Gold Rush Webquest

Introduction
Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! The year is 1849. Gold has been discovered in a faraway land called California. Your dreams of getting rich can come true.

Task
Part 1:
How will you travel to this land of golden opportunity? Where is your home (e.g., China, Germany, Venezuela, Missouri,Virginia)? What route will you take to get to California? You must make some important decisions before you begin your trip and then, keep a journal of the hardships and adventures that you experience along the way.

Part 2:
After completing your journal, your teacher will assign a key individual from California's early history for you to study. After completing your research, you will become that person. Dress appropriately and tell the class about your life.

Process
Part 1:
1. Your teacher will write the names of different locations on pieces of paper. Each student will
draw from a "hat" to find the location of his or
her home. It could be anywhere in the world!

2. Plan the best route that will get you to the goldfields as quickly as possibly but safely, too.
Will you go by land or by sea? Draw the route
that you plan to take on a map. What plans will you make before starting your journey?

3. Keep a journal to record your trip. Your journal will contain written entries as well as illustrations. Click on the journal for a list of the information that you must include and helpful Internet sites.

Part 2:
1. Learn everything that you can about the person you are to become. Especially learn about your individual's contributions to California history and other interesting facts. Read about him or her in your social studies book and in the encyclopedia. Go to the library. Use the links to the Internet.

2. After completing your research, plan what you will say to the class and how you will dress. You may not read to the class. Instead, you should know enough about your individual that become that person and only refer to your notes briefly. All notes must be written on a single 3" x 4" index card. Practice! Practice! Practice! Tell your teacher when you are ready for your role-play.