House Design WebQuest

Introduction

Picture this: you and a team of learners are presented with the task of describing an elephant. But instead of looking to an encyclopedia or a zoo exhibit, you are each blindfolded and guided to a real elephant. Each of you touches a different part of the animal: one, the soft and delicate tip of the elephant's trunk; another, the hard tusk of ivory; and a third, the wrinkled hide around the elephant's belly.

Based upon what each of you learned, one thinks an elephant is smooth and soft, another would say an elephant is smooth and hard, while the last would conclude that elephants are rough and soft. What's the truth? When we study complex topics, we are often like the elephant examiners: there's usually a lot more to a topic that we don't learn about after only a quick exploration.

This is particularly true when we use the Internet for our research because many people post their personal opinions or only know a sliver of the whole story. In the following WebQuest, you will use the power of teamwork and the abundant resources on the Internet to learn all about House Design. Each person on your team will learn one piece of the puzzle and then you will come together to get a better understanding of the topic.

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about House Design. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the vocabulary used might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Join a chat conference with the members of your group.
1. Analyze and discuss all the houses selected by each member in the previous task (Webquest House Plans 1). Have your compositions at hand to discuss the characteristics of the house described in the compositions (posted to Moodle).
2. Select a house and decide what kind of people would be the most appropriate to live in the house and why. Take notes.
3. Decide where you would locate that house. Describe the context.
4. Distribute the four roles among the members of the group.
5. Get ready to start your search.

Sweet's Catalogues - Product marketplace.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software (NotePad for example).

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

Groups of experts at:

windows and dooors / roof and energy / siding and flooring / plumbing and kitchen

Windows and doors experts

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Windows and doors experts:

1. What style of doors and windows seem the most convenient for the house? Why?

2. What material would you select for windows and doors? Why?

Note: Remeber to consider the following aspects:
-its style
-its location
-the dwellers
-the climate
-security issues

3.What other aspects should be considered when selecting windows and doors for a house?

Andersen Windows-Doors - All kinds of windows and doors. Images with names, descriptions and prices.

Pella Doors and Windows - 'Whether it's a new home construction, remodeling or window/door replacement project, Pella has a variety of solutions for residential builders, contractors and architects' - Contains a glossary of terms and a 'learn the basics' section.

Hurd Windows and Doors - Description of products, images, selection of materials.

Weathershield Windowsite - 'As you explore our web site, you’ll learn about custom colors, interior wood selections, different exterior claddings, glazing choices, grille options, sizes, shapes and nearly limitless combinations that are yours to command. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, there is valuable information here that will help you make choices for your home.' Windows and doors.

Peachtree Doors and Windows - 'We're dedicated to building products around the way people live. High performance. Low maintenance. Easy to use.'

Roofing and energy experts

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Roofing and energy experts:

1. What kind of roof would you use for this house. Why?

2. What kind of insulation system would seem the most appropriate? Why?

Note: Remeber to consider the following aspects:
-its style
-its location
-the dwellers
-the climate
-security issues

3.What other aspects should be considered when selecting roofs and energy efficiency systems for a house?

Owens-Corning insulation options - Insulation systems.

Lennox furnace options - 'Looking for a furnace or air conditioner? There are several important things to consider, like temperature control and energy efficiency'.

Certainteed insulation options - 'A leading manufacturer of fiber glass insulation, produces insulation products with all the thermal, acoustical and energy-saving features you need'.

Certainteed shingles - 'CertainTeed is a leading U.S. manufacturer of low slope and steep slope roofing products for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential roofing and waterproofing applications.'

Owens-Corning shingles - 'Find the Owens Corning’s roofing products that work specifically for your home'

GAF shingles - 'Everything you need to select and specify the right roofing system for your project!' - Installation videos.

Siding and floor experts

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Siding and floor experts:

1. What kind of floor would you select for this house? Why?

2. What kind of siding would you like to use in this house? Why?

Note: Remeber to consider the following aspects:
-its style
-its location
-the dwellers
-the climate
-security issues

3.What other aspects should be considered when selecting siding and flooring for a house?

Mannington floor covering products - 'For over 85 years, flooring has been our only business No one knows more about making floors that will perform beautifully in your home or office'

Armstrong floor covering products - 'Fresh thoughts, resources, and information on floors, ceilings, ceramics, and cabinets for your home'

Pergo - 'Pergo makes floor shopping easy. Discover the latest in flooring design for your home. Use interactive planning tools like the eShowroom. 'Try-on' flooring in real room settings. Picture it. Plan it. Make it happen!'

Owens-Corning siding products - Learn about siding. Choose your siding. Buy and install siding.

Midland Brick products - 'Create your look from hundreds of ours'

Handson Brick North America - 'Go beneath the surface of our product. From the manufacturing process to the benefits of brick– you’re about to learn what makes Hanson Brick the best choice for exterior cladding'

Plumbing and kitchen experts

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Plumbing and kitchen experts:

1. What kind of kitchen would be the most convenient for this house? Why?

2. What kind of bathroom would you select? Why?

Note: Remeber to consider the following aspects:
-its style
-its location
-the dwellers
-the climate

3.What other aspects should be considered when selecting the kitchen and bathroom equipment for a house?

Merrillat kitchens - Everything about kitchens

American Woodmark cabinets - 'Here you can learn the process of creating a kitchen, and begin to become familiar with the many beautiful cabinet styles we offer'

Plain & Simple Kitchens - 8 kitchen styles.

Kohler Plumbing options - 'Create. Inspire. Design. Exploring your bathroom in a three-dimensional environment and creating a virtual bathroom from your own floor plan just became even easier. With new enhancements to the Virtual Bath Planner it is easier than ever to create imaginative, unforgettable spaces'

Moen Plumbing options - 'Moen Incorporated is one of the world's largest manufacturers of plumbing products. In fact, Moen® is the #1 brand of faucet in North America. In addition to faucets, Moen is also a major supplier of kitchen sinks and bath accessories.' Design your own bathroom.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different part of House Design. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should prepare a presentation for the class showing the results of the project. You can create a photostory where you narrate and show visuals of your work (ask your teaacher for help with the use of the PhotoStory application)

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles, I am sure. To reflect on the whole process:

1. complete the group work evaluation available on the course Web page, or in Moodle, and

2. write a reflective comment on your blog about the group work process and the content of the task (what you learned, liked or dislike of the task)

3. go the Glossary in Moodle and write at least 5 words that you have learned during these project.

Your Contact is: English for Architecture and Urban Planning

Conclusion

So is an elephant smooth, rough, soft, or hard? Well, when you're blindfolded and only *looking* at