Introduction

This week in Spanish class we are going to investigate a Mexican celebration called Cinco de mayo.  We will learn about the holiday’s history, food, music, facts and traditions.  In order to learn as much as we can about this holiday you, the class, will be participating in a Cinco de mayo Webquest.  Upon completion of your Webquest, you will present your information to the class in a professional manner. 

 

Here is the plan:  You have just been given an assignment to be an Investigative Reporter for Señora Rogstad’s CFFSC Team (Cultural Facts for Spanish Class). You will have all of Wednesday and Thursday to do your research.  On Friday, you will be presenting your information to the class.  As part of the CFFSC Team you will have a job in one of the following departments:  History Hunters, Festive Foods, Modern Music & Moves, Fascinating Facts, and Typical Traditions.

 

The Task

Each department is responsible for answering the questions that relate to their area.  You will use the links that I have provided for you to answer the following questions.  Once you have the answers to these questions, you will place the information into a PowerPoint presentation.  The presentation must be completed by class time on Friday.

 

The Department Questions




History Hunters
     1. Who were the following people?  What role did each of these people play?  Give a bio of each person.

          - Benito Juarez
          - Porfirio Diaz
          - Ignacio Zaragoza
          - Napoleon III
          - Maximilian  and Carlotta
          - The Marquis de Radepont
    



Festive Foods
     1.  Explain what the following foods are:
           - Menudo
           - Mole
           - Chorizo
           - Chilaquiles
           - Flan
     2.  Name and describe three typical foods served at Cinco de mayo celebrations. (not including the ones listed above)
     3.  Mexican food is a mix of what types of food?
     4.  What are some common staples found in the Mexican diet?
      5.  What food item accompanies almost every meal?
     6.  What does the word "taco" really mean?
     7.  What Mexican foods do we eat in the U.S. today?



Modern Music & Moves
     1.  What are some common topics in Mexican songs?
     2.  What is the significance of the "La Cucaracha" song?
     3.  What is Mariachi music?
     4.  What kind of instruments are used in Mariachi music?
     5.  Identify at least two modern-day Mariachi groups and give a few details about each one.
     6.  What is Tejano music and why is it so popular?
     7.  What kind of dances are popular in Cinco de mayo celebrations?



Fascinating Facts
1.  What is the biggest misconception about Cinco de mayo?
2.  What was France's excuse for invading Mexico?
3.  What caused the conflict that led to the Battle of Puebla?
4.  Explain what happened at the Battle of Puebla.
5.  How long did the conflict last and in what year did it end?
6.  What was the end result of the conflict?
7.  How many Mexican soldiers and French soldiers were involved in the Battle of Puebla?




Typical Traditions 
     1.  What can you expect to see in a Cinco de mayo parade?
     2.  Other than parades, what other activities are common for a Cinco de mayo celebration?
     3.  How do people in San Diego's Old Town celebrate Cinco de mayo?
     4.  What type of events are popular in Los Angeles to celebrate Cinco de mayo?
     5.  Describe the typical costume for Cinco de mayo.
     6.  Why is Cinco de mayo celebrated on a much larger scale in the U.S.?
     7.  Name and describe a popular decoration made for this holiday.

The Process

  1. Each person is responsible for compiling the information for the presentation.  Likewise, each person is also responsible for helping to present the information during the presentation.  During the research phase, it would be in groups’ best interest to assign responsibilities to each person.  For instance, 1 or 2 web explorers, 1 PowerPoint designer, and 1 information specialist (relays information between the web explorers and PowerPoint designer).  This person will have a keen eye for detail and will help to keep the project moving at a steady pace.
  2. Find the information for your assigned department and present it in a PowerPoint presentation.
  3. Use the links below to find information on your assigned topic.  Make sure to look for the specifics requested in the Task section.

 

Department Links

    Cinco de mayo - the real story
    Lots of historical info - includes lots of names
    UCLA's information about Cinco de mayo
    More historical info about Cinco de mayo
    Cinco de mayo history facts
    History of Cinco de mayo - in English & Spanish
    Mexico Online - Historical background
    Historical facts at fiestacincodemayo.com
    Historical figures
     Basic Facts about this holiday
    Victory at Puebla

 

 

 

 

Evaluation

Each student’s grade for this project will consist of an individual grade and a group grade.  The grading rubric is listed below:

 

Needs work

1

Average

2

Advanced

3

Exceptional

4

Score

INDIVIDUAL GRADE:

Completion of Assigned Job
 

* little or no work on assigned task

* minimal work on assigned task

*  above average work on assigned task

*  excellent job on assigned task

 

 INDIVIDUAL GRADE:

 Ability to cooperate with group members

*  did not cooperate with other group members

*  showed little or no responsibility within the group

*  had minor problems cooperating with other group members

*  showed little responsibility within the group

*  had little or no problems cooperating with group members

*  showed responsibility and maturity most of the time

*  was very cooperative with entire group

*  showed responsibility and maturity within the group setting

 

INDIVIDUAL GRADE:

Using class time wisely

*  did not use class time wisely

*  used class time wisely half of the time

*  used class time wisely most of the time

*  always used class time wisely

 

 

INDIVIDUAL GRADE:

Peer Evaluation

 

 

*  was not a valuable part of the team

*  caused problems within the group

*  had a negative effect on the outcome of the project

*  was somewhat valuable to the team

*  did enough work to get by

*  had a neutral effect on the outcome of the project

*  was valuable to the team

*  did assigned task and was helpful to the group

*  had a positive effect on the outcome of the project

 

*  was a very important member of the team

*  did all assigned work and was very helpful to the group

*  had a positive effect on the outcome of the project

 

 

GROUP GRADE:

Completion and Quality of presentation

 

*  presentation  was done poorly with very few if any specific details

*  information provided was brief and confusing to the reader

*  average presentation with a few specific details

*  information provided was brief and was somewhat unclear

*  presentation was done well with many specific details

*  information provided was and clear informative

*  presentation was done extremely well with very specific details

*  information provided was extensive, informative and interesting

 

GROUP GRADE:

 Quality of Entire Project

*  overall project needed a lot of improvement

*  overall project needed some improvement

*  overall project needed little or no improvement

*  overall project was extremely well done

 


TOTAL GRADE & COMMENTS
 

 

 

 

 

All sites linked to this WebQuest are being used for educational purposes only.  

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04/30/08 JR