Grade Level: This WebQuest was designed to be used in grade 6.
Sixth Grade Curriculum Areas: Language Arts, Art, Social Studies and Technology.
Thematic Unit:This Language Arts and Social Studies thematic unit will incorporate the Newbery novel, The Door in the Wall, and the time period in World History, The Middle Ages.

Time Frame: This unit will probably require 3-4 weeks to complete but can be extended or shortened according to how it is utilized.
Student Work: The student will work independently and collaboratively on research about The Middle Ages. The student and each cooperative group will be required to respond to the book, The Door in the Wall, through reading, concept maps, writing, quizzes, art activities, discussion, and research.
Resources: Students will explore and research topics relating to the Middle Ages. The students will use library resources, Internet resources and various trade books.

The cooperative groups are required to create a multimedia presentation. However, the students could complete the requirements of the presentation in journal form if you do not have computer access in the classroom. Students will have access to use Inspiration, Kidpix, PowerPoint or HyperStudio, graphic and word processing software in creating their presentation.

Pre-Reading Activity 1

Ask your students to brainstorm what they know about the Middle Ages. It may be necessary to give them a few hints, such as knights and castles, to get them started. List what they know on a flip chart, the board, or demonstration computer screen and add to the list as they read and discover more about this time period.

Pre-Reading Activity 2
Ask your students to brainstorm what problems would they have if they lost the use of their legs? How would their difficulties be different than for someone who had never been able to walk? How would they compensate in today's world? Without all the high-tech devices in today's world, how would a person compensate for the lost of his or her legs?

Pre-Reading Activity 3

Ask your students to brainstorm: What is courage? Why do people do brave things? What is the most courageous thing they or someone they know has ever done?

Pre-Reading Activity 4

Print out and have the students complete the pre-reading activity sheet. Remind them they are only to complete the before reading column.

Collect the rating sheets, then at the end of this unit have the students complete the after reading rating. You may want to have the students discuss in pairs, small group or large group why they chose their particular ratings.

Discussions

Have class/group discussion after each step in the process. This will help students organize their thoughts and check for understanding. This will also help you evaluate their progress.

Vocabulary

Use the vocabulary list for each chapter to assign vocabulary to each group. You may want to assign a couple of words or a chapter to each group then, create a word wall for different chapters.