MEDIEVAL TIMES

A WebQuest for 10th Grade World Literature

Designed by

Patricia Kay Bradley,

English Department Chairwoman, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville, Ohio and

Debra L. Scarnecchia,

Media Specialist, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville, Ohio

Introduction

The Middle Ages was an exciting and mysterious time period. Much of the literature we examine in class comes from the Middle Ages. Many of our school’s traditions, even our mascot, originated in medieval times.

Your assignment is to research various aspects of life in medieval times and make a group television broadcast based on what you discover. Have a terrific time!

The Task

You will work in groups of four. Each group will be responsible for:

• Researching medieval topics
• Presenting a live television broadcast from the Middle Ages
• Creating a logo for your television station incorporating a medieval theme

Resources

Topics

• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
• ARISTOCRATS, NOBLES, KINGS
• ART
• ARTHURIAN LEGENDS
• BOOK OF KELLS
• CALENDAR
• CASTLES
• CATHEDRALS
• CHIVALRY
• CLOTHING
• COMMONERS, PEASANTS
• CRUSADES
• DANCE
• FEUDALISM
• FLAGS AND BANNERS
• FOOD
• GUILDS
• HERALDRY
• KNIGHTHOOD
• KNIGHTS ANIMALS
• LAWS
• LITERATURE
• MANNERS
• MARRIAGE CUSTOMS
• MEDICINES
• MEDIEVAL CHURCH
• MEDIEVAL FEASTS
• MONKS
• MONASTERIES AND LEARNING
• MUSIC AND SONG
• RELIGIONS
• RELIGIOUS LIFE
• SAINTS
• SORCERY
• THE PLAGUE
• TOURNAMENTS, JOUSTS, GAMES
• WEAPONS AND ARMOUR
• WOMEN KNIGHTS

Web Resources

Middle Ages http://www.byu.edu/ipt/projects/middleages/index.html

Middle Ages http://themiddleages.tripod.com/

Middle Ages http://themiddleages.tripod.com/

The Middle Ages http://www.themiddleages.com/

Exhibits Collection-The Middle Ages http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/

Middle Ages, Medieval History http://4middleages.4anything.com/

HyperMusic Middle Ages http://www.crosswinds.net/~musichistory/hist/medieval.html

Alcoholic Drinks-Middle Ages http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1265/calcohol.html

Footwear of the Middle Ages http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marccarlson/shoe/SHOEHOME.HTM

Art History Resources http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHmedieval.html

Life in the Middle Ages http://trackstar.scrtec.org/main/display.php3?option=text&track_id=1913

Hotlist on the Middle Ages http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/listmiddleael.html

Other web sites with teacher approval.

The Process

To accomplish the assignment, complete the following:

• You will be assigned to a team of four students .
• Browse through the lists of topic ideas and Web Resources.
• Plan one complete news broadcast including at least eight of the following segments:

NEWS

HUMAN INTEREST

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

SPORTS

FOOD

EDUCATION

ENTERTAINMENT

MEDICAL SCIENCE

ARTS

WEATHER

COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ( 2 )

• Assign broadcast roles: 2 co anchors and 2 correspondents
• Assign story segments ( 2 per person )
• Write story segments ( 2 per person )
• Create a poster to identify your TV station logo ( Be sure to incorporate some medieval theme. )
• Rehearse broadcast
• Present live broadcast in class
• Turn in group poster and 2 written story segments per person

Evaluation

• Your team will be given a group grade on your project from 0 to 100 points. Your total score will then be multiplied by the number of people in your group. The group will then divide the total score in whatever manner it finds appropriate. For example, your group of 4 people gets 86% for the total project. This will be multiplied by for a total of 344 points. You could give each person 86 points or you could give one person 100 points for exceptional effort and give each of the others 81.3. You may divide your 344 points in any way your group would like so long as the total is 344 points. There must be a consensus among the group members.
• You will also receive an individual grade from 0 to 50 points based on the quality of the written work you submit.

Conclusion

Now you have learned what life was like in the Middle Ages. You have also examined the history and background of many things which still survive today. Using your imagination, you have created a wonderful project demonstrating your knowledge of Medieval Times.

Credits and References

• Please list all sources you have used. This includes books, music, pictures and text.
• Thank the people who have helped you.