Oceans Web Quest

Introduction: Many of us have spent time at the Jersey Shore.  Some of us enjoy going for a swim in the water, some of us just enjoy sitting on the beach enjoying the cool breeze and the crashing waves, and some of enjoy thinking about the expanse of water that covers this planet.  In these great oceans are life systems that are dependent on each other.  However, some of these systems fight each other.  In either case, the ocean goes on living.  In this unit we will use "oceans" as our theme.  We will look at this natural world quite literally with a trip to the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden, and with some reading in our resources.  Mostly, however, we will look at the "oceans" as a metaphor for our own lives by examing how this metaphor fits the lives of others.  We will read some great literature, some of it mandatory, like The Color Purple, some of it recommeded from our suggested reading list.  We will ultimately discuss, write about, and speak about how our environments impact our actions and how our actions impact our environment.  I hope that you enjoy this challenging unit.

Task: You have been asked to make a speech before the United Nations, outlining a plan for the rebuilding of Liberia.  In that speech you will use the metaphor of "oceans" to make your point.  You will also impress your audience by displaying your understanding of history, race relations, human nature, and how all of these act as elements of an environment we call Earth. You will also be asked to complete preliminary tasks, designed to help you understand this metaphor.  You will be ask to write an essay, take part in discussions, and complete a wide variety of readings, all to help you understand the metaphor of "ocean."

Process: We will be enjoying a broad spectrum of activities connected to our them, oceans!  Each activity will lead you to a deep understanding of the metaphor and of your various topics.  I have included a schedule of activities for you to follow.  Please complete all tasks on time so that you can build an understanding of our theme.  Although you are not limited to the resources below, they represent just about all of the resources that you will need.  In the event that I could not find a copy of a resource on the Web, I will give you a hard copy.  It is important that you complete all of the readings, on time, and that you take part in our class discussions.  As you will see, I reserved some class time for you to work on your speech, but you will need more time to work on this speech, outside of class.  Just remember, each time you complete an activity or an assignment, you should have a deeper understanding of where you can take your speech.  Above all, enjoy the learning!

Resources: 1. The Color Purple Resources 2. Liberia Resources 3. Other Resources 4. The Color Purple by Alice Walker 5. Amistad by Stephen Speilberg 6. Our Online Forum 7. Other Resources

Assessment: 1. Assignment Due Dates 1. Your United Nations Speech Rubric 2. Your Writing Rubric (We will create this in class) 3. Your Online Forum Discussion Rubric 4. Your Classroom Discussion Rubric