Civil War Heroes

What makes a hero? This WebQuest asks students to consider this question and develop an answer within the historical context of the American Civil War. In this project, students will learn more about one Civil War figure which they select from a provided list. They will also improve their technological literacy and research skills by using provided websites to research their figure. Finally, student thinking will advance to high levels of interpretation and analysis as they consider what makes their chosen figure a hero and why this person's actions were important.

This WebQuest would take approximately three days to complete, assuming that you have 50-55 minutes of instructional time with each class period. Each day, students should complete one phase of the project, as described in the Tasks section. Students will need Internet access during Phase One and Phase Two, so ensure that you reserve school laptops or schedule time in a computer lab.

Standards

Reading Standards Covered by Phase One of WebQuest Tasks

RH.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

RH.11-12.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).

Writing Standards Covered by Phase Three of WebQuest Tasks

WHST.11-12.2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

WHST.11-12.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.