2. Why not try a lesson that makes your kids more like this...

4. Mystery Quest: Backpacking through Europe
Oui, oui

5. Meet the Authors...
Melissa
Sherry
Patty
Heidi

6. Description and Subject Area
Our mystery quest will involve
three classrooms connected by
videoconferencing.
This quest is applicable to fourth through sixth grade. It can be used for Social Studies, Geography and Research Projects.

7. Project description
Students are assigned a country within the European area to research the following criteria:
national anthem (music) and/or popular music that is characteristic of the region
type(s) of government
type of land features/landmarks/bodies of water described
foods that are unique to the country
picture of flag
final clue picture of country (unlabeled)
art pieces, with name of artist included, from region
(music, art, literature- one must be included)
historical figures and/or events from the region
photographs to depict the country site
Students will then create a presentation (prezi, PowerPoint, or video) to show through the video conferencing.

8. Learner Outcomes (Texas Standards)
TEKS Social Studies 6.3A-D, 6.4D,F, 6.15A- F
TEKS Technology 6.1A-D, 6.2A-C, 6.3A-D, 6.5A-D
TEKS Music 6.C5C
TEKS Art 6.3A and B

9. Common Core Standards New York
Social Studies
Standard 3: Geography
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live—local, national, and global—including the distribution of people, places, and environments over Earth’s surface.
English Language Arts
W 5.7
W 5.8
W 5.9

10. Materials and Preparation
-Teachers will work together to coordinate conference, as well as contact local technology facilitators to reserve equipment needed.
-Teacher will decide which country each group will research. Sample questions and clues should be gathered prior to conference.
-Include copies of handouts provided

11. Time
-Class Periods- 3 periods (45 minute class periods) plus the 1 (1) hour conference
-Students will be divided into groups to complete research and have access to computers and internet plus library use is necessary

12. Video Conference Agenda
-Videoconferences- 1 session needed between the classes (about an hour long)
-Assign groups, group 1 will present first as other group(s) watch and take notes. Then, immediately afterwards, groups will switch so group 1 will become the audience and group 2 will present.
-After everyone has presented, allow for a quick debrief for classes to take to their own members about what country they think it may be and to decide on one or more clarifying questions to ask the other class.

13. Post Activities
Post activities may include the preparation and serving of food characteristic of the region researched. Groups may wish to adopt a penpal or arrange videoconferences with schools in the region. Music or dances of the culture may be performed.

14. Assessment
Students will receive a project/test grade for their research and presentation (see Group Rubric) AND a daily grade for recording data from watching others.
Electronic Review Game (such as Jeopardy)
Questions over their research and notes taken from observing the other classes
Music

15. Implementation
Any time of the year as long as you collaborate with V.C. teachers, your librarian, music teacher, and art teacher at your campus.