"Holidays Around the World"
A Web Quest
created by:
Dena Wagner
Introduction:
You are about to embark on an adventure! By using your imagination and resources found on the Internet, you will work to complete a very important mission.
The situation is this: A direct relative of the "grinch" has been discovered on a remote island. What is most alarming is the fact that this creature has absolutely no knowledge or understanding of the holidays of this season. You have been carefully selected by the President of the United States to gather information regarding these holidays, which will be thoughtfully presented to the "grunch"in order to educate and enlighten him.
The Task:
By accepting this mission, you will explore in depth the following holidays:
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights: a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
Christmas: a celebration of the birth of the Christ child. A time of family gatherings and holiday meals, Santa, gifts, and twinkling lights.
Kwanzaa
: a seven day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture, and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection.
Resources:
http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/hanukkah/hanukkah_traditions.asp
http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/index.htm
http://www.holidays.net/christmas/index.htm
http://www.holidays.net/chanukah/index.htm
The Process:
Your assignment is to explore in depth the holidays of Chanakah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Your investigation will yield valuable information about each holiday, which will leave no doubts or questions in the mind of the "grunch" about these special celebrations.
This information will be presented in the form of a written report, summarizing all areas of your findings. This report should total three pages in length. You will also provide a visual display of each holiday, which will add to the "grunch’s" understanding of the traditions and symbols of each holiday. This can be in the form of a poster, or any other creative display which you believe would best communicate to the grunch all that is involved with these holidays.
Learning Advice:
As you complete your mission, the following questions might be useful to consider while gathering information:
Conclusion:
Please summarize your presentation to the "grunch" by sharing your ideas about why it might be important to understand the holidays and traditions of different religions and cultures in our country. Explain to the "grunch" why this information is important, and how he can use it in his interactions with other people, now that he has been "discovered".
With Clip Art by:
http://www.holidays.net/index2.htm
