Black History Month WebQuest

Agricultural WebQuest Series

Missouri Farm Bureau and

Missouri State University

Each year, we celebrate Black History month. Often we think about famous politicians or athletes, but did you ever think about famous agricultural African Americans?

Your task for this WebQuest is to research two African Americans who became famous for their Agricultural efforts. You will research their childhood, their education, their challenges and their successes.

Step 2: Research the famous horse trainer, Tom Bass. Learn about his childhood and about Saddlebred Horses.

Step 3: Write a paper. Select one of these two topics: "My Life and George Washington Carver's: Alike and Different" or "My Life and Tom Bass's: Alike and Different." Write two to three pages comparing and contrasting your modern childhood to that of either George or Tom who were born into slavery but grew up free.

Step 4: Work in a group of three and prepare a graphic organizer that creates a time line outlining the life of either George Washington Carver or Tom Bass.

Step 5: Print a copy of a Tom Bass newsletter. Work in a group of three and prepare the interview activity on page 4.

George Washington Carver and Tom Bass are two examples of African Americans who distinguished themselves in very different agricultural careers. Both were born into poverty but rose much further than many expected them to. There are many lessons that we can learn from them.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Presentation/Project Layout	The project is cluttered, confusing, and is hard to read. Does not meet guidelines.	The project shows some structure, but appears cluttered and busy or distracting. Does not meet guidelines.	The project material shows an understanding of information. Flows easily. Project has eye-appeal. Project meets guidelines.	Project material is well organized and shows understanding of information. Makes audience want to know more. Exceeds guidelines.
Group Work	Cannot work with other in most situations. Can not share decisions or responsibilities. Relies on other to do the work.	Works with others, but has difficulty sharing decisions and responsibilities. Needs reminding to complete work.	Works well with others. Takes part in most decisions and contributes fair share to group.	Works well with others. Assumes a clear role and related responsibilities. Motivates group/members to do their best.
Mechanics	Includes more than 5 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Includes 3-4 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Includes 2-3 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization are correct. No errors in the text.	Total

This WebQuest was created by teachers participating in Missouri's Agriculture in the Classroom program at Missouri State University through a USDA grant. The template on this site was adapted from a template from The WebQuest Page and the original was designed by Dr. Lyndon Irwin. Assistance for this project was provided by Mrs. Barbara Irwin, M.S. and Mrs. Diane Olson, M.S.

Teachers are encouraged to adapt this lesson for classroom use only. No part of this publication may be transmitted, stored, recorded or published in any form without written permission from Missouri Farm Bureau.

This page was developed by Lyndon Irwin, reviewed by Lyndon and Barbara Irwin and is maintained by Missouri Farm Bureau.

Please address questions to Diane Olson at Missouri Farm Bureau or Dr. Lyndon Irwin at Missouri State University.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Contribute
Research & Gather Information	Does not collect any information that relates to the topic.	Collects very little information--some relates to the topic.	Collects some basic information--most relates to the topic.	Collects a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
Share Information	Does not relay any information to teammates.	Relays very little information--some relates to the topic.	Relays some basic information--most relates to the topic.	Relays a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
Be Punctual	Does not hand in any assignments.	Hands in most assignments late.	Hands in most assignments on time.	Hands in all assignments on time.
Take Responsibility
Fulfill Team Role's Duties	Does not perform any duties of assigned team role.	Performs very little duties.	Performs nearly all duties.	Performs all duties of assigned team role.
Participate in Interview Conference	Does not speak during the interview.	Either gives too little information or information which is irrelevant to topic.	Offers some information--most is relevant.	Offers a fair amount of important information--all is relevant.
Share Equally	Always relies on others to do the work.	Rarely does the assigned work--often needs reminding.	Usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding.	Always does the assigned work without having to be reminded.