WebQuests – High School
2 | Should Andrew Jackson be
on the Twenty-dollar Bill?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion
Break into your groups as assigned by your instructor. Select a leader who will be in charge of group discussions and keeping track of the work you accomplish both individually and as a group. The group leader should keep a work log that includes assigned tasks and completion due dates.
- Review the biography of your assigned individual or group to determine your specific perspective. Within your group, discuss the types of information you will probably need in order to prepare your speech.
- The group leader should assign the resources to pairs of students. It is recommended that all students review all the provided resources, especially the video clips.
- Visit your individual/group's page and read/watch your assigned resources, taking detailed notes on your findings. Make sure to indicate on your notes where you found the information. In addition to the items your group decided were important, also consider the following:
- How did Jackson or his policies affect the life of your assigned individual or group?
- In what way did your assigned individual or group specifically interact with Jackson or his policies?
- At the end of his tenure in office, how did the life of your individual/group change? Was it for the better or for the worse?
- Once you have finished researching, have each group member share his/her findings. Discuss and agree upon your stance on the key question of this WebQuest: Should Jackson's portrait be on the $20 bill? Decide on the best 3-5 arguments that support your position. Additionally, discuss potential visuals that would strengthen your argument.
- Next, the group leader should assign development of those arguments to the rest of the group, including the acquisition and design of visuals for the presentation.
- Independently or collaboratively, outline and then write the argument. Remember to be clear and concise as you only have 5-7 minutes for the entire speech.
- Review the completed arguments as a group, making appropriate changes and ensuring there is no redundancy during the speech. Decide who is going to present each part or whether one person will present the entire speech.
- Prepare for the day of your presentation by practicing the speech, coordinating appropriate attire, and finishing visuals.
Process: Presentations
The teacher will decide the order of the presentations and coordinate the process.
- During each presentation, all other groups are expected to listen for flaws in the arguments they hear. If time permits, a short question and answer period can follow the presentations. Questions must be relevant to the perspective of the presenting group.
- After each group finishes, the teacher will tally votes for or against Jackson's place on the $20 bill.
- After the presentations are finished, share your thoughts about the results of the tally and Jackson's presidency. The teacher will lead this discussion.
- Group leaders should collect notes from the group members and submit them to the teacher along with a completed work log.
