Subject and grade level:

This webquest is designed for tenth grade English classes.

Student Characteristics:

Students at the tenth grade level are naturally curious and seem to have some difficulty with the language of The Odysssey.  Students also like to see visuals in order to help them understand certain complex ideas.

Lesson Overview:

The main goal of this webquest is that it will encourage group collaboration in order to learn more extensively about Homer's Odyssey.  The class will seperate into groups of four and each member is required to choose a role to "play." Each role has a specific focus to research on the internet using the websites that I provide. Topics will include:  what it would be like to live in Homer's time, gods and goddesses, comparitive myths, and "Odysseus"-the leader.  After each group member has gathered their research, the group comes together as a whole and begins to write their group myth using thier chosen god or goddess. The myth will be written using a PowerPoint slideshow.

-Students will be able use various forms of technology.
-Students will locate and evaluate information sources, such as the internet. ELA-5-H2
-Students will recognize and use organizational features of printed text, other media, electronic information.        ELA-5-H1
-Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

This webquest should take approxiametly only two weeks.  One week to introduce the webquest and gather research on the internet.  Another week in order to regroup and create their PowerPoint presentations.

-Computers for the class or a computer lab
-Internet or (ISP)
-Microsoft Power Point
-Textbooks
-Notebooks

First, The Odyssey by Homer must be read. Then an introduction to the internet and PowerPoint must be presented to the group as a whole.  Then, you must break the students into groups of four.  (I think it best if the teacher picks the groups.) Then let each member select a role in the group and let them onto the internet. The research process will be individual work only and the teacher should monitor all activity on the internet.  Group members may address questions to each other.  After research, the small groups will get back together and combine their information into a PowerPoint presentation.  The presentation will be presented to the whole class.

The students will be graded on their creativity, use of internet resources, and grammar and spelling. They will receive seperate grades on their internet notes, their Power Point presentation, and daily participation points.

 Student Page