WebQuest

Imagine you have just been transported to a futuristic world, a world like the society in Fahrenheit 451. You have just been told that the duty of firemen has been changed to burning books, not extinguishing fires. The society is in turmoil over this change, and you feel the need to find out the history of censorship and how it has resulted in such a dramatic event, like book-burning.

In this WebQuest, you will seek information on censorship. Gather definitions and historical examples of censorship, including events and banned books. You will use this information to write a research paper on the impact of censorship and its role in the novel Fahrenheit 451.

o Banned books (if you wish to use a certain book as an example in your paper, you must have it approved by Miss Opitz)

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Research	Student’s research is incomplete, more than two areas not researched.	Student has researched information in most of the areas provided.	Student has researched all areas suggested, but does not have at least two examples in each area.	Student has researched and grouped information in all areas suggested by teacher. Student may also have gone above and beyond requirements.
Use of Classroom Time	Student did not use class time to work on the assigned research or disrupted the learning environment for other students.	Student had to be reminded several times to remain on task with research.	Student used class time to research but had to be reminded by teacher to focus on research.	Student approached classroom time with organization and focus.
Outline	Outline was created, but did not include detail. References were left out and research information was disorganized.	Outline was done, but lacking in detail or not properly organized.	Outline was organized and detailed, but did not have references or quotations listed.	Outline was organized and detailed, including quotations and references student wished to use in his or her paper.
First Draft	First draft was incomplete in nature to the topic researched and was not well organized.	First draft of paper was completed, but needed major improvements in writing style, organization, and content.	First draft was completed, but student failed to completely reference sources or needed more information about the topic researched.	First draft was completed and student showed an understanding of content and the writing process.
Final Paper	Student had more than 3 grammatical errors/typos. Student did not show a good understanding of the topic researched.	Student had more than 3 grammatical errors/typos. Content represented a good understanding of the topic researched.	Student had 3 or less grammatical errors/typos. Content represented a good understanding of the topic researched.	Student was meticulous in grammar and references. Content represented a clear understanding of the topic researched.

Censorship is a controversial subject, as you have found out in completed research and your completed paper. Not only have begun to learn about a complex topic in our society, but you have also developed the skills needed to create a foundation of learning. I hope you have the ability to apply these research and writing skills to other topics in the future.

I would like to thank the various websites we have used as resources for sharing of information and imagery to enhance the thinking and writing of our students.

I would also like to thank The WebQuest Page for guidance in developing this activity.