Teacher Process

 

This WebQuest allows the students to research events surrounding the Titanic as well as how to write a friendly letter to one of the survivors.Students must work collaboratively in order to complete this project. Research can be done in pairs or in groups of 3. Students will also be reflecting on their experiences throughout the lesson. Students should have the opportunity to work in pairs during the research process, but each student will need to develop his/her own friendly letter. This project is an excellent extention for this unit and is highly motivational. Meaningful and authentic discussion should occur throughout the project as well!

  1. This assignment should last approx. 1-2 weeks.
  2. This project can be used as an extension to Unit 1: Journeys in the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Grade 4. It does align directly with "Finding the Titanic", but can last the length of the unit if access to computers is limited.
  3. The students need to have time to research and follow the writing process as they develop their friendly letters.  
  4. It may be necessary to chunk the assignments into smaller parts for struggling readers and writers. It may also be beneficial to pair weaker students with stronger ones in order to complete the research process.
  5. Struggling writers will also need the writing assignment chunked.
  6. It will be important to allow students adequate time to complete this project. Technology will not always be available or efficient. Be flexible!