The tasks below discuss each aspect of the WebQuest and define the various
roles and/or perspectives you will take on. Each role is followed with an
explanation of the end result or product you will be expected to develop as
you journey across the curriculum in your discovery of Sir Isaac Newton.
The Reporter: As luck would have it you have been given the opportunity to
personally interview Sir Isaac Newton. You will learn many interesting facts
surrounding his personal life.
The Product:
This interviewer has two personalities and as such must also
answer the questions from Sir Isaac Newton's perspective. Yes this means as
if you were he. You will use the Student Answer Document provided as you
gather important general knowledge about Sir Isaac, his life, education, and
contributions in science and mathematics.
But wait there is more! Once you've completed your interviews you and a
buddy will pair off to do an enactment of the interview.
The English Tutor: Ah the rich literature that no doubt enhanced Sir Isaac's
lifetime. You will learn about Jonathan Edwards, Benjamin Franklin,
and the poet Anne Bradstreet(Colonial authors,1608-1700).
The Product:
You will keep an online journal(much like many did during this
time period). However in keeping with our 21st century resources we will be
using the school blog website. Once back in the classroom we will compose a
3-4 page paper on one of these three authors. You will write about their
life experiences, the style of writing he/she chose, and any other pertinent
information. Also, you may choose to read one other piece written by that
author and critique the story/poem. This will be typed and formatted in
proper MLA style. Use the site below to review proper MLA style.
The Accountant: Dr. Newton was invited to speak before the Royal Academy of
Scientists in London where he was going to be knighted for his discoveries.
This is such an honor but not without a price. As Sir Isaacs' personal
accountant you will assist him in seeing just what he paid for the
priviledge and what if any monetary profit he may have gained.
The Product:
You will use an Excel document and all your mathematical
prowess to check the funds available versus the funds needed by Sir Isaac
Newton as he prepared for this high honor. You will need to use the Currency
Exchange to change pounds into dollars.
The Politician: Politics yesterday and today cover a vast array of
interesting phenomena. From drafting bills, to who is who in the political
arena.
The Product:
1. Draft a Bill which would recognize Newton’s inventions as
worth for public acceptance.
2. What was the significance of the Royal Society which Newton
was once the President?
Create a yearbook page including the most prominent historical members of
Newton’s reign as the societies President. Be sure to include pictures,
names and significant accomplishments.
3. What Problems did Newton face politically? Compare them to
present day problems for our modern scientists.
The Scientist: As a scientist your very interested in the knowledge and
contributions of others in your field. During Newton's lifetime other
discoveries were taking place to change and shape the world.
The Product:
1. Using graphics and images from your research create a pictorial
presentation using either the AppleWorks or PowerPoint program. Be creative
in your design including descriptive captions with your graphics.
2. Use your deductive and creative powers to prepare a short class
presentation using posters and concept maps to present and explain what you
have learned about the discoveries and advancements made during Newton's
life.
3. Did you find something that really interested you or took your fancy?
Have your group build a model of anything that really caught the group's
interest and might have influenced Newton.
