Heritage Project:

A WebQuest About Your Roots

Created for R. Ward at Sargent Park School, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

By Maria I. Medina, University of Winnipeg

Based on WebQuest format designed by Bernie Dodge, San Diego State University

Introduction

In order to gain a better understanding of your family history, you have been researching your cultural roots over the past few weeks. During this time, you have learned many fascinating facts and heard some great family stories. After doing all this research you've decided to publish a book, The Roots of My Heritage. By publishing this book, you are providing a record of your cultural roots for future generations.

You try selling your book idea to several publishing companies but no one seems interested. You plan to contact Book Making Press, Inc. They're the BIGGEST publishing company in the city. Before you contact the company you decide to modify your "sales pitch".

This WebQuest will help you organize your presentation of The Roots of My Heritage to Book Making Press, Inc.

Task

Since Book Making Press, Inc. is the BIGGEST publishing company in the city you want to make a good impression. You decide that you need a few items to help "sell" your book.

You have decided that there are five items you would like to include to make your presentation stand out:

1. an understanding of genealogy
2. a family tree chart
3. a map illustrating the distance your ancestors travelled
4. a map of the region your ancestors are from
5. a title page for The Roots of My Heritage

Process

Step 1 - GENEALOGY

Before searching the Internet or "Surfing the 'Net" for information, you should ensure that you will be searching for this information responsibly.

Genealogy Today - Junior Edition has a Safe Surfing Tips section that you should read carefully.

In order to show Book Making Press, Inc. that you understand genealogy, you decide to conduct some research and you find a definition of genealogy.

You take a moment to sit back and relax. During your break, think of all of the possible resources you could access to help you search for information about your genealogy.

Step 2 - FAMILY TREE CHART

Print A Family Tree Chart.

Using the information from your Times of My Life sheet, fill in the blanks. Write each person's first, middle, and last name.

HINT: The blank on the far left side of the page is where your name goes.

Step 3- MAP

You decide to include two maps in your presentation package so that the publisher has an idea of the region you are talking about. Once the book is published this map will also help readers visualize the region your ancestors are from.

Choose the link below that best suits you.

Step 4 - TITLE PAGE

You want to make sure that Book Making Press, Inc. is aware of all of the effort that you put into your presentation. In order to do this, you decide to include a simple title page.

The two most important pieces of information that you will need to include are:

HINT: You will use Works to make your title page. You will need to minimize this window in order to complete this step. If you have any difficulties, ask your teacher for help.

Step 5 - PRESENTATION

You are finally ready to submit your presentation. Be sure to put the pages in the following order:

1. title page
2. map to illustrate distance travelled by your ancestors
3. map of the region your ancestors are from
4. family tree chart
5. genealogy research

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated as follows:

Conclusion

Even though the Introduction states that this WebQuest was designed to help you organize a short presentation to a fictitious publishing company; this activity is actually an extension of your Heritage Project. The main purpose of this activity was to give you the opportunity to explore specific aspects of your cultural roots in more detail.

Hopefully researching your cultural roots has been a rewarding experience. For those of you who decide to continue pursuing your genealogy, the following are a few tips and suggestions:

Good Luck!

2008 -- © Sargent Park School 2008  
Last modified:  January 30, 2008