An English/Language Arts Christmas Carol Webquest

Introduction You are about to read the classic novel, A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens. As you begin to read, you will come across some strange items such as a Smoking Bishop, Plum Pudding, bed-curtains, and others. So before you begin, here’s a chance to become an expert on Dickens’ life and the Victorian times in which he lived.

Tasks Answer the following questions by visiting various sites on the Internet. Each answer is worth 5 points. Each answer must be in complete sentences and written in ink or typed. When the tasks are complete, put your name on the paper and email or hand it in to the teacher.

Task #1 Read the biography of Charles Dickens and write down five important facts from his life. http://www.incwell.com/Biographies/Dickens.html

Task #2 The story takes place during the Victorian Era. A period of history from 1837-1901 during the reign of the Queen Victoria. Where is Camden Town located? Dickens' London Map Print out the map with your name on it and attach it to your webquest. Circle Camden Town on your map.

Task #3 Tiny Tim was a little boy who had an illness, which made it difficult for him to walk without a crutch. What disease did he have? Dickens' Christmas Page Hint: scroll down to Tiny Tim’s Ailment. Describe his illness.

Task #4 When Scrooge is asked to donate money to the poor, he refuses and asks, “Are there no prisons? And Union workhouses?” What is a Union Workhouse? What was it like? What did they eat? Check out The union workhouse, a history & resource. You must answer all three questions for full credit. Try www.workhouses.org.uk if the above link doesn’t work.

Task #5 Plum Pudding and Smoking Bishop are two treats mentioned in A Christmas Carol. What are their main ingredients? What did they make it in? Dickens' Christmas Page . The information can be found in the left column. Scroll down – you’ll find it!

Task #6 Visit this website and select ten or more important events in Charles Dickens’ life. Place the events on a timeline in correct order. Charles Dickens: A Chronology of his Life

Task #7 Create a list of at least 5 hardships that child laborers (Working Children) faced during Victorian Times. http://www.freeessays.cc/db/18/ehc33.shtml Try www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/victorians.html if the above link doesn’t work.

Task #8 Back in the Victorian era, their coins were called: pound, shilling, and pence. Scrooge paid his worker “fifteen shilling a week.” What could you buy with that? Scroll down to find “Fifteen Bob a week” A Christmas Carol

Task #9 Scrooge was afraid to move the “bed curtains” for fear he would see another spirit. What are “bed curtains”? Interior Design/Bedrooms

Task #10 During the Victorian era, parlor games where played at holiday gatherings. Scrooge watches as his nephew and guests play, “Twenty Guesses.” Explain how this I’m thinking of something game is played. Victorian Parlor Games

Task #11 Visit Victorian Christmas Menus. Using the foods they ate, design a Victorian menu for a Christmas Dinner.

Assessment This cooperative learning project is worth 55 points Each question is worth 5 points. Your questions will be evaluated on the following: 1. All questions are answered completely. 2. All questions are answered in complete sentences. 3. There are no misspelled words. 4. The answers are written neatly in ink or typed.

When You Are Finished…. Double check that your names are on the paper Turn your paper in to Mr. Colo