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        Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

This WebQuest provides resources for students in the sixth grade while reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. The novel is based on a thirteen-year-old boy named Brian Robeson. It is summertime and Brian is headed towards the Canadian tundra to visit with his father. What seems like a simple flight turns into the challenge of Brian's life. Brian must take control of the plane, land it and then try to figure out how to stay alive until he is rescued.

As a result of this lesson the students will:
* Gain/improve valuable background knowledge

* Learn about and create a survival guide

* Improve their Internet research skills by moving back and forth through web sites
and make keyword searches to locate information

* Improve their ability to gain information from an article,summarize, restate in their own words,
and evaluate what they have read

* Clarify understanding of texts by creating outlines,logical notes, summaries, or reports

* Work in a cooperative group to evaluate and summarize information in order to give an informative oral report

* Write in expository manner
 

Expository Writing-Survival Guide

In this activity, students will research and create small booklet or brochure-style survival guide.
The students will relate to Brian's experience of having to survive on his own using critical
thinking skills, mental and physical strength. Students can research and find valuable life saving
information from the following links:

Winter in the  Wilderness
This is a site dedicated to Yosemite National Park; it contains helpful and basic day trip information, planning, and more.

Survival Basics
A great overall site with lots of good information. Well organized and easy to read. It includes a suggested survival kit.

Five Basic Survival Skills
Contains a brief outline explaining the five basic needs.Very clear and specific.

Kid's Kit
A great place for parents; it is directly focused on kids and their needs.

Survival Smarts
A very direct and easy to read site.

Safetyand Survival Tips
A well organized and easy to read site with an equipment link.

Mr.Mihlon's Web Page at Lake Zurich Middle School North
This site is filled with links that may assist you in your searching and assistance with expository writing strategies. A real great help!!!
 

Students should be evaluated through both their expository writing and oral presentation of their findings. Their expository writing can be shared through a variety of products. The writing should reflect expository qualities. Oral presentations should reflect student preparation,effort, and rehearsal.

This WebQuest was written for sixth grade students and teachers are encouraged to modify as needed for their students. The activity and links are directly related to experiences that Brian Robeson had whilel lost in the Canadian wilderness. This activity can be done individually,in pairs or in small groups depending on the dynamics of your class.

Author:  Mr.Jeff Mihlon
Created:  28 October 1999

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                                Page Sponsor:  Crystal Steker
                                Page Content Author:  Melissa O'Hara
                                Date: 
11/13/2006