1. Homelessness in America
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
A WebQuest to accompany
Can’t Get There From Here
by Todd Strasser
By Debby Merino

2. Introduction Introduction Task
Process
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
Todd Strasser’s Can’t Get There From Here tells the stories of several homeless teens living in NYC. Teenage children comprise a large, and often voiceless population among the homeless in America.
Completing this WebQuest will open your eyes to a very serious problem, and hopefully inspire you to try to help.

3. Task
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
You will be assigned a group and a city to research. You will find statistics about homelessness in your assigned city, and respond to worksheet questions. Finally, you will use what you’ve learned to create a Public Service Announcement to help raise awareness.

4. You have your group. You’ve been assigned a city.
Process
(Page 1)
Introduction
Task
Process
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
You have your group. You’ve been assigned a city.
Now what?
Click on the corresponding link on the “Resources” page
Gather information about the homeless problem in that city
Respond to the following questions:
What is the homeless population in your city?
What percentage of that population is male? Female? Under 18 years old?
Were there any statistics available for drug use of the homeless population?
How has that number changed in the last ten years?
What community and social organizations are in place to help the homeless population?
How do you think the problem in this city might be improved?
Use the information to create a PSA for your city.
What’s a PSA?

5. Process (Page 2) Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics
What is a PSA?
A PSA is a Public Service Announcement. It is an advertisement intended to let people know more about a problem in the community, and to try to help.
Click below to view some examples of PSA’s, both video and print.
Sample #1
Sample #2
Create a PSA
Your group will create a PSA – either video or print. Each member in your groups will take on one of the following jobs:
Writer: write the script/copy
Director/Photographer: direct and film
Actor/Model: Perform or pose
Prop/Stage design: Organize and gather props
PSA Requirements
Videos must be seconds
Print ads must be photographed
All ads must two relevant incorporate statistics from research
All ads must have a memorable and persuasive slogan
Introduction
Task
Process
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page

6. Process (Page 3) Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
How did I do?
Print, complete, and submit a copy of the self-evaluation sheet. This must be submitted when you present your project/PSA.
This self-assessment will help me grade you, and also help me grade your peers. Be fair and honest.
 Name: _____________________________________________
Group Members: ___________________________________________________________________
Researched City: ______________________________________________________
My role in group work: ________________________________________________________________________________
I contributed _______________________________________________ to my group’s project.
I worked well with my group. Yes No
I gave my best effort. Yes No
If I was to grade my performance on this assignment, I would give myself a(n)_______________

7. Resources Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
The following sites are national sites for homelessness. They include national statistics and resources for help. They also have links to local agencies.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
National Coalition for the Homeless
The following list includes homeless sites for specific cities. They include health agencies, shelter information, and homeless statistics. Click on the city your group is researching.
New York
Chicago
Los Angeles
Houston
Miami
Seattle
Philadelphia
Phoenix

8. Assessment Group Work Rubric Introduction Task Process Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
CATEGORY 5 3 1
Research/
Statistical Data
Students include 4 or more high-quality examples or pieces of data to support their campaign.
Students include at least 3 high-quality examples or pieces of data to support their campaign.
Students include at least 2 high-quality examples or pieces of data to support their campaign.
Students include fewer than 2 high-quality examples or pieces of data to support their campaign.
Campaign/
Product
Students create an original, accurate and interesting product that adequately addresses the issue.
Students create an accurate product that adequately addresses the issue.
Students create an accurate product but it does not adequately address the issue.
The product is not accurate.
Statistical Reference
Students include at least 2 relevant and high quality statistics.
Students include 2 statistics, but with questionable relevance
Students include 1 statistic, but is of questionable quality.
Students include no statistics
PSA - Quality
Finished PSA is seconds or a clear, color print ad.
Ad is visually appealing.
Finished product does not meet minimum requirements. Ad is somewhat visually appealing.
Finished product meets minimum requirements, but ad is not visually appealing.
Finished product does not meet minimum requirements. Ad is not visually appealing.
Individual Rubric

9. Individual Work Rubric
Assessment
Individual Work Rubric
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
CATEGORY 5 3 1
Contributions
Routinely provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort.
Usually provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A strong group member who tries hard!
Sometimes provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A satisfactory group member who does what is required.
Rarely provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. May refuse to participate.
Focus on the task
Consistently stays focused on the task and what needs to be done. Very self-directed.
Focuses on the task and what needs to be done most of the time. Other group members can count on this person.
Focuses on the task and what needs to be done some of the time. Other group members must sometimes nag, prod, and remind to keep this person on-task.
Rarely focuses on the task and what needs to be done. Lets others do the work.
Preparedness
Brings needed materials to class and is always ready to work.
Almost always brings needed materials to class and is ready to work.
Almost always brings needed materials but sometimes needs to settle down and get to work
Often forgets needed materials or is rarely ready to get to work.
Working with Others
Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together.
Usually listens to, shares, with, and supports the efforts of others. Does not cause \"waves\" in the group.
Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others, but sometimes is not a good team member.
Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Often is not a good team player.

10. Conclusion Introduction Task
Process
Resources
Rubrics
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
Homelessness really is a larger problem than most of us realize.
If you would like to find out more about homeless issues in your area, and perhaps find ways to help, click on the links below.
Homeless Prevention in Monroe County, PA
PA Homeless Children Initiative
US Dept. of Housing & Public Development

11. Teacher’s Page Introduction Introduction Learners Standards
Procedures
Resources
Students’ Page
This WebQuest was created to accompany the young adult novel Can’t Get There From Here by Todd Strasser.
This WebQuest is a group assignment and would work well with all levels of learners.

12. Teacher’s Page Learners Introduction Learners Standards Procedures
Resources
Students’ Page
This WebQuest is intended for 10th grade students.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
Organize and summarize research
Respond to worksheet questions
Create slogan for ad campaign
Participate in creation of group project
Evaluate their performance

13. Pennsylvania State Standards for
Teacher’s Page
Standards
Introduction
Learners
Standards
Procedures
Resources
Students’ Page
Pennsylvania State Standards for
Reading & Writing
1.1 Learning to Read Independently
Apply Comprehension & Interpretation Skills
1.2 Reading Critically in All Content Areas
Differentiate Detail
Examine Analysis & Evaluation
1.4 Types of Writing
Analyze & Create Persuasive
1.5 Quality of Writing
Write w/ Sharp Distinct Focus
Write Using Well-developed content
1.6 Speaking & Listening
Listen to Others
Participate in Group Presentations
1.8 Research
Locate Information
Organize Main Ideas
Summarize Main Ideas
Present Main Ideas

14. Teacher’s Page Procedures Introduction Learners Standards Procedures
Resources
Students’ Page
Procedures:
Students are divided into groups
Anticipatory set: discuss homelessness, KWL chart on homelessness
Students complete WebQuest
Students present completed PSA’s
Closure: Discussion – Is there a homeless problem in your community? What can you do to help?
Assessment:
Students will be graded as per WebQuest rubrics
Students will earn two grades
Individual work
Group work

15. Teacher’s Page Resources Introduction Learners Materials: Standards
Procedures
Resources
Students’ Page
Materials:
Computer lab with Internet access
Sources:
Rubric was created using Rubistar:
WebQuest references :
Credits:
This course was created with the help and guidance of George Smith, Professor-Fresno Pacific University. It was inspired by my students who always want to learn as long as it’s fun.