Day of the Dead Webquest
Introduction
This webquest explores the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, and the aspects that surround this celebration. The purpose of this lesson is to learn about the activities, history, food, and artists behind this holiday.
The Task
Your job is to explore various web sites to help in your understanding of Day of the Dead. You will research this information to answer questions and to take notes. You will be using the data to write an essay about Day of the Dead.
The Process
Read all directions before you click.
Activity One
Activity Two
Activity Three
Activity Four
Activity Five
Activity One
- Click on the Day of the Dead Information site. Answer the questions on your Quest sheet. http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1972-november-2-the-day-of-the-dead
Activity Two
- Click on the Dia de los Muertos site. Once there, click on food. Answer the questions on your Food Quest Sheet. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/
Activity Three
- Click on the Dia de los Muertos site. Once there, click on history. Using the glossary of words, complete the Wordplay sheet. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/
Activity Four
- Click on the Dia de los Muertos site. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Photos. In the large window, click on next to look at all the pictures. Be patient, the pictures may take a long time to download.
- Choose a picture and write a paragraph that answers the following questions:
- How does the photograph make you feel?
- What are some of the objects you see in the pictures?
- What do you like or dislike about the photograph? Be specific.
Activity Five
- Click on the Dia de los Muertos site. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on Altar. In the small window on the left is a photograph of an altar with numbered areas. Click on the numbers to find out each item.
- Take notes! You may choose to construct your own authentic shrine as one of your project options.
Presentations
- Using
your notes and Quest sheets, work alone or with one partner to prepare a presentation about Day of the Dead. Choose from the topics below and research additional information to include in your presentation.
- Activities
- History
- Food
- Artists
- Altars
Project/Presentation Options: Choose one of the following.
1. Using your notes and Quest sheets, create an ofrenda to a person who has passed away. This person could be someone you personally know or someone famous. Prepare a short overview of the significance of the altar. (Who is it for? What are the parts of the ofrenda? Etc.)
2. Create a media presentation (iMovie, Prezi, etc.) that illustrates and describes one of the above topics.
3. Create a "Planning Calendar" in Spanish for your Dia de los Muertos celebration. Include a grocery list, a list of things that you need to do to prepare, and a schedule of events. Your calendar will include a description in English that explains how it illustrates one of the above topics.
4. Create a diagram to compare Dia de los Muertos with another holiday. Use pictures and Spanish words to illustrate the similarities and differences. Your diagram will include a description in English that explains how it illustrates one of the above topics.
5. Lead your class in a craft or activity that would take place during the Dia de los Muertos celebration. Your activity will include a decription in English that explains why you chose it, how it is usually done in Mexico, and why and how you modified for the class.
Have a different idea? Share it with me for approval before you begin.
2. Create a media presentation (iMovie, Prezi, etc.) that illustrates and describes one of the above topics.
3. Create a "Planning Calendar" in Spanish for your Dia de los Muertos celebration. Include a grocery list, a list of things that you need to do to prepare, and a schedule of events. Your calendar will include a description in English that explains how it illustrates one of the above topics.
4. Create a diagram to compare Dia de los Muertos with another holiday. Use pictures and Spanish words to illustrate the similarities and differences. Your diagram will include a description in English that explains how it illustrates one of the above topics.
5. Lead your class in a craft or activity that would take place during the Dia de los Muertos celebration. Your activity will include a decription in English that explains why you chose it, how it is usually done in Mexico, and why and how you modified for the class.
Have a different idea? Share it with me for approval before you begin.
Evaluation
Student's work will be evaluated on the following areas:
- Written work
- Presentation
- Visual
- Information is accurate and appropriate.
- Presentation is well planned and informative.
- Project is creative and organized.
CATEGORY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Content
The presentation informs and shows depth of understanding about the chosen topic.
Delivery
The presentation engages the audience. The presenter establishes eye contact and speaks clearly and confidently to the audience at an appropriate volume. The presenter does not read to the class from notes or slides.
Organization
The presentation is organized in a thoughtful manner with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.
Presentation Aids
The presenter uses visual aids that are relevant and appropriate to the topic. The visual aids enhance the presentation and do not distract.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Content
The presentation informs and shows depth of understanding about the chosen topic.
Delivery
The presentation engages the audience. The presenter establishes eye contact and speaks clearly and confidently to the audience at an appropriate volume. The presenter does not read to the class from notes or slides.
Organization
The presentation is organized in a thoughtful manner with a distinct beginning, middle, and end.
Presentation Aids
The presenter uses visual aids that are relevant and appropriate to the topic. The visual aids enhance the presentation and do not distract.
Conclusion
After completing the Quest sheets, listening to the presentations, and viewing drawings and photographs, you should have a better understanding of Day of the Dead and everything that is involved with this holiday.
Day of the Dead Webquest Activities were designed and researched by Melanie Stella, a Spanish Teacher at Welborn Middle School (Guilford County), High Point, NC
Adapted and Revised by Yanneth Harris , a Spanish teacher at Westwood High School, Palestine, TX.
Adapted and Revised by Yanneth Harris , a Spanish teacher at Westwood High School, Palestine, TX.