42eXplore Problem Solving w/ WebQuests Information Processing Collaboration Authentic Activities Visual Communication Text Communication Writing Activities Book-Internet Connections Integrating Technology Return to Eduscapes Problem Solving through WebQuests   Problem solving activities are an effective way to engage learners in your content. Students are faced with a "real world" dilemma or task and use their knowledge and skills to seek meaningful solutions. For example, webquests often pose problems that require students to apply existing knowledge as well as gather new information using Internet resources.   Explore examples of these problem solving environments. Then, complete the following three activities:   Activity 1: Evaluate a webquest. Activity 2: Compare and contrast two webquests with the same topic or focus. Activity 3: Brainstorm ways to modify a webquest to fit your classroom needs.   Click on one of the following grade levels for a set of webquest examples: Kindergarten through Third Grade Third Grade through Sixth Grade Middle and High School Try some examples: Elementary Paper or Plastic Snakes Alive Advertising Propaganda Just Winging It Stellaluna Splash into an Aquarium Middle/Secondary: English, World Languages, & Social Studies Sworn to Serve (World History) Basque Country Trip - French and Spanish Classes Shakespeare's World Prison: Punishment or Party? The Crucible World War III Radio Days Monument on the Mall Middle/Secondary: Math, Science, & Other Subject Areas Biodesigns, Inc (Genetic Engineering) Endless Summer or Perpetual Problems (Global Warming) Environmental Issues (Ozone Changes) Connecting Geometry and Art Pi Math History Micro-Organisms - Good or Bad   If you need more examples, try some of the following webquest collections: Matrix of Examples Original WebQuest Collection WebQuest Examples History Webquests Whyy Across the Generations Sample Webquest - Secondary Plainfield's Webquests LSU Webquests Webquests Allentown Webquest Links - Secondary WebQuests YorkWood Links Guilford Webquest Links K-4 Webquests Webquest Index Webquest Links by Grade Level Once you've explored some webquests, you're ready to build your own. Rather than start from scratch, start with one of my 42eXplore topics.   Activity 4: Build a Webquest Go to the 42eXplore index and identify a topic that matches a grade level emphasis. Explore the activities and resources provided. Identify a problem, resources, guidelines and strategies, and an assessment that uses one or more resources. Return to Technology Butterflies Go on to Information Processing Created by Annette Lamb, 1/00. Updated 1/02.