Agricultural WebQuest

Perhaps your students have heard some one say "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream?" This saying just reminds us of how popular ice cream really is. Have your students enjoyed a scoop of their favorite ice cream on a hot summer day or maybe they have even had the chance to make "home made" ice cream for a family gathering? Ice cream is a favorite treat not just on hot days but all year through.

Your students have been invited to be a guest on the television show "Duel of Desserts." They need to be able to sing the praises of ice cream as the best dessert choice. They will need to be able to share all they know about Ice Cream and to persuade the panel of judges to vote for ice cream as the winning dessert. This is a chance for them to use some creative writing and persuasive writing skills. Students may want to use the judging evaluation form included.

Competency	5 pts.	4 pts.	3 pts.	2 pts.
Content	Timeline accurately describes at least 5 dates in the history of ice cream.	Timeline accurately describes at least 4 dates in the history of ice cream.	Timeline accurately describes at least 3 dates in the history of ice cream.	Timeline accurately describes at least 2 dates in the history of ice cream.
Readability	Overall appearance of timeline is aesthetically pleasing and easy to follow.	Overall appearance of timeline is somewhat pleasing and easy to follow.	Timeline is relatively readable.	Timeline is difficult to read.
Mechanics	Timeline contains no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors	Less than 5 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors	5-10 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors	More than 10 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors
Title and Illustrations	Timeline contains creative title and includes pictures or illustrations that are appropriate for each date.	Timeline contains effective title and includes pictures or illustrations that are appropriate for at least 4 dates.	Timeline contains few title and includes pictures or illustrations that are appropriate for at least 3 dates.	Timeline title is missing and includes pictures or illustrations that are appropriate for at least 2 dates.

	8pts.	6 pts.	4 pts.	2 pts.
Teamwork	Students work together all of the time to share ideas, offer assistance, discuss, or support each others' ideas.	Students work together most of the time to share ideas, offer assistance, discuss, or support each others' ideas.	Students work together some of the time to share ideas, offer assistance, discuss, or support each others' ideas.	Students rarely work together to share ideas, offer assistance, discuss, or support each others' ideas.
Content	Completely accurate; all facts are precise and explicit.	Mostly accurate; a few inconsistencies or errors in information.	Somewhat accurate; more than a few inconsistencies or errors in information.	Completely inaccurate; the facts in this project are misleading to the audience.
Organization	Extremely well organized; logical format that is easy to follow; flows smoothly from one idea to another and cleverly conveys ideas; the organization enhances the effectiveness of the project.	Presented in a thoughtful manner; there are signs of organization and most transitions of ideas are easy to follow, but at times ideas are unclear.	Somewhat organized; ideas are not presented coherently; transitions of ideas are not always smooth, which at times distract from the project.	Choppy and confusing; format is difficult to follow; transitions of ideas are abrupt and seriously distract from the project.
Research	Goes above and beyond to research information; solicits material in addition to what is provided, brings in personal ideas and information to enhance the project; and utilizes several to make the project effective.	Does a very good job of researching; utilizes materials provided to their full potential; solicits material ; at times takes the time to find information outside of school.	Uses the material provided in an acceptable manner, but does not consult many of the resources to make the project effective.	Does not utilize resources effectively; does little or no fact gathering on the topic.

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

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