Chicago's Local Government
Teacher Page

A WebQuest for 3rd Grade (Local Government)

Designed by

Yolonda Stevenson
yolostev@hotmail.com

 

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Implementation Plan | Student Page

 


Introduction

This webquest was developed as part of the University of Chicago's Web Institute for Teachers and the Chicago Board of Education.  This training was designed to help teachers implement the use of the web in the classroom through innovative and creative lessons using technology.

The purpose of this webquest is to help students develop a basic understanding of the structure of Chicago's local government and how it provides services to the people of the city.


Learners

This webquest is designed to be used as part of the Chicago unit that is taught in 3rd grade and concentrates in the area of Social Science and Language Arts.

Prior to beginning this lesson, students should have a basic understanding that Chicago is the city in which they live.  Students should have some basic knowledge of community helpers.  Students should have access to computers and the internet.  Students should have a basic understanding of how to operate the computer and browse the web.

Curriculum Standards

As a result of this webquest, the students will be able to perform the following:

SOCIAL SCIENCE

STATE GOAL 14: Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

B. Understand the structures and functions of the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

14.B.1 Identify the different levels of government as local, state and national.

14.B.2 Explain what government does at local, state and national levels.

D. Understand the roles and influences of individuals and interest groups in the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

14.D.1 Identify the roles of civic leaders (e.g., elected leaders, public service leaders).

14.D.2 Explain ways that individuals and groups influence and shape public policy.


LANGUAGE ARTS

STATE GOAL 1: Read with understanding and fluency.

C. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials

1.C.2d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate to purpose of material.

1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.

STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

C. Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.

3.C.1a Write for a variety of purposes including description, information, explanation, persuasion and narration.

3.C.2b Produce and format compositions for specified audiences using available technology.

STATE GOAL 4: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

A. Listen effectively in formal and informal situations

4.A.2b Ask and respond to questions related to oral presentations and messages in small and large group settings.

STATE GOAL 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information

A. Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas

5.A.2b Organize and integrate information from a variety of sources (e.g., books, interviews, library reference materials, web- sites, CD/ROMs).

C. Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats

5.C.1b Use print, nonprint, human and technological resources to acquire and use information.

5.C.2b Prepare and deliver oral presentations based on inquiry or research.

Process

The lessons in this webquest will allow the students to browse the web to locate and become aware of information about Chicago's local government.  Students will locate websites to identify the structure of the local government and the services that it provides to the city.  Students will research information about community leaders who help to run the local government  and the community helpers who help provide city services.   Students will complete several activities using the information researched.   Students will use higher order thinking skills by working cooperatively in small groups.  Each group will present  the activities in the lessons through written and oral presentations, role-play and a project constructed by the group.  Students will be assessed after each activity.  


Variations

In addition to working in the classroom, students may work on the activities in the computer lab and at home; providing internet access is available.

 


Resources Needed

The students will need the following resources  to complete this  webquest:  
             

  • Computers and access to the internet
  • http://www.cityofchicago.org
  • http://library.thinkquest.org/Joo2846/buildings.htm
  • http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/neighborhood/index.html
  • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/
  • http://rubistar.4teachers.org/view
  • Communities Grade 3 Social Studies, Scott Foresman, 2003
  • Computer lab and instructor
  • School library and librarian
  • Social Studies text and other resource books
  • Paper and poster boards
  • Shoe boxes
  • Glue, scissors, pencils, etc.
  • Printed copies of task, process, and rubric
  • Markers or paints









Evaluation

Based on the standards stated above, each group and individual student will be assessed by the teacher at the end of each activity.    The teacher will assess written and oral presentations, presentation of role-play, and construction of group project.  Students will be given a written test to evaluate comprehension of information researched in addition to using a rubric for oral presentations.  Each student will be given a grade, individually, for written tests and oral presentations.  Students will also receive a grade, as a group, for posters and dioramas.


Conclusion

So often  we discover our students have very little knowledge of the city in which they live.  They don't realize that the many services, they deal with on a day to day basis, are provided by the local city government and ran by city leaders.  This webquest will help students to make that connection and provide an understanding of how our city operates.


Credits & References

http://www.cityofchicago.org

http://library.thinkquest.org/Joo2846/buildings.htm

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/neighborhood/index.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/

http://rubistar.4teachers.org/view

Communities Grade 3 Social Studies, Scott Foresman, 2003

Illinois State Board of Education
www.isbe.net



 


 








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