Our Nation's Capital

A Web Quest for 3rd Grade (Social Studies)

Designed by

Lisa Strahan
lisams_70448@yahoo.com
 

 Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction

     You are about to embark on a fantastic vacation to Washington D. C., our nation's capital!  You were chosen to represent the third grade students from our school.  While touring, your most important stop will be at the WHITE HOUSE. While visiting the White House, you will learn about the location, history, White House pets, children in the White House, and our President.  You will even have the opportunity to tour the grounds and E-mail President Clinton!
 

     Because you are the only student at D. C. Reeves to go on this trip, we are depending on you to create a poster telling about the exciting things you've seen and learned while visiting the White House. 
 
 


The Task
     You will explore a web site to gather information in order to create a poster about your trip to Washington D. C.  You will be responsible for presenting your finished product.  Remember, your classmates have never visited our nation's capital so make it very interesting and informational.
 
 
 


The Process

The teacher will assign you a partner for the assignment beforehand.  In order to complete the task successfully, follow the steps below.

STEP 1:
Explore the web site listed below. 
Welcome to the White House for Kids
Click on the  star labeled 1 Location.  Answer the following questions:

  • Where is the White House located?
  • Name three other historical buildings located in Washington D.C.
STEP 2:
Click on the star labeled 2 History .  Answer the following questions: (Click on the More link to find more information.)
  • What U.S. President picked the site for the nation's capital?
  • What U.S. President gave the White House its current name?
  • After touring the White House, name two rooms you found interesting and describe them.
  • What is the name of the room where the President conducts business? 
STEP 3: 
Click on the star labeled 3 Our President.  Answer the following questions:
  • Bill Clinton is the ____nd President.
  • The First Lady's name is ________________.
  • Just for fun---You may click on the picture of the person you would like to know more about.
STEP 4:
Click on the star labeled 4 Kids in the White House.  Answer the following questions:
  • What is President Clinton's daughter's name?
  • What was President John F. Kennedy's children's names?
STEP  5:
Click on the star labeled 5 Pets in the White House.  Answer the following question:  (Click on More for more information.)
  • Name 3 pets that have lived in the White House and their owners' names.
STEP 6:
Click on the star labeled 5 Write the President.  You and your partner should E-mail the President.  Read the directions on the web page.  Fill in the blanks with your responses.  Click "Send Your Message" when your are finished. Print your message.

STEP 7: 
Gather all the information from the questions you answered using the web site. You and your partner should create a poster about Washington D.C. and the White House.  Be sure to include the information I had you find as well as any interesting facts you wrote on your own.  You may include illustrations, maps, or sketches. You will be required to present your finished project.

Evaluation

Your final project will be graded as followed:

  • Gathering the information:  40 pts.
  • Neatness and Organization of poster:  40 pts.
  • Presentation of poster:  10 pts.
  • Group Participation:  10 pts.

Conclusion

I hope that this Web Quest has sparked your interest in learning about our nation's capital. I hope your found the information interesting and fun to read about.  Here are a few extra links you may visit to learn more!!
Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids
Kids Next Door
 
 


Credits & References
Image taken from
Welcome to the White House for Kids

Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from The Web Quest Page