Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
A WebQuest for grades 5-12 Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts
& Language Arts
Created by
Patricia
Link, Coordinator
Morris County Educational Technology Training Center
Introduction:
Zap! You have been magically transported
back in time to the 17th Century. Though you have tried your best, you have
been unable to figure out how to get back to the 21st Century. Now what?
Task:
Since you have been unable to figure out how to get back to the
21st Century, you decide to make the best of it. Being new in "time",
you decide to hold a dinner party and invite some of the major important people
of the time and get to know them better.
Procedure:
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You will work on planning your party with your group. Share
your research and bounce ideas off of each other! You want your party to
be a success!
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In order to hold a successful dinner party in the 17th Century,
you must first find out all you can about this period. Using the links in
the Resource section, investigate this time period. Look for things like:
a. Major historical developments
b. Nations at war
c. Famous political figures
d. Famous scientists
e. Famous artists
f. Famous musicians
g. Cultural development in different countries
h. Clothing styles
i. Daily life (look at the common people as well as the noble)
j. Key aspects of the period
k. Etc., etc., etc.
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After your research, you and your group will plan your party.
Some things to consider:
a. What to serve? (group must choose an appropriate menu)
b. Background music? (if so, what kind?)
c. Attire?
d. Guest list (should include famous people from different aspects of history
such as scientist, author, composer, artists, etc.)
e. Dinner conversation topics (what is happening at this time?)
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You and your group will create party invitations, menu and
your guest list. Remember to over-invite. Not every guest you invite will
be able to make it. (These are busy people after-all!) Make sure your teacher
reviews your guest list!
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Each group member will assume the identity of one of the
guests and "be" that individual for the duration of the party.
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Each party will take place in front of the class for the
amount of time specified by the teacher. Individuals must stay "in
their character" for the duration of the party. Party conversations
will be about key issues of the day. The teacher (who was also transported
back in time) will be a guest at each party in order to "keep the conversation
moving" if necessary.
Resources:
History World
(great resource for all areas! The teacher will review with you various ways
to use this site)
Additional Sources
for the 17th Century
Evaluation
Was your party a success?
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Everyone had a great time! When can we come back?
4 Points
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Most of the guests had a good time.
3 Points
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Some guests had a good time. Others were disappointed.
2 Points
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Next time, call a caterer.
1 Point
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| Did all of your guests participate in the conversations? |
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| Were the conversations relavent to the period? |
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| Were your menu & entertainment appropriate? |
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| Was it a fun party? |
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| Bonus: Can you identify any of the famous people in
the "Resource" section? (1 point for each) |
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Conclusion
Wow! You can really learn a lot about people and their lifestyles by having
them over for dinner! Who was your favorite guest? Who was the "life of
the party"? Was there anyone that you would not invite again? Did you enjoy
the party?
If you were able to construct a time machine to take you home; would you like
to stop anywhere else first?
Last update:
July 22, 2004
All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective
owners.
Updated
July 22, 2004
, ©2002 Patricia Link. All rights reserved.
