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Getting Started - Introduction to WebQuest

The 'Introduction' section creates a context for the task and should be a short introductory paragraph, that introduces the WebQuest activity. It should be written in a style that hooks and engages the learner. This is where you can be quite creative - have fun!

Below are five examples of real WebQuest 'introductions'. All source links will open in a new window:

Source: Space Colony Webquest - coollessons.org.  "In the past few years, we have found fifty four "Near Earth Asteroids" in orbit around the sun that cross the orbit of the earth. According to N.A.S.A., the "Earth orbits in a cosmic shooting gallery subject to occasional random hits by comets and asteroids. Impacts by objects a mile or more across can devastate the planet's environment." (from Asteroid and Comet Impact Hazards). If one strikes, will the fate of humans be the same as the fate of dinosaurs - extinction?"

Source: Women in Science Webquest - College of Education, Louisiana State University "We have been discussing the contributions of famous scientists who have revolutionized science. Many of these scientists have been men. However, there have been many women and other minorities who have contributed to the progress science has made. To honor women scientists, the school newsletter, School Talk, is publishing a special edition showcasing the contributions of women scientists. You have been assigned the task of producing an article on a female scientist and you have carte blanche on who she might be. Your team (the photographer and the reporter) is responsible for getting the article of no more than a page to the newsletter editor. Your class has been assigned the role of editorial team and is responsible for putting out the entire newsletter. "

Source: Planning a Garden - Maryland Technology Academy "You have been studying plants in science. Mrs. Parks has asked our class to use what we have learned about plants and their needs to plan a school garden. You and your partner will follow the directions of this WebQuest task to design and start the school garden. "

Source: A Stitch in Time "Attention Attention! This is an important news brief. The Museum of Natural History has just been burglarized! We need your help to restore the missing items. YOU have been selected as scholarly and creative students who will help us restore history. Your mission is to design a new patch to replace the museum's prized possession: the historical quilt. To complete this mission you will need background information on quilting. You will use this information to create a patch that incorporates parts of three different types of quilting patterns: African, Amish, and Native American. You have been recommended as the best and brightest for the job. Do not let us down. The Museum will never last if its most important piece of history is not restored. Good luck! We are counting on you!. "

Source: Bostin Black Country "Let’s assume that you are part of a community group that lives or works in the Black Country. You have a wealth of local knowledge and you know several other people who also know this area very well. As a local, you have been approached by a group of visitors who are planning to spend some time here in the future. They have never heard of the Black Country and think it is somewhere in Birmingham!? The visitors have decided that they before they arrive they would like to know more about the area. They are curious about its local history and are interested to know how the Black Country got its name. They would also like to know what things can they do while they are here, and which are the best places to see. To get around effectively they also need more local travel information, including local maps and travel timetables. It would also be useful if they had some information about the people that live in the Black Country and what the area is like. Where are the best places to eat, drink or shop? After hearing the locals speak they decide they may also need to know a bit more about the Black Country dialect, you may think they need to know this first! So, using your extensive knowledge of the Black County can you help? Could you provide some information which would help our visitors?"

Source: Torbay Library Services "We hope that you enjoy this library activity which will help you find out about a very famous story that took place many years ago in the Torbay area. You are a new reporter working for the Torbay Times newspaper. You have been asked to report on the story of John 'Babbacombe' Lee and the gruesome murder of Emma Keyse. This is your first big assignment and you want to make a good impression."