A WebQuest for 5th Grade Originally Designed by Tara Higgins Additional Information by Jayme Johnson

The Task

• A 7-day, 6-night trip (between the dates March 24-April 8 )
• Travel arrangements (air, train, or car)
• Stops in at least 2 cities (including the capital of your state)
• Visit at least 2 historical sites of interest
• Visit at least 2 other educational sites
• Visit at least 2 other entertaining sites

All handouts (travel calendar, notetaking form, and project timeline) are available here.

1. You will begin by choosing the 2 or more cities that the Zaroids will visit. You must visit the state capital (from your assigned state), but you may choose whether to visit another city in that state or to try a different state.  
2. Next we will begin planning the Zaroid's trip.  Use the notetaking form, either on the computer (in your students folder named "travel notes" or printed, to keep track of your information. Keep in mind the interests of the family: Zimera is particularly fond of historical sites (state capitols, natural history museums); Zork loves science museums, zoos, sports, and parks; and Zara, an aspiring artist, likes art museums and shopping for souvenirs.  
3. Keep track of your overall budget which must include:
   • Travel costs (we'll research this in class)
   • Hotel costs (already arranged @ $150 per night)
   • Meal costs (already arranged @ $80 per day)
   • If you decide to rent a car, it will cost you $30 per day.
   • Admission to any attractions (as needed)
   • Souvenirs, etc. (additional costs)
   • Fuel costs (for those who are driving)
   • The total budget must not exceed $3,800.
4. Once the research is done, complete your presentation, including the following:
   • An overview of your chosen destinations/cities (a brief history)
   • Travel arrangements
   • Total budget
   • Details on the sites of interest
   • The Zaroids are loyal clients, and will reward you for all extra efforts beyond these minimum requirements.  As quality employees, we expect you to present only your best work, showing effort and creativity.
     

• State Reports: Links to famous people, facts, maps, and much more!
• 50 States: Information and facts on the 50 states.
• The 50 States: Another site with information and facts on each state.
• Fact Monster: U.S. States - Links for more information on each of the states.
• ESPN  50 states in 50 days - feature interesting facts and places to visit
• Kids Konnect - This collection of links also includes information on the U.S. States.
• Airports of the World - A complete list of all US airports by state.
• Fodor's - The publisher of travel books has travel info for many sites of interest in U.S. cities.
• Lonely Planet - Another travel book site for more adventurous travelers.
• Orbitz - A travel search engine sponsored by the major airlines will help you search for airfare (just don't buy any flights!).  Or, you can search the airlines directly: United, American, Southwest, Delta, and more.
• National Park Service - Lists all National Parks in the country.
• Mapquest - In case you need to look at a map!
• Nettrekker
• Some other safe search engines: Kids Click! and  Yahooligans!. The adult search engines like Google are also possible, but they take longer.  Try to use your state and city tourism sites first.