Introduction

Picture this: you and a team of learners are presented with the task of creating your own country. But instead of looking to an encyclopedia you will use the vast resources of the Internet. Based upon what each of you learned, together you will create a Power Point presentation based on your research.
When using the Internet for our research we must consider that many people post their personal opinions or only know a sliver of the whole story. In the following WebQuest, you will use the power of teamwork and the abundant resources on the Internet to learn all about different countries in order to creating your own country. Each person on your team will learn one piece of the puzzle and then you will come together to get a better understanding of the topic.

The Quest

If you had the power to create your own country, what aspects of government, education, health care, currency, and culture would you choose?

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages about existing countries in order to get ideas about creating your country. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to compile information about the apsects of different countries that your group prefers. Be creative in exploring the information so that your group can successfully compromise on all areas of their country.

• The World Factbook - This site provides students the opportunity to choose a country and learn just about anything about it.
• Geography Center - This site is useful as a resource to gather information about various countries.
• World Atlas - This provides statistical information for any country.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

The Leader

It is your responsibilty to keep the group focused, motivated, and on task. You will also be overseeing all the steps necessary in completing the project.

The Recorder/Data Organizer

It is your responsibility to organize the information collected about various countries. In addition, you will create a 'Fact Sheet' containing all important information that will be used to Create Your Own Country.

Surfer

You are responsible for being the primary 'surfer' of the Internet. You will locate all pertinent information with the help of your group members.

Presenter

All group members will contribute to the creation of the final Power Point presentation. You, as the presenter, will be the narrator for the group.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all gathered information about different countries. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should create a country based on the information collected.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

Each person in your group should write a paragraph that gives two good reasons supporting the group's view about the new country created. Make sure to be specific in both the information (like where you got it from on the Web) and the reasoning (why the information proves your group's point).

Your Contact is: the designated contact

Conclusion

Your group has successfully learned about various aspects of countries as well as created your own. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of Creating a Country could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.