the students to the WebQuest in class (use projection devise if possible)
  • Students should take notes during the intro - make sure they write down the web address!
  • Walk through the quest - read the intro / task, etc. with the quest, take questions
  • Demonstrate how to download and open the templates (PowerPoint and WP)
  • Demonstrate how to update the templates - be specific with expectations
  • Ask for questions
• Put students in multi-ethnic and ability groups - may use pairs for each role (Historian, etc.)
• Take students to the lab - have them re-read the quest and begin to follow the procedures (they can take the quiz now or later)
• Monitor students and answer whatever questions they have - you will probably need to assist on PowerPoint presentation development
  • Feel free to stop the class every once in a while and point out important steps (even if they are clearly articulated on the page!)
• While students are working on the project develop a timeline for groups to present their final reports to the class.
• If students get noisy during the consensus building step ask them to go back to the room to discuss.
• Wrap up the computer lab activities
• Run presentations - give students self and group evaluation forms.
• Recap what was learned - attempt to help students sythensize what they have learned about the chief with what they have learned about the Native Americans.
• Try to stay unbiased throughout the entire unit.