2. MiniQuest What is a MiniQuest?
A MiniQuest is an instructional method that uses a variety of resources from print media to electronic information.
The MiniQuest is designed to promote student critical thinking and knowledge construction.

3. What will you do in a MiniQuest?
There are many types of MiniQuests.
Some are designed to have you discover new information and then to use the information in a new context.
Others are designed to allow you to explore or experiment with information.
Others are used to acquire more detail about a topic or concept in order for you to answer complex questions.

4. The Journey There are generally three parts to a MiniQuest Journey:
Part 1: The Opening, or scenario, that sets the stage for why you are on the MiniQuest.
Part 2: The Task that describes what you are being asked to do or what information you are searching for during the quest.
Part 3: The Result, or product, that is authentic and reflective of the original role given to you in the opening.

5. Sample MiniQuest – Part 1 The Opening
MiniQUEST: Hot Air Balloon 
by Pam B. Newberry 
Introduction: You have learned about air lift and Newton's Laws of Motion and have been able to experience both in action through demonstration or actual labs. Now, using the available resources to you on the Internet and other electronic media, you are challenged to help George, the cyberdolphin, understand more about hot air balloons. 

6. Sample MiniQuest – Part 2 The Task
The Task: Working in groups of four or five, divide up the task of investigating the possible answers to the questions George asks below. You will be given a few minutes to do this division of labor, and you can touch base with each other periodically. After approximately one hour of researching, you'll come back into your groups and teach each other what you know. As a group, you will then work on a report to give to your teacher, who will pass the information on to George, with the answers to the questions. 
Your goal is to find information that will help George, the cyberdolphin, understand the following three questions related to hot air balloons: 
1. Why can’t hot air balloons fly on some days?
2. What are the two types of hot air balloons and how are they different?
3. Why do all objects in free fall, regardless of mass, have the same acceleration? Use the formula a = F/m to explain to George.  
4. What types of things must George consider in his design of a hot air balloon, if he wishes to build one? Explain your answer. 

7. Sample MiniQuest – Part 3 The Result
Your Report: To allow your report to be shared widely, you will be writing it for web presentation. A template has been prepared for your use. Once your group is ready to begin writing, download the template and open it up with the Web Browser. After you have your report ready on the word processing program and it has been reviewed as a draft, make corrections and post your report on the web for world-wide perusal. 
Assessment: The MiniQuest will be graded using a rubric devised earlier by the class with the criteria for the grades listed below:
~~ Completion of the MiniQuest with satisfactory responses will denote a grade of C. 
~~ Completion of the MiniQuest with responses above the norm and with a well designed MiniQuest posted on the Internet will denote a grade of B. 
~~ Completion as above with outstanding work on the posted web page will denote a grade of A. 

8. What is expected? You will research a specified topic.
You will use essential questions to guide you in your search.
You will develop a solution to answer the essential question or questions posed in the opening.
You will demonstrate your understanding of the topic researched, showing fresh insight in the topic.
You will be assessed for your understanding and synthesis of the information.