Survivor Stories
A WebQuest for 6th Grade Language Arts
Designed by Sheri Roster
rosters@mail.savannah.k12.mo.us
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page
The theme of Scott O'Dell's historical fiction novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins, is physical and emotional survival. Karana, the main character, must gather food, make a shelter, and overcome loneliness while she longs to be rescued and reunited with her family and friends.
What things does a person really need to survive? How are these things different from what they want?
What personal qualities can help people cope with difficulties or dramatic changes in their lives?
After conducting research on survival skills, your group will create a children's picture book where the main character must use these skills in order to overcome some type of adversity
1 .In your group you will research and study real-life survival stories. Please focus on personal aspects of the story as well as external details. You will be sharing these stories with the rest of the class. Following are links with various survival stories.
2. Once all the groups have shared their stories, we will work as a large team to create a list of characteristics that were common in these survivors.
3. Now your group needs to work together to develop a character to be the star of your children's book. Once you have developed a good character, complete the character map.
4. You are now ready to complete your story map to plan your book.
5. Finally, you are to complete your final book. Be sure to include an illustration with each page.
Your final project will be graded with the following scoring guide.
Congratulations!!!! You have become a children's author. I hope that you have learned about characteristics of survival, story elements, and writing children's stories. I appreciate your hard work and the ability to work together.
NETS
1. Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4)
2. Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6)
3. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources. (6)
Missouri Show-Me Standards
1. speaking and writing standard English (including grammar, usage, punctuation, spelling, capitalization)
3. reading and evaluating nonfiction works and material (such as biographies, newspapers, technical manuals)
4. writing formally (such as reports, narratives, essays) and informally (such as outlines, notes)
6. participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas
Last updated 05/30/07 Based on a template from The WebQuest Page