Maya-mian Web Quest

How It Works:  Maya-mian Web quest is a simulation cooperative learning  project specifically designed to increase an awareness of multiculturalism through the use of the Internet. The major focus of this project is to teach students in grades three, four or five about Mexican Culture using technology as its vehicle. It is interdisciplinary as it addresses the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) which were developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) in reading, writing, social studies, mathematics, foreign language, and technology. 

The purpose of this project is to allow students to learn from one another, solve problems and draw conclusions, while acquiring information for a common cause.  It is based on interactive units that build students’ research skills. Students work collaboratively using project-based learning. Here they are taught to work together as a team using decision-making and critical thinking skills. After their research is complete, they present their work to their peers and are assessed by them using a rubric. The students are able to have fun surfing the Internet while acquiring information. Once students reach a particular website, it is up to them to gather the information to be used in the presentation. 

An Introduction leads the teacher to guide students into the simulation which begins the project which is based on the dilemma of whether to build a huge mall at the site of Mayan Ruins. As the future leaders of tomorrow, the students are asked to fly to Mexico to study the situation to determine whether the Miami-based architectural company Ruins-To-Go should build the mall. The Task delineates the activities that are required in an easy outline form. Here, students will find direct links to many of the sites needed to be researched. The Process explains how students will be grouped for this project and what roles each will play. Also included in this section are several strategies and tutorials for various programs that can be easily accessed by its hyperlinks. The Resources section includes all available Internet links that students need for this project. The Assessment is a teacher-made rubric which is to be used by the rest of the class to evaluate each presenting group.

Standards: 

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:  10 or more

Software Materials Used:  Students need to have access to the Internet. They need a word processing program such as Microsoft Works, Word, or Claris Works or Apple Works to copy and paste information, graphics, maps, graphs, etc. to their document. They need a printer and a scanner or digital camera for embedding information brought from other sources. A digital video camera is a must for iMovies. A presentation program such as iMovie, PowerPoint, Inspiration, HyperStudio, or the like is needed to produce the final presentation. And finally, a projector to show the presentation to peers, staff, and parents.

Keywords:  Mexico, Mayan Ruins, Dolphin Mall, Maya, web quest, archeology, Mexican culture, history

Students:  This project is designed for third, fourth and fifth grade students. This project would greatly benefit academically challenging students because they would be working in collaborative groups where everyone has an equally important role. This model allows all students to share information gathered, researched or acquired from one’s own experience or culture, thus creating a total involvement of everyone in the group.

Overall:  The most valuable feature of this project is that students learn to work with each other, in a heterogeneous setting, preparing them for tomorrow’s work force. They learn that the work place is full of diverse individuals who bring with them unique personalities, strengths and weaknesses, yet must work together for a common purpose. 

Through this web quest students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun creating, collaborating, and producing authentic projects. When students are involved in hands-on self-motivated activities, self-esteem is raised, consequently increasing student achievement. When learning is meaningful it becomes long-lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration of the latest technologies with the curriculum, replacing sometimes outdated and boring textbooks. Using online inquiry through visiting cultural websites of other countries, students can receive up to the minute information, making learning exciting and meaningful.

Tips:  When selecting the groups of students, make sure that each group is heterogeneously comprised of academically challenged and advanced students. Allow students to come up with their own ideas for the presentation. Acknowledge creativity and uniqueness. Invite parents, community members, and staff to see the presentations.

About the Teacher:  Rosa Duarte is in her 26th year working for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she specialized in autism. She was a Staffing Specialist in Region 4 and a District Support Teacher for the Autistic Program. She received her Educational Specialist in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology Coordinator/Computer Teacher/ Webmaster at Southside Elementary. 

She teaches the Academic Excellence Program, where students publish the Southside Express, as well as computers to K-5 students. She has been awarded a Success Grant, the Citibank FamilyTech Grant from the Ed Fund, AT&T Grants, and IMPACT II Disseminator Grants.

Subjects:  Foreign Language and Social Studies

Grade Levels:  3 through 5

Email Rosa