Process
Getting Started
You may now open the activity envelope the teacher handed you when you logged on to this webquest.
Activity 1
Vocabulary Search using an Online Dictionary
1. Find Activity Sheet 1 in your envelope.
2. You are eager to begin, but don't skip ahead. Doing the vocabulary search will prepare you to read the selections in the next section of this webquest.
There are several words you will need to know in order to be able to understand the information you are reading about capital punishment.
3. Click on the link to find the vocabulary on Activity Page 1.
Activity 1
Vocabulary Search using an Online Dictionary
1. Find Activity Sheet 1 in your envelope.
2. You are eager to begin, but don't skip ahead. Doing the vocabulary search will prepare you to read the selections in the next section of this webquest.
There are several words you will need to know in order to be able to understand the information you are reading about capital punishment.
3. Click on the link to find the vocabulary on Activity Page 1.
Dictionary Tips:
1. When you are done with this activity, continue to use this link to look up words you don't know. The extra space on the activity sheet is for your personal use.
2. If you are having trouble understanding a definition, follow the "defined for kids" or " defined for "English Learners" links.
1. When you are done with this activity, continue to use this link to look up words you don't know. The extra space on the activity sheet is for your personal use.
2. If you are having trouble understanding a definition, follow the "defined for kids" or " defined for "English Learners" links.
Weighing the Facts
You will now begin exploring some websites that will help you decide whether you are for or against the death penalty. You may think you already know, but keep an open mind as you explore information that addresses both sides of the issue.
Activity 2
Exploring the History of the Issue
1. Remove Activity Sheet 2 from your webquest envelope. Use graphic organizer 2 to outline the major points made in each paragraph of an online article that gives an overview of the history of the death penalty.
2. Follow the link. Read only page one of the article.
Activity 3
Considering the Major Arguments
1. Remove the Activity Sheet 3 from your webquest envelope. Use this graphic organizer to create a chart. You will explore 2 websites that provide information on the pros and cons of the death penalty issue. Write a brief summary of each pro and con on the chart.
2. Make sure you record the information you are discovering at each website on the correct area of the chart. The chart contains citation information for each site. If you decide to use any of this information in your letter to the editor, you will need to know which site it came from and you will need to properly cite it.
3. Follow the link to the first site. You will need to click on both the "agree" and the "disagree" buttons for each issue so that you can read both sides of each argument.
1. Remove the Activity Sheet 3 from your webquest envelope. Use this graphic organizer to create a chart. You will explore 2 websites that provide information on the pros and cons of the death penalty issue. Write a brief summary of each pro and con on the chart.
2. Make sure you record the information you are discovering at each website on the correct area of the chart. The chart contains citation information for each site. If you decide to use any of this information in your letter to the editor, you will need to know which site it came from and you will need to properly cite it.
3. Follow the link to the first site. You will need to click on both the "agree" and the "disagree" buttons for each issue so that you can read both sides of each argument.
4. You will now explore a second website that addresses both the pros and cons of the death penalty issue. When you open the page, skim the chart to find arguments for issues that were not covered at the last website.
5. Add new issues to your chart. Write a brief summary of the pros and cons of each issue. Make sure you are using the correct area of your graphic organizer.
5. Add new issues to your chart. Write a brief summary of the pros and cons of each issue. Make sure you are using the correct area of your graphic organizer.
Putting a Face on the Issue
Now that you have had a chance to look at both sides of the issue, it is time to put a face on it and personalize it. In this part of the webquest you will be looking at how this issue affects individuals.
Activity 4
Considering Personal Accounts
1. Remove Activity Sheet 4 from your webquest envelope. This sheet will help you keep track of the personal accounts you will watch and will give you an opportunity to record your thoughts and reactions.
2. Go to the following link. Click on the video window and watch the news report about Becky Marrero and the Green River Killer.
Considering Personal Accounts
1. Remove Activity Sheet 4 from your webquest envelope. This sheet will help you keep track of the personal accounts you will watch and will give you an opportunity to record your thoughts and reactions.
2. Go to the following link. Click on the video window and watch the news report about Becky Marrero and the Green River Killer.
3. Go to the following link and watch the video at the top of the page that has people speaking out against the death penalty. Be patient, the site takes a couple of minutes to fully load.
Decision Time
You have had a chance to examine both sides of this issue and now it is time to make a decision. How will you vote? Come back to this activity at the end of the quest to see what the class results are.
Activity 5
Taking a Stand
1. Now it is time for you to take a stand on this issue by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. Before you begin, take a moment to read some advice on how to do it effectively. Follow the link and then scroll down the page until you find the section titled How do you write a letter to the editor?.
Taking a Stand
1. Now it is time for you to take a stand on this issue by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. Before you begin, take a moment to read some advice on how to do it effectively. Follow the link and then scroll down the page until you find the section titled How do you write a letter to the editor?.
Writing the Letter
2. Begin this assignment by creating a graphic organizer to plan your writing. Use one of the formats the teacher taught you this year. Review the grading rubric by following the Evaluation link at the bottom of this page.
3. Draft your letter.
4. Revise on your own and then go to the teacher and request a revision partner.
5. Edit your work.
6. Type or hand write a final copy following all class standards. Check your class handbook for final copy guidelines.
7. Keep all of your prewriting, planning, and drafting sheets. These will all be turned in.
3. Draft your letter.
4. Revise on your own and then go to the teacher and request a revision partner.
5. Edit your work.
6. Type or hand write a final copy following all class standards. Check your class handbook for final copy guidelines.
7. Keep all of your prewriting, planning, and drafting sheets. These will all be turned in.
Rally Time!
It is now time to attend a rally in support of the position you have taken on this issue. Before you attend, you have one last task to complete. Your position needs to be visible!
Activity 6
1. Design a tee shirt to wear to the rally. Use the Activity Sheet 6A template that you will find inside the webquest envelope. You may design both sides if you wish, but will only be scored on the front side. Your shirt should make your position clear and should be visually attractive. Don't forget to use some color.
2. Design a sign to carry in the rally. Use the Activity Sheet 6B draft form that you will find inside of your webquest envelope to draft out your idea. You will find a heavy sheet of paper on the supply table in the front of the classroom for your final rendering. Make sure your position is clear.
Tips: Try your hand at creating a slogan. Review the grading rubric by following the Evaluation link at the bottom of this page.
2. Design a sign to carry in the rally. Use the Activity Sheet 6B draft form that you will find inside of your webquest envelope to draft out your idea. You will find a heavy sheet of paper on the supply table in the front of the classroom for your final rendering. Make sure your position is clear.
Tips: Try your hand at creating a slogan. Review the grading rubric by following the Evaluation link at the bottom of this page.
Finishing Up
You are almost done. Click on the "CONCUSION" button for information on how to to turn in your work. You will also find additional resources and instructions for submitting your letter to a real newspaper.