Terry Negin

Computer Teacher – Lincoln Roosevelt School

Roxbury Township Public Schools

Presidential Webquest

          On November 7, 2000, Americans will be electing their 43rd president who will become the first president of the twenty-first century.  As the twentieth century comes to a close, it is a perfect time to reflect on America’s past presidents

The Task

In this project, you will become a reporter who will investigate a president. You will write a one page article answering:

Ø      Who?

Ø      When?

Ø      Where?

Ø      What?

Ø      How?

Resources and Webliography

The Internet:

The Office of the President

http://www.thisnation.com/executive-facts.html

This site contains an in-depth explanation of the office of the President. It lists the requirements a person needs to become the President of America. It’s easy to read and gives a lot of great information.

Grolier’s Online – The American Presidency

http://gi.grolier.com/presidents/aae/prescont.html

This contains detailed information for each American president.  By using the hyperlinks the student can access either quick facts or detailed facts on each person.  It is also to access information of their first ladies.

The American President

http://www.americanpresident.org/introduction.htm

This is from the ten-part series on the history and impact of the American presidency that aired on the Public Broadcasting Service.  The National Council for the Social Studies has endorsed this outreach and will play a partnership role in the development of classroom materials designed for distribution to teachers nationwide.

The Presidents

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/frames/record/record.html

This site includes the “Presidential Record”, a review of all 20th century chief executives, a collection of Presidential quote in “In Their Own Words,” a detailed bibliography and a comprehensive collection of primary source material.

Presidents SWATH.org

http://presidents.swath.org

This site is an archive of facts on all the Presidents. It is written in outline form and is a good site for a quick look.  Do not use this as your only reference; it’s only a list of facts.

Microsoft Encarta World Wide Web Site

http://encarta.msn.com/

This is an on-line encyclopedia that is a great reference site. It is easy to use and interactive. It is a quick way to gather information.

The Process

          Each person will use Mrs. Negin’s Presidential Box and pick a president. You are to research the president chosen using the resources listed.  Then, use “The Student Writing Center” to write your two column article.  Make sure to create a title and don’t forget your by-line.   

            In your article, you are to answer the reporter’s questions:

Ø      Who?

Name? Political Party? Nickname? Religion? Children?

Ø      When?

When was he elected and how long did he serve?

Ø      Where?

Where was he born?

Ø      What?

What happened during his presidency?

Ø      How?

How did his presidency affect the country?

Learning Advise:

Ø      Things to remember:

1. A catchy headline will catch the readers’ interest.
2. Make sure you checked your spelling and grammar.
3. Title all graphics.
4. Font should be easy to read (no script fonts).
5. Check out the layout of your article.  Is it pleasing to the eye?
6. Did you include your by-line?

Conclusion

            Each student will submit a one-page article by the deadline date.  All the articles will be combined to create a class newspaper entitled, “Presidents”.  The newspaper will be distributed to your class and team teachers.  Good Luck! J