What Would You Do?


Fifth Grade Literature Webquest Based on
Elizabeth George Speare's Sign of the Beaver
Created by Suzanne Roberts and Emily Hungerford

Adapted by Mrs. Schneider and Mrs. Robbins

 

 

Introduction Task Links Process Conclusion Evaluation

Introduction

     In 1768, a 12 year old boy named Matt was faced with making the biggest decision of his lifetime.  His father had left him in the Maine wilderness to take care of the family homestead and had not returned as promised from taking care of sick relatives.  During the father's absence, a nearby Native American tribe befriended and helped Matt survive.  Matt helped teach one tribe member, Attean, how to read.   It was now time for the Native America tribe to move north to new hunting grounds and they graciously invited Matt to come with them.  There was no sign of Matt's father returning.  What would you do?  Would you go with them or stay?

Task

     You are faced with the decision of your lifetime.  Should
you go with Attean and his Native American tribe or should you remain at your family's homestead?   You will make the best decision you can based on researching the following conditions:

  • The geographic layout of the land in Maine and seasonal changes.
  • The amount and type of available food in the late 1700's.
  • The health and safety concerns you might possibly face.

Links

Vintage Maine Images
Black Bear Facts
North American Black Bear Details
Black Bear Characteristics
Milo Historical Society, The Survivor Story
Sign of the Beaver
San Diego's Office of Education CyberGuide
Teacher's Guide
About Elizabeth George Speare

Process

1. Look at the land in Maine during different seasons and write down a job you would need to do in each season.
    
2.   Make a list of available food you could find or grow during the late  1700's.
 3.   Research one animal that might be a health or safety concern.  Write down what you might do if you encountered a black bear.
4.   Look at photos taken by Dave Burchett near Mrs. Hungerford's former back yard in Boulder, Colorado.
      Black Bear One                  Black Bear Two

Conclusion

     You are beginning to become very knowledgeable about some of the living conditions in Maine during the 1700's.  You will construct a story in Microsoft PowerPoint You will share an experience that helps convince you of the decision you will make whether to go with Attean or remain at the family homestead.

Evaluation

     The product you produce in Microsoft PowerPoint will be used for your evaluation.  Good descriptive writing practices must be followed.  Your character must engage in believable events for the 1768 time period.

 

PowerPoint

Slide 1 - Title and your name

Slide 2 - Information about your pioneer family

Slide 3 - a job you would need to do in each season

Slide 4 - list of available food you could find or grow during the late  1700's

Slide 5 - what you might do if you encountered a black bear

Slide 6, 7, & 8 - share an experience that helps convince you of the decision you will make whether to go with Attean or remain at the family homestead.

Include graphics, sound, and animation

Journey Back to the Internet Projects Page

 

Last Updated November 30, 2005 - Mrs. Schneider and Mrs. Robbins

Last updated October 19, 2000

Based on a template from The Webquest Page.