Introduction/Tasks/Process/Resources/Standards/Assessment/Learning Advice/Conclusion


By Katrina Paulson

Introduction

You are about to embark on a journey like you have never imagined possible!

At your fingertips is a whirlwind tour of the continent of Europe.

Pack your bags and get set for the virtual vacation of a lifetime!!!!!!!

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Tasks

 

Your job is to investigate your country of choice and develop a travel brochure, a report or a presentation about your country.

Whether it be a Web page travel brochure inciting a visitor to Ireland, an in-depth report on Greece or a skit about life in Finland. The adventure is yours. Make the it the best European Vacation of a life time.

It is time to check out the Process section and select your country. This will lead you to your resources to create a successful Social Studies Project.

Rubrics are included under Assessment so be sure to follow them to have extreme success. 

Learning Advise gives you the specific information that you need to include in your project.

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Process

Select your country from the menu below and click on it to access resources for your project.

Use this resources to complete your report, travel brochure or presentation. (See Assessment)

Remember to consult the learning advise for the proper information to contain in your project

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Austria

Albania

Belgium

Bosnia-Herzegovnia

Czech Republic

Denmark

 

Estonia

 

Finland

 

France

 

Germany

 

Greece

 

Hungary

Iceland

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Latvia

 

Liechtenstein 

Luxembourg

 

Malta

Netherlands

 

Norway

 

Poland

 

Portugal

 

Romania

 

Russia

 

San Marino  

Spain

 

Sweden

 

Switzerland

  

Ukraine

 

 

United Kingdom

 

Vatican City

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Resources

Use the Following Resources to access information for your country of Choice.

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Austria

Austria Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooligans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Albania

Albanian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Belgium

Belgian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovnia Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

  

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Czech Republic

Czech Republic Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Denmark

Danish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Estonia

Estonian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Finland

Finnish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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France

French Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Germany

German Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site


Greece

Greek Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Hungary

Hungarian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Iceland

Icelandic Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Ireland

Irish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Italy

Italian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Latvia

Latvian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

lativa
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Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Luxembourg

Luxembourg Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Malta

Malta Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Netherlands

Dutch Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Norway

Norwegian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Poland

Polish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Portugal

Portugal Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Romania

Romanian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Russia

Russian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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San Marino

San Marino Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Spain

Spanish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Sweden

Swedish Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Switzerland

Swiss Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Ukraine

Ukrainian Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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United Kingdom

British Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Vatican City

Vatican City Links

Lonely Planet

Yahooigans

Yahoo Culture site

Yahoo Region site

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Standards

This web quest incorporated the following Vermont State Standards.

 

1.6 Students' independent writing demonstrates command of appropriate English conventions, including grammar, usage and mechanics.

1.8 In written reports, students organize and convey information and ideas accurately and effectively.

1.15 Student use verbal and nonverbal skills to express themselves effectively.

1.16 Students use a variety of forms, such as dance, music, theater, and visual arts, to create projects that are appropriate in terms of the following dimensions: Skill Development, Reflection and Critique, Making Connections and Approach to Work.

1.18 Students use computers, telecommunications, and other tools of technology to research, to gather information and ideas, and to represent information and ideas accurately and appropriately.

2.10 Students generate several ideas in a variety of ways

4.3 Students demonstrate understanding of the cultural expressions that are characteristic of particular groups.

5.3 Students discover universal themes by comparing a broad range of cultural expressions from various times and places.

6.5 Students investigate both the traditional and the social histories of the people, places and culture under study, including those of indigenous peoples.

6.8 Students analyze the factors and implications associated with the historical and contemporary movements and settlements of people and groups in various times in their local community, in Vermont and in various locations world wide.

6.14 Students understand the concept of culture, including the cultures of indigenous peoples, in various times in their community, in Vermont, in the United States and in various locations world wide.

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Assessments

Use the following three rubrics to complete your assigned project.

Be Sure to remember to include appropriate information that is listed under Learning Advise.

Click on your assigned project below to get to your rubric and learning advise.

 
Report Rubric
Travel Brochure Rubric
Presentation Rubric

Remember that information that needs to be Presentation and Report is listed under learning advise.


