Deep in the Heart of Texas Tours

by
Sandra Ramirez and Sara Meineke
Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion  | Lesson Plan

Introduction

    The sky is clear and the view is breathtaking.  You and your friends are enjoying your first ride in a hot air balloon.  Unfortunately, the guy at the controls is inexperienced and within minutes you find yourselves falling towards the ground.  The balloon crashes and you are stranded and penniless in a Texas city that you've never been to before.
    Luckily, the local chamber of commerce recently developed a Rescue and Return planavailable to visitors such as yourself.  The plan provides for a safe and free return of any stranded individual.  Only two requirements need to be met in order to participate in this Rescue and Return plan.  First, you  must take on the role of a bus tour guide in this Texas city for a period of at least one week.  Secondly, upon returning to your home you must write a persuasive letter to your parents convincing them to vacation in the city that you recently resided in.
    Should you decide to participate in this endeavor this Texas Web Quest will aid you in completing your task.  Good luck on your Deep in the Heart Texas tour.
 

The Task

As you journey through Texas you stop at a Texas city.  Your group task is to share information about your city.  Your individual task is to write a letter to your parents persuading them to vacation in your chosen city. In order to accomplish these tasks you will use this  Texas  Web Quest.  You may also use books, reference materials, and magazines.

The Process
 

You will be working in a team of 4 students to ultimately create a group project.

Choose and  research one of the following cities: (click on the city of your choice for information)
                a.  Dallas
                b.  Austin
                c.   Tyler
                d.   Fredericksburg
                e.   Laredo
 

As your group explores your chosen site, you will follow these procedures:
 

1. Locate information using the sites from this Web Quest and/or other sources.
2. Compile the information on the attached  questionnaire sheet.
3. Decide what format you will use to present your information. You may accomplish this by choosing one of the following activities:

• present a play/skit (Multimedia)
• produce a news broadcast - (Multimedia)
• make a Texas game board-( You may use technology to create a table.)
• design a travel brochure - (Insert graphics or drawings)
• create a slide show - (Use powerpoint)
• write and present a T.V. commercial (Can include audio)

4. You must include information from 4 of the 7 items  from the questionnaire.
5. Present your group project to your class.
6. Cite your resources
7. Complete the individual letter to your parents persuading them to vacation in your city. In this letter remember to include at least 4 of the 7 items from the questionnaire .

Evaluation

You must finish both your group and individual project. You will present your group project to your class.  You must also write a persuasive letter.  Your grade will be based on the completion of these  tasks, as well the appearance of  content  and your degree of participation.  The attached rubric will be used to determine your grade.

Conclusion

Yippee-I-i-I-i-A!!!!!  You should be a bunch of proud kiddoes!  You've just discovered some of the fascinating sites, sounds and flavors of Texas. You've even persuaded your parents to vacation with you next summer  in your newly discovered city!  Visiting new places helps you appreciate the diversity of this Lone Star State.  Remember, you've only just begun .....For further adventures check out these web sites:
                       Hooray for Houston
                             Savor San Antonio