Maniac Magee

Focus:  This WebQuest is designed as a final project while reading the novel Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.  It is a good conclusion to the information covered.  It is also a way for students to show what they've gained from reading the novel.

Standards Addressed:

1. Plan, revise, edit, and publish clear and effective writing.
2. Understand the function of various forms, structures, and punctuation marks of standard American English and use them appropriately in communications.
3. Use computers to acquire, organize, analyze, and communicate information.
4. Conduct research and inquiry on self-selected or assigned topics, issues, or problems and use an appropriate form to communicate their findings.

Objectives:
I would recommend starting this project prior to and while reading Maniac Magee. This way, the students build some background knowledge, and they should be able to take this project further than without any previous knowledge. They will also have a better understanding of some of the major themes this book brings to light.

Students will write up a comprehensive journal that presents their findings.
Students will utilize correct grammar, mechanics, and paragraph structures in their writing.
Students will present their information in an organized manner.
Students will answer questions assigned to them clearly and completely.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3: Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7: Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9:  Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A : Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer's purpose.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B: Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.C: Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D: Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A : Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B : Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.C : Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D : Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.E : Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4 : Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5 : With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 4 here.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.6 : With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7 : Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8 : Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9 : Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.