Phillip
J. VanFossen
Center
for Economic Education
Purdue
University
| EconExpo: WebQuest 'Net Hunt | |
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Phillip
J. VanFossen
Center
for Economic Education
Purdue
University
|
| This activity is designed to introduce you to the web-based curriculum model known as "WebQuests." Use the questions and the corresponding links in the matrix below to guide you as you develop a sense of the format of these WebQuests and their potential for using the Internet/WWW for teaching economics. |
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Step
1:
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| In order to better understand
what a WebQuest is (and what it isn't...), we will investigate several
examples and identify the common features associated with each example.
Begin by printing out the Defining
WebQuests: Common Features worksheet. Next, find a partner to
work with.
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Step
2:
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| You and your partner have
(10)
ten minutes to identify at least 5 common features or characteristics
of WebQuests and develop a definition based on your work. Be ready to share
your findings with the class!!
The following links will get you started: The WebQuest Homepage |
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Step
3:
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| Now that you have a pretty
good idea what a WebQuest is (and what it is not...), let's take a look
at several examples and critique them based on your definitions of a WebQuest.
First print out the WebQuest
Rating Checklist.
Use this checklist to rate each of the following WebQuests: A Bomb is Dropped... |
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Step
4:
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| A few WebQuest have been
developed in the field of economics. One example, called Who
is footing the bill...? is about the national
debt. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the possibilities of the
WebQuest format for teaching economics might be to actually participate
in one.
Economic
Forecasting: An Internet WebQuest is a WebQuest
designed to help students understand the role of three leading economic
indicators in forecasting the future economic health of the nation.
Let's break into teams of three and give this one a try.....
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Economic
Data Analysis Activities:
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| One effective strategy
to incorporate into economic WebQuests is the use of spreadsheets to manipulate
and analyze economic data. As we have seen, students can use the
WWW to access up-to-the-minute data on a wide range of economic issues.
What can they do with such data? Once entered into a spreadsheet
program, students can order, chart, and summarize data and present it in
a graphic format.
Let's try one such example. First open the Excel file entitled "US GDP 1975-1999." Next, go to EconMagic.Com's "Real GDP in 1996 Dollars." Enter the GDP data for the years indicated. What might students be able to do with this data? Notice that I have already programmed a "percent change" column. What might be done with this column? What other manipulation could students perform? Let's create a graph of
real GDP over the last 25 years.
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Additional
Links/Information on WebQuests
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Other Social Studies/Economic
WebQuests:
Little Rock 9: A WebQuest on DesegregationGeneral WebQuest Sites: Matrix of WebQuest examples for all subjects.... |
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Links
to Economic Data Sites
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General Economic Data
National Council on Economic EducationGlossaries and Economic Overviews: Amos' World |
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This
page developed and maintained by:
Assist.
Director, Center for Economic
Education
Purdue
University
last
update: 8/2/00
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