And Then There Was You

This task will be broken into several parts. It is recommended that you complete the parts in the order in which I list them.  

Step 1: Ask your parents/guardians about how you got your name. Then conduct research on what your name means. Type up one paragraph on the story behind your name and what it means. (You should define the meanings of your first, middle, and last name.) Begin by exploring the following resources:  http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names and http://www.houseofnames.com/nameSearch.

Step 2: Interview a family member about your family's background, traditions, and values. Type these answers. You will be graded on the quality (rather than length) of your responses. (This file is attached below and is called The Interview.)

Step 3: Compile an assortment of pictures highlighting your family's most valued members. You can, of course, insert a picture of yourself as well. When you add these pictures to your scrapbook, please caption the pictures underneath so that it is clear why you are including them.

Step 4: Compile a list of different memories that you have shared with your family. (Memories can include holidays, family vacations, reunions, births, graduations, deaths, weddings, etc.)

Step 5: Write a narrative about your family. A narrative is a story about something that really happened. (See the attached file below called "Narrative Writing.) I want you to write a story about an important event within your family. This is a true story (not made up).  You should show rather than tell in your writing. This piece will be three to four paragraphs in length. Make a creative title for this piece of writing.  Check out these resources for advice on narrative writing in general: http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Describe.html, http://www.infoplease.com/cig/writing-well/life-line-personal-narratives.html, and http://www.timeforkids.com/homework-helper/a-plus-papers/personal-narrative.

Step 6: Watch these videos to learn more about scrapbooking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66cX38gfbIU and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFZaUL4nMXs.

Step 7: Now you are ready to start scrapbooking, but first, you have to gather your materials. If you are going to buy an actual pre-made scrapbook, you can check crafts stores, Target, and even look online. However, I want to make it clear that I don't want any student spending more than $15. You are not being graded on how much money you put into this project! You are being graded on how much effort you put into your finished product. You could easily achieve the same goal by creating your own scrapbook by purchasing a 1/2" or 1" binder (from Ocean State Job Lot, for instance) and filling the binder with sheet protectors (from Staples, Target, or CVS). You should think about using colored construction paper as the background for your pages. Scrapbooks should be colorful and neat.

Step 8: Arrange your scrapbook in the following order:

1. The outer page should say "Meet My Family" along with your first/last name. This should be colorful.
2. The first page inside the scrapbook should include the paragraph you created from Step 1 along with a picture of you. Title this page: "What's in a Name?"
3. The next page should include a family tree of the most important family members of your family and their relation to you--including  grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. You do not need to include all family members in your tree! You do not need to put their pictures on this page. You can simple write their names. Title this page: "Family Tree"
4. The next page will be your completed interview (with questions and answers). Title this page: "The Interview"
5. The next several pages will include a list of important memories that you shared with your family. This is where you will include the information you gathered in Steps 3 and 4. When you include pictures, make sure to caption the pictures, explaining what's significant about those pictures. Memories can include holidays, family vacations, reunions, births, graduations, deaths, weddings, etc. I have no problem with you including memories you have shared with your pets as well. As far as I'm concerned, pets are members of the family! Title this page: "Memories"
6. The last piece you will include will be the narrative piece of writing you did in Step 5. Title this page whatever you titled your narrative piece!

All steps of the WebQuest must be completed by Friday, December 18th.