Paul Revere: American Hero or Average Joe?


We have read differing accounts of Paul Revere's midnight ride through Boston and the surrounding areas in language arts and social studies, so what can you believe? We have read "historical accounts" as well as poems that share some of the same details, but differ greatly on others. What can you believe? In order to find out the truth, we will go straight into the Internet, where all of the answers to ANYTHING can ALWAYS be found, right next to Myspace and Instant Messenger!

Just as Paul Revere's task was not an easy one, yours will will not be either. While you search to discover the truth of Paul Revere's ride, you must also discover whether or not the resources on the Internet you are using are acceptable to use.

Objectives

  1. Students will develop a further understanding of Paul Revere's ride and the circumstances surrounding it.
  2. Students will critically evaluate websites for their usefulness and reliability.
  3. Students will work together towards a common goal, sharing both rights and responsibilities.
  4. Students will understand the importance of both print and web-based resources when completing research.

Directions

  1. With a partner, you will choose 1 website from each of the 3 groups listed on this page to find information about Paul Revere, and evaluate critically as a web resource.
  2. Using this worksheet you will find information related to Paul Revere's ride that you previously did not know. Work your hardest to answer all of the questions asked if possible.
  3. Together, using at least two different evaluation rubrics from this page, evaluate the 3 websites you have chosen to use. Remember, you are not simply evaluating them on whether you were able to get information form them, but their reliability, and whether or not the site can be trusted. Think about who the author of the site is, and why they may have written it.
    Considering all of these things and more will give you a better understanding of the websites usefulness. If you cannot answer one of the questions on the rubric, skip it, but remember to try your hardest to do so.
  4. Each group will create a report about what new knowledge they have of Paul Revere's ride, as well as the reliability of their websites. The report must show your understanding of how your new/different knowledge fits into what we have learned in class with regards to Paul Revere's ride.
    In your report, analyze which website was most useful, as well as which site was least useful. You must thoroughly explain your critiques of the websites you used, not simply summarizing what the rubric said. When creating your report, remember that each site is a piece of the puzzle, not the entire picture. Just because a website may not be perfect, doesn't mean it cannot be useful in research.
  5. Be as creative as you would like in your approach to showing this. You may wish to write a poem simple poem, create a PowerPoint presentation, or simply a short paper. If you would like to attempt building a simple website to publish your findings, you can even do that with from the teacher, your possibilities are endless!
  6. Each group will turn in their notesheets, website evaluation rubrics, and their reports by Friday of this week.