From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiller: Webquest for Grades 3-5

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiller: Webquest for Grades 3-5
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Background

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In 1967, E. L. Konigsburg wrote and published an award-winning book that has remained popular ever since. Readers of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler empathize with Claudia’s dissatisfaction with her life and vicariously enjoy her New York City adventure.

Task

You are in charge of the celebration for the 48th publication anniversary of the book, which will be in 2015–or the 50th anniversary in 2017! Sponsors for the event include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Newberry Award committee. They have asked that the focus include the author and Michelangelo and the Italian Renaissance, along with information about both the museum and the award.

The sponsors have requested that you plan a gala dinner during which guests will learn about the four topics. Your team must design a printed program with a short overview of each. In addition, you will produce a documentary or multimedia presentation that provides a more in-depth discussion of the topics.

Your program booklet should include an appealing front cover and an order of events for the speaking part of the gala. You may include a menu, as well, but this is not required.

You will also write an essay individually by responding to the From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler webquest prompts below.

Process

Use the websites to gather your information and, for the slide show, appropriate pictures and graphics; then prepare a storyboard and a script for your presentation.

Your presentation should be 15-20 minutes in length, whether you choose a slide show or a movie. You must include information about all of the following topics.

The booklet should be made from 8 ½ x 11-inch paper folded in half. The overview for each topic should be at least one-half of the smaller sheets, but no more than one page. You may include pictures with the overviews, but the text must still be at least one-half page long.

Your presentation should be visually appealing, easy to hear and organized in a logical manner. If you choose to create a slide show or electronic movie, using PowerPoint or PhotoStory for Windows, you will need to record a “voice over” with the information for each slide. If you choose a traditional documentary movie, your actors will need to face the camera and speak clearly.

On your own, choose one of the following prompts and write a well-crafted essay in response. Work with your team to improve each other’s compositions by revising and editing them, then prepare a neatly typed or legibly handwritten copy for your teacher.

Who would you choose as your companion for an adventure? Why?

Describe a time when you acted as a team with someone.

Have you ever seen or experienced injustice? Describe the situation and how you responded.

Evaluation

5 Points

  • Extra information has been added.
  • All of the included facts are accurate.
  • The map text contains no errors in spelling, grammar, or syntax.
  • The product is visually appealing. It makes appropriate use of color and fonts, is not crowded or cluttered, and does not have excessive animation.

3 Points

  • All required topics are included.
  • The map contains one factual inaccuracy.
  • The map text contains no more than two errors in spelling, grammar, or syntax.
  • The product is visually appealing, but has one distraction, such as too many colors or fonts, clutter or crowding, or excessive animation.

1 Point

  • One or more required topics are missing.
  • The map contains two or more factual inaccuracies.
  • The map text contains three or more errors in spelling, grammar, or syntax.
  • The product is not visually appealing. It has many distractions, such as too many colors or fonts, crowding of the elements, or excessive animation.