Report Rubric
Criteria
Novice

Score 2

Apprentice

Score 3

Accomplished

Score 4

Exceeds Standards

Score 5

Purpose
May only state topic and rarely convey author's intent.
States a focus, but may not unify report. Focus may be general.
The reason you're writing is stated or implied. Focuses your report.
Meets criteria listed for Accomplished and uses strategies not always thought of for reporting.
Organization
Shows little or no evidence of purposeful organization.
Writing uses a predictable pattern and contains a clear beginning, middle and end.
Writer stays on topic and does not jump around. Has a catchy opening, body gives information and ending summarizes points.
May show unusual pattern to present information.
Stance
Writer does not seem to be concerned with informing readers.
Stance is one of wanting to give information but may not be most important to topic.
Writer knows the topic and shares information that is important to topic.
The writer may reflect on the meaning of the information.
Audience's Needs
Seems unaware of reader's concerns or needs.
Sense of audience in vague.
The reason and importance of writing is clear.
Shows exceptional awareness of readers' needs and concerns.
Coherence
May lack coherence; no transitions.
Uses some transitions to move from topics.
Writing makes sense when it moves from one topic to another.
May use an unusual pattern or framework in which to embed info.
Elaboration and Details
Random, disconnected, and/or unfocused opinions with some scattered facts.
General information that is not supported with concrete examples. Some info may be irrelevant.
Writing cites references as needed, Writing provides a depth of information.
Writer is selective in presenting information. Including relevant information and excluding irrelevant information.


Travel Brochure Rubric

Criteria: Incorporating gained knowledge of a particular European country into a thoughtful and informative project.

Still in Vermont

(Does not achieve the standard)

Exploring New England

(Nearly Achieves the Standard)

World Traveler

(Achieves the Standard)

Travel Writer Extraordinaire

(Achieves the standard with Honors)

Accuracy

1. Contains introduction to the country.

2. Contains a map of the country.

3. Contains five major tourist attractions.

4. Contains information on currency exchange.

5. Highlights places to stay (hotels, cities, towns)

6. Contains pictures.

7. Highlights important events for the traveler to be aware of off. (festivals, wars, elections, etc.)

Does not answer questions accurately or fails to address questions. Missing essential facts and details.
Answers at least three questions. Answers are vague or in need of more detail. No specific examples are given.
Answers all seven questions. Gives accurate detail and complete information on the country. Provides appropriate information for someone traveling to their chosen country.
Answers all questions with high quality, extra attention to detail. Information is current and provides a traveler with excellent assistance to travel in the country of choice.

Appearance:

1. How readable s the brochure?

2. Is it easy to understand?

3. Is it creative?

Brochure is sloppy and hard to read and understand.
Brochure is understandable, but lacks the appropriate wording. Missing creative elements.
Brochure is easy to read and understandable. It is creative and informative.
Brochure is easily readable and understandable. Superb creativity allows us to look at the country in a "new light".


Presentation Rubric

Demonstrates his/her understanding of concept through:

Just Starting Out

(Below the Standard)

Experience the Culture

(Nearly meets the Standard)

Culture Guru

(Achieves the Standard)

Hosts Travel Show

(Exceeds the Standard)

Presentation Style

1. Is the presentation well thought out?

2. Does the presentation give correct information?

3. Can presenter be heard well?

4. Does the presenter make eye contact?

Presentation demonstrates poor planning and preparation.

Presentation gives false, incorrect and/or appropriate information.

Presenter speaks in a voice too soft to hear

Presenter never makes eye contact

Presentation is nearly developed but lacks the extra initiative.

Presenter gives required information but has some inaccuracies.

Presenter make speaks in a voice that is difficult to hear at times or directs voice in a specific direction

Presenter makes eye contact with the audience in an infrequent manner.

Presentation is well developed. Presenter uses interesting and creative ways to keep the audiences' attention.

Presentation gives the correct and accurate information.

Presenter speaks in a voice that is easily heard and speaks to an entire audience.

Presenter makes constant eye contact with audience.

Presentation is imaginative, interesting and insightful to watch.

Correct and accurate facts are presented. Exceeds the required information.

Speaks in a clear, concise tone.

Makes constant eye contact with various people.

Appearance and Quality
Presentation is sloppy and unprepared.
Presentation is understandable but hard to follow. Missing essential elements.
Presentation is easy to understand, creative and informative. It is presented in an effective manner.
Presentation is easily understandable and has superb creativity. Extra information on culture is included.
Presentation Content
Presentation contains none of the required elements.
Presentation contains few (4-5) of the required elements.
Presentation includes all required elements.
Presentation has all required elements and includes additional insightful information.
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Back to top of rubrics (Assessment)


 
Learning Advise

The Report and Presentation should include the following information.

1. A general overview of the country

Containing information such as:

  • Capital
  • Location
  • Map
  • Physical Geographic Features
  • Political Geographic Features

2. A description of the culture of your chosen country:

Containing information such as:

  • Type of Government
  • Type of Language
  • Leader
  • Religion
  • Foods
  • Currency
  • Traditions
  • Rituals
  • Economic Systems
  • Industries
  • Type of Homes
  • Climate
  • History
  • Population

3. You may also discuss other important events, activities, attractions or something you find interested in exploring. Please see Ms. Paulson to discuss what they are but feel free to include them.

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Conclusion

 

Congratulations

You have completed your first European Vacation!!!! 

I Hope you enjoyed your Virtual adventure of a lifetime!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to the projects you are creating!

Please e-mail Ms. Paulson at KPaulson@fcmail.milton.vt.us.