PERSUADE ME!!
 A WebQuest for 7th Grade
Designed by
Jill M.Fisler
jill.fisler@millville.org
    

Uniforms for EVERYBODY

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

 

Introduction | Task | The Process | Background | Resources | Instructions | Team Assignments | Roles |Evaluation/Rubric | Conclusion

 

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wear a uniform to school?  YES--you read it right the first time, UNIFORMS!!!! The Millville Board of Education (BOE) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) are debating whether students should wear uniforms.  The main reason given is that students spend too much time and emphasis on appearance and not enough on education.  If this debate should pass, it would mean that all Millville Public School students will start wearing uniforms as of September.  A final decision will not be made until the BOE and PTA hear students’ opinions. 

Decisions are made by adults every day that affect your life and your future. Today you have been given the opportunity to take an active role in changing your world.  This quest challenges you to use persuasive techniques to persuade others to your way of thinking.  Click on the TASK button and discover more about the topic.           

 Task

You feel very strongly about wearing or not wearing uniforms to school.  Your task is to persuade the Millville Board of Education and the PTA to your way of thinking.  You will create and present a power point presentation that will convince the adults to vote yes or no on this topic.

The Process
1.         You will be assigned a group.  Each person in your group needs to decide which job that you can do.  Within your group, interview for the job that you find interesting.  The members of the group will ask you questions about how you will do your job and why you think that you are the most qualified.  If you are the only one that shows interest in a particular job, then it is yours.  When everyone has interviewed, vote by secret ballot.  Proceed to the work ahead.
2.       You will need to distinguish between fact and opinion, understand persuasive techniques, know how to conduct an interview, develop and implement a survey, write an editorial, and take digital pictures. 
3.       Your group needs to define point of view, persuasive writing, propaganda techniques, fact, and opinion.  Find out what these words mean to each member of your group.  Brainstorm and share your ideas.
4.       Look for examples of persuasive techniques.  Each member needs to find one to discuss and share with the group.
5.       Visit the Resource Page. 
Background: Something for Everyone

It is very important that all of you understand propaganda techniques.  Everyone will experience the sites below to help clarify understanding.  Complete the exercises below to learn about propaganda techniques.

Propaganda Techniques

 

First JOB—Propaganda Techniques

  1. The following website will introduce you to 11 different propaganda techniques. 
  2. To better understand, each of you will use a graphic organizer to write and define each technique that is listed.

            Click Propaganda Techniques and get started.

            Second JOB— Examples of Persuasive Techniques and Terms

  1. Now you are ready to apply your newly acquired vocabulary to play the matching game.
  2. Click Examples of Persuasive Techniques and Terms and start matching!

      Finale—Propaganda Quiz

  1. Now you are ready to take the Propaganda Techniques Quiz.
  2. The quiz is immediately scored. 
  3. If you get a perfect score, you are ready to move on. 
  4. If you get any wrong, review the question and answer for understanding. 
  5. Remember, if you don’t understand you are hurting the entire group.
Resources
1.       You must conduct interviews with parents, teachers, students, school administrators and board of education members.  To assist you with the process, the following links will help.

How to Conduct an Interview
Sample of Interview Questions
Interview Tips
2.     You need to be able to distinguish between fact and opinion.  The following site can help you on your way to success.
Fact or Opinion? 

3.     Creating a power point may be new to some of you.  The following links will assist you on your quest.

How to create a Power Point Presentation
Instructions

1.    You will be divided into groups of six.

2.    Reread The Process above to acquire your role in the project.

3.    Checkout Team Assignments/Roles Described.

4.    Reread The Task and discuss expectations.

5.    Discuss assessment and create an action plan, al time-line with your goals.

6.    Everyone needs to work through Background—Something for Everyone.

7.     Create the power point using examples of persuasive techniques and propaganda.

Team Assignments/Roles

       Click each role and learn more about the job.

1.    Photographer

2.     WebMaster

3.     Pollster

4.     Interviewer

5.     Editor

6.     Presenter

  Roles
Photographer

You will use your expertise to
capture the persuasive images
necessary to complete
your part of the project.

WebMaster

 

Your creative abilities will be definitely be put to the test. 
You must be familiar with power point,
and be able to work with all members of your group.
You will have the final say in the final product.

POLLSTER

Your expertise in math will help you
finalize all surveys and tallies.
You are responsible for the final count.

 

INTERVIEWER

Now that you have read through sample interview questions and techniques,
you are now ready to prepare your own questions and conduct interviews.

EDITOR



You report and chronicle the events which
you need to give them the twist to create a very
persuasive editorial.  Click on Writing Guide and Persuasion Map
to help organize and write your article.

PRESENTER

Your skills an orator will enable you to
present the entire project to
the adult mentioned groups.

  

 Evaluation

            1.  You will receive a group grade.  You will be evaluated on the final product which is your power point presentation.  Click rubric to clarify expectations.  Make sure you refer to the rubric often.

Conclusion
        Do you feel your groups stand on uniforms is enough to convince the adults to your way of thinking?  Did you present challenging and thought provoking arguments?  Do you feel the adults truly understand your position, even if they don’t agree? 
Do you feel you are better able to defend your point of view after working on this project?  What might you have done differently?  How might you use this knowledge in your future?  Reflect on your role and each member of your group’s role.  What are your final thoughts?