WebQuest Blue Dolphins

Historical Fiction:
Putting the 'story' into History!
A WebQuest for 3rd-5th Graders
based on the Scott O'Dell novel
Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Janet Lanham
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

Introduction Historical fiction is part fact, part make-believe. While you were reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, did you wonder how the author, Scott O'Dell, knew so much about Karana? After all, she died long before he was ever born. How could he have known her thoughts, or the events she experienced during her time alone on the island? Actually, he didn't. But like any good historical fiction writer, he did a lot of research and created events that could really have happened, and blended them into an actual setting with a real historical figure. Would you like to know which parts of the book are really true, and which parts are fiction? If your answer is yes, you're ready for our WebQuest!

The Task Welcome Detective, Mr. O'Dell, and Karana. Thank goodness you've arrived! There's an uproar going on over the notion that parts of Karana's story might not be true!
Detective, you will have the opportunity to interview both Mr. O'Dell and Karana. By comparing their answers, you should be able to determine which parts of the novel are fact and which parts are fiction. Mr. O'Dell and Karana, you will both need to discuss the story elements we've studied [Setting, characters, plot (problem), events, and conclusion] so you are familiar with areas that compare or contrast. All three of you will need to come to an understanding about the reasons an esteemed researcher like Mr. O'Dell might choose to mix a story with history! Be prepared to share your findings at a panel news conference. The world awaits!!

Resources Teacher Resources Student Resources

The Process The three members of your group will need to each assume a role for this project:
Award winning author Scott O'Dell
Karana of the Chumash
Detective I. M. Cool, Private Investigator
Your teacher will provide you with appropriate record sheets for your area of expertise. You will need to rehearse your presentation.

Evaluation You will be evaluated on your group contributions, and your own personal preparedness for the panel news conference. You might want to review the rubrics in advance.

Conclusion Hopefully you have come to appreciate the careful research and skilled writing that goes into a good piece of historical fiction. For other books like the Island of the Blue Dolphins that help you learn about the past while entertaining you, check out the Bibliographies link at this site.

Created for LIS647 University of Kentucky 09/26/00

Introduction	Historical fiction is part fact, part make-believe. While you were reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, did you wonder how the author, Scott O'Dell, knew so much about Karana? After all, she died long before he was ever born. How could he have known her thoughts, or the events she experienced during her time alone on the island? Actually, he didn't. But like any good historical fiction writer, he did a lot of research and created events that could really have happened, and blended them into an actual setting with a real historical figure. Would you like to know which parts of the book are really true, and which parts are fiction? If your answer is yes, you're ready for our WebQuest!
The Task	Welcome Detective, Mr. O'Dell, and Karana. Thank goodness you've arrived! There's an uproar going on over the notion that parts of Karana's story might not be true! Detective, you will have the opportunity to interview both Mr. O'Dell and Karana. By comparing their answers, you should be able to determine which parts of the novel are fact and which parts are fiction. Mr. O'Dell and Karana, you will both need to discuss the story elements we've studied [Setting, characters, plot (problem), events, and conclusion] so you are familiar with areas that compare or contrast. All three of you will need to come to an understanding about the reasons an esteemed researcher like Mr. O'Dell might choose to mix a story with history! Be prepared to share your findings at a panel news conference. The world awaits!!
Resources	Teacher Resources Student Resources
The Process	The three members of your group will need to each assume a role for this project: Award winning author Scott O'Dell Karana of the Chumash Detective I. M. Cool, Private Investigator Your teacher will provide you with appropriate record sheets for your area of expertise. You will need to rehearse your presentation.
Evaluation	You will be evaluated on your group contributions, and your own personal preparedness for the panel news conference. You might want to review the rubrics in advance.
Conclusion	Hopefully you have come to appreciate the careful research and skilled writing that goes into a good piece of historical fiction. For other books like the Island of the Blue Dolphins that help you learn about the past while entertaining you, check out the Bibliographies link at this site.