This webquest asks students to take on the role of an explorer writing letters to the King and Queen of Spain documenting their exploration of the New World. Students are instructed to research Christopher Columbus and the initial impacts of exploration, then write three letters: one on Columbus, one updating on gold and disease, and a final one evaluating if exploration should continue. Resources are provided for the students to research with the goal of the letters determining further royal support for exploration.

1. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] A WebQuest for 8 th Graders for Social Studies Designed by Natalie Salario [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

2. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] You are now one of Spain’s finest explores and you have been selected by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella to go out and explore the New World that Christopher Columbus accidentally found when in search for a new route to India. It is your job to keep in touch with the King and Queen by writing letters documenting what is happening over seas.

5. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ]

6. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Congratulations! Because of your great documentation the King and Queen have rewarded you with a significant amount of gold and they appreciate your hard work very much. The three letters that you sent back to Spain played a crucial role when the King and Queen had to decide whether or not to stay in the New World.! I would like you to examine the voyages and explain to me, in two complete paragraphs, what you would have done differently if you were the leader in the expeditions for five points extra credit! Congratulations on a successful mission!

7. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] The Webuest Page The WebQuest Slideshare Group http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/columbus.html http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1033.html http://www.uic.edu/classes/osci/osci590/3_3%20EuropeaN%20Disease%20in%20the%20New%20World.htm http://www.millersville.edu/~columbus/papers/orlow-e.html http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/carib.html http://daphne.palomar.edu/scrout/colexc.htm http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/carib.html

8. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page A WebQuest for 8th Grade (Social Studies) Designed by Natalie Salario [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

9. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This lesson was designed to help students understand the exploration of the New World and to help students grasp the effects of Spanish Colonization. Also it was designed for students get practice writing in letter format. Through out the webquest students will have to learn how to use the internet as resource and take notes the entire time. Students will have to decipher what information is important and relevant and what information is not. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

10. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion The intended grade level is 8 th grade. The information is sometimes presented at a higher level, however at this age students should be capable of reading and comprehending all information. The content area is suitable for 8 th grade social studies. Learners will need to have a basic understanding of Christopher Columbus and his exploration, however all necessary information is covered in the first few hyperlinks in the Process section.

13. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion This assignment can be completed with basic access to the internet and to Microsoft Word. Other resources are always an option but not necessary for completion of the project. The main resource is the internet and the websites used are available as hyperlinks on the process page. It would be possible for a teacher to implement the lesson on their own as long as they are able to keep watch over what the students are doing. It is important for students to stay on task while they are the computers.

14. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion The final product should include three letters addressed to the King and Queen addressing three separate issues which are stated in the process section. Also there is an opportunity for extra credit if they choose to write two paragraphs explaining what they would have done differently.

16. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This is a great way to learn how to research and produce a letter in a different and interesting way. The webquest I have created is intended to help students learn and create a piece of work other than just a written essay. I hope that this will be a successful tool that other teachers will be able to use in their own classrooms. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

17. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/columbus.html http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1033.html http://www.uic.edu/classes/osci/osci590/3_3%20EuropeaN%20Disease%20in%20the%20New%20World.htm http://www.millersville.edu/~columbus/papers/orlow-e.html http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/carib.html http://daphne.palomar.edu/scrout/colexc.htm http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/carib.html A special thanks to Professor Folkestad of Colorado State University. The Webuest Page The WebQuest Slideshare Group