What would you eat? What would you do on weekends? What kind of clothes would you wear? Where would you go on vacation?
Students will be in groups of four. Students will “explore” East Asia. Students must create a presentation that is composed of pictures, journals, and videos that will answer questions about their journey. In addition to the presentation, students may enhance their presentation by using other mediums as well. Each student will have one job description of either a reporter, narrator, photographer, and producer. Each job plays an important role in the overall presentation about the journey through East Asia.
The reporter is the person who will gather information and data to answer the provided questions. Although this is the primary job of the reporter, other group members are encouraged to gather some information as well. The reporter should be resourceful and able to sort information easily to find the answer.
The narrator is the group member who will type or write the information and make sure the information that is collected by the reporter is accurate. The narrator should be familiar with the presentation technology and able to question information for accuracy.
The photographer is the group member who will search for pictures and videos to answer the questions to complete the journey. The photographer will also aid the narrator in visual presentation aspects. The photographer may need to conduct student-made videos if that is a part of the group presentation. The photographer should be creative and be able to use a camera if needed.
The producer is the “editor” of the overall presentation. The producer actively participates in all components of the presentation, and is mediates for the group. The producer should check the overall effectiveness and accuracy of the presentation and should display leadership skills.
1. How many countries make up East Asia and where is it located, and what are these countries? 2. How far away is East Asia from the U.S.? 3. What do the people of East Asia wear, eat, and do for entertainment? 4. Would you want to travel to East Asia? If so, what activity or activites would you do? 5. What are three geographical landmarks in East Asia? 6. Which landmark do you find most interesting and why?
How your group addresses each question in addition to the presentation is up to you. Some ideas may be, but are not limited to: videos, pictures, brochures, music, objects, food, games, or posters. You are encouraged to use different mediums for different questions. For example, if you learn about a particular food of China, then a component of your presentation may be to bring in that dish to share with the class in addition to the visual presentation. The presentation will be worth 50 points. The presentation will be graded on overall effectiveness, accuracy, creativity, and group collaboration.
17.A.2a Compare the physical characteristics of places including soils, land forms, vegetation, wildlife, climate, natural hazards. 17.A.2b Use maps and other geographic representations and instruments to gather information about people, places and environments. 17.B.2b Explain how physical and living components interact in a variety of ecosystems including desert, prairie, flood plain, forest, tundra. 17.C.2b Describe the relationships among location of resources, population distribution and economic activities (e.g., transportation, trade, communications). 18.A.2 Explain ways in which language, stories, folk tales, music, media and artistic creations serve as expressions of culture. 17.D.2a Describe how physical characteristics of places influence people’s perceptions and their roles in the world over time.
Have the students choose one country and create a Prezi. Use Google Earth to explore different parts of Asia. Use facts about one country to create a Wordle. Create a game on SmartBoard to test the student’s knowledge about the WebQuest. Have the students organize a culture fair in which they present information about a country, including food, clothes, and entertainment.