As The World Turns

A WebQuest for 5th and 6th Grade Social Studies

Introduction:

Welcome to an interactive lesson on the continents! As The World Turns is a fun way to learn about the seven continents of the world. You are probably already familiar with the continent of North America, so why not come along with me and learn about the other six continents. During this lesson you will find out some interesting facts about each continent. You are in for a great experience!

The Tasks:

After completing this WebQuest, you will be able to:

    list and identify the names of the seven continents
    categorize the continents based on population size
    locate countries located on each continent
    develop mnemonics relating to the seven continents
    create a map and key showing geographic features of the continents
    create a travel brochure using interactive map

The Process:

Here are some websites to help you accomplish your tasks. Each site will expose you to a world of knowledge. You will become engaged in a variety of learning experiences. So, tune in to, "As The World Turns".

1. Info Please has all the knowledge you need. How do you define a continent? What are the seven continents? Where is each continent located in relation to another continent? Continents Info has the answers to these questions.
2. Maps and Continents is a site that has a map of the world. This map identifies the seven continents as well as giving important information about each. While browsing through the page you can link to other maps of various countries.
3. MEGA MAPS Wow! Would you like to know the names of countries located on each continent. Walk Through the Continents has interactive maps of each continent showing borders, countries, capitals, and surroundings. Step on in.
4. Get ready for some fun activities involving the continents! If you like Enchanted Learning you will love Enchanted Learning's Geography. Here you will find a listing of continents plus other geography topics. There is also a collection of geography pages, printouts, and activities for you. Take a peek at Antarctica, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
5. 100,000 questions covering the content of quality education can benefit any learner. Some of these questions relating to the continents can be found in Continent Quiz. This site has questions with self check answers. See what you know about the continents.
6. To help you remember the names of the seven continents here is a short mnemonic Continents Song. Read the words and sing the song. When you finish singing the song, jiggle your way through JigZone. Try your hand at putting the world map together.
7. Take your pick at this website. There is a variety of activities that you can do. Where In The World? has games, quizzes, and tutorials. Learn a lot!

The Evaluation:

This chart is based upon individual grades. Group work will be determined with similar criteria in mind, but the evaluation will be individualized. If it is group work, work hard! Each person will get a grade based upon the contribution to the group as determined by the instructor.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Became familiar with the names of the seven continents	Ability to name 1-2 of the seven continents.	Ability to name 3-4 of the seven continents.	Ability to name 5-6 of the seven continents.	Ability to name all seven continents.
Categorized continents from smallest to largest based on population size	Ability to categorize 1-2 of the seven continents.	Ability to categorize 3-4 of the seven continents.	Ability to categorize 5-6 of the seven continents.	Ability to categorize all seven continents.
Developed a mnemonic to help memorize the names of the seven continents	Ability to develop a mnemonic naming 1-2 of the seven continents.	Ability to develop a mnemonic naming 3-4 of the seven continents.	Ability to develop a mnemonic naming 5-6 of the seven continents.	Ability to develop a mnemonic including the name of all seven continents.
Created a geographic map with major landmarks	Ability to create a map with major landmarks for 1-2 of the seven continent.	Ability to create a map with major landmarks for at least 3-4 of the seven continents.	Ability to create a map with major landmarks for at least 5-6 of the seven continents.	Ability to create a map with major landmarks for all seven continents.
Created travel brochure for one of the seven continents	Travel brochure is developed with none of the required information. No creativity or innovation used.	Travel brochure is developed with some of the required information. Used creativity.	Travel brochure is well developed with most of the required information. Used creativity.	Travel brochure is well developed with all required information. Used lots of creativity and innovation.

Conclusion:

After completing this WebQuest students should have mastered a number of tasks. Some of the tasks should include: (1) listing and identifying the names of the seven continents, (2) categorizing continents based on population size, (3) locating countries located on each continent, (4) developing a mnemonic, (5) creating a map showing geographic features of the continents, and (6) creating a travel brochure.

Credits & References:

Thanks to Bellsnwhistles for the divider bars and Enchanted Learning for all of the beautiful images.

Teacher Advice:

This lesson is designed for elementary students grades 5-6 Social Studies. This lesson can also be modified for other grades as well.

The learner will need to have prior knowledge of the continents. They must also possess the ability to navigate the computer.

This lesson is designed to last a week. Students only have 30 minutes per session and will only be able to complete portions during the allotted time. Skills to be assessed will included Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Art.

Students should be able to navigate the WebQuest with ease.

The teacher needs to have knowledge of using internet functions and must have an in-depth knowledge of the subject being addressed. This is a great lesson for a teacher on any level, whether regular education or special education and is a jewel for the first year teacher. Students may work cooperatively but will probably work as individuals if technology is available.

This would be ideal as an integrated unit, involving multidisciplinary teachers. The culminating activity for studying the events in this WebQuest would be making a collage of the seven continents. Students would have the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic abilities.

One teacher per classroom is sufficient for this WebQuest.

Created by Sonia Slaughter for EDU 506 @ FHU School of Education by Dr. Bruce Lewis on November 10, 2001.