Introduction | Process and Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion
Introduction
“Today I moved to a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water.” Where do you think this character moved to? (Hint: Look at the picture above). That’s right, twelve year old Moose Flanagan moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 so his father can work at the prison there. In this Web Quest you will think about the themes of this book, analyze various characters, research Autism or Alcatraz, research Al Capone, use creative writing, and write a thank you letter.
Process and Resources
Student Activity 1
Theme: In this activity you will think about how isolation is an important component in this book with several characters. You will analyze this theme and discuss how 5 characters are isolated in themselves in the form of a chart.
Student Activity 2
Character traits: In this activity you will choose your favorite character from the book and analyze the traits of this character and how you connected with this character by creating a trait flip book.
Student Activity 3
Research: You will research the history, symptoms, and treatment of autism--OR--You will research the history of the island before it became a prison, the penitentiary years, and what Alcatraz is like now in 2005. Both research assignments will be done in essay form.
Student Activity 4
Research: Research the notorious criminal, Al Capone. You will find out about his past, what he was notorious for, what charges put him in Alcatraz, when he was there, and when and how he died. All the information you find will be done in PowerPoint form.
Student Activity 5
Creative Writing: Respond to the quote by Moose, “The sun get up OK this morning?”
Student Activity 6
Friendly Letter: If Moose believes that Al Capone is responsible for Natalie’s admission in the school, how would he thank him? Write a thank you letter from Moose to Capone, following proper friendly letter format.
Each project you complete will be graded with a rubric. Each rubric can be found on the individual Student Activity page.
Once done with all six activities of this Web Quest, you will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of this outstanding Newbery Runner-Up Award winning novel.
Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3 | Activity 4 | Activity 5 | Activity 6
