Return of the British

A WebQuest for 11th-12th Grade American History

Introduction:

The British are Back! Great Britain storms into America's borders once again for war. America is put to the test against an angry British army, hungry for battle. Even while British forces were engaged in warfare on American soil, they also faced a familiar enemy by the name of France. The War of 1812 was a birth place for many American heroes. Discover the war that many historians call the "The Forgotten War".

The Tasks:

To discover the hard fought battles of the War of 1812:

read the selection of battles that happened during the War of 1812,
answer a series of quizzes on the War of 1812,
summarize some of the major events of the War of 1812,
use the discussion forum to provide new discussion topics or to ask questions about the War of 1812, and
test your knowledge on this WebQuest by completing the War of 1812 scavenger hunt.

The Process:

We are getting ready to explore battles and events pertaining to the War of 1812. It will be best if you follow each step:

1. War in the South! Visit the Battle of New Orleans that happened on December 12, 1814. Discover how Andrew Jackson became an American hero. Discover the battle that some critics believe finally established America's independence.

2. Re-live Fort Erie! Experience the Bloody Siege of Fort Erie by American troops. Relive one of the bloodiest battles fought during the War of 1812. Also, view actual reenactments of the battle of Fort Erie and see the reenactment dates.
3. British and Indian forces became allies during the War of 1812! Experience the ambush of American soldiers and civilians. Visit the Illinois of 1812 site to familiarize yourself with the terror administered by British and Indian forces.
4. Did you forget 1812! This War Evaluation of 1812 is an experience comprised of numerous articles, quality book reviews and a display of war relics from 1812. Take two War of 1812 quizzes to test your knowledge. View extensive time periodicals dating significant battles and events of the war.
5. "Expand your Knowledge" gives you a chance to provide your input on the War of 1812. Create your very own discussion topics or ask questions concerning the war. This special section is designed for your feedback on the War of 1812.
6. The Famous Fort McHenry: Re-live a grueling battle fought between British and American forces. Discover the birth place of the National Anthem. View calendars, special events and Fort McHenry history. Also, test yourself with a Fort McHenry pop quiz.
7. Lets get ready to hunt! Go on a Scavenger Hunt to find exciting answers to questions that pertain to the War of 1812. Preview through various web sites that will provide information to assist in the completion of the task. This activity will help viewers grasp historic knowledge of the War of 1812.

The Evaluation:

The learner will be evaluated based on accuracy and completion of all required tasks. The learner will receive a score for each task on a scale from 1 to 4.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Quiz 1	Unable to complete the assignment.	Student was able to complete the task and answer some of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer most of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer all the questions correctly.
Quiz 2	Unable to complete the assignment.	Student was able to complete the task and answer some of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer most of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer all the questions correctly.
Quiz 3	Unable to complete the assignment.	Student was able to complete the task and answer some of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer most of the questions correctly.	Student was able to complete the task and answer all the questions correctly.
Discussion Forum	Student was unable to form a question.	Student was able to form a few questions.	Student was able to form many questions.	Student was able to form many questions and discussion topics.
Scavenger Hunt	Student failed to find any of the answers to the Scavenger Hunt Challenge.	Student found some of the answers to the Scavenger Hunt Challenge.	Student found most of the answers to the Scavenger Hunt Challenge.	Student found all of the answers to the Scavenger Hunt Challenge.

Conclusion:

The War of 1812 was viewed by many scholars as the "Forgotten War". However, this war would finally establish America's independence from her mother country, Great Britain. The knowledge that you have gained from this lesson should inspire you to create your own in-depth conclusion of this war. Upon completion of the listed tasks you should be able to answer these two critical questions: (1) Who do you really think won the War of 1812? (2) What impact did France have on the War of 1812?

Credits & References:

Here is a list of sources and links that were very helpful in the establishment of this WebQuest project.

Research Engines:

Google
Ixquick
Mamma

Websites and Links:

War of 1812 Events and Locations
Fort Erie and the War of 1812
Illinois Trail
The War of 1812 Website
Re-Living History: The War of 1812
Fort McHenry
Quia.com

Teacher Advice:

This lesson is anchored in 11th and 12th grade American History and involves computer skills to a lesser extent. This lesson can be presented on the college level for subjects such as American History, European History and Research Seminars.

The learner will need to be familiar with the computer. A low minimum of typing skills will be required. Also, students should be familiar with Internet operations and search engines.

While following the order of activities the learners will grasp information for completing activities. This lesson gives the instructor the choice of broadening the involvement of other classes. If the instructor has enough access to computers the number of participants could be a large number. This lesson can be taught in one week, one class period each day, or a extended lesson taught over a couple of weeks.

This lesson will require the instructor to possess prior knowledge in computers, Internet and search engines. The instructor will need skills in directing debates because some activities ask for participation or feedback. The instructor may use this opportunity during the lesson to help foster thought and opinions.

Depending on the class size, two or more instructors may be needed.

Created by Anthony Barbee for EDU 506 @ FHU School of Education by Dr. Bruce Lewis on December 11, 2001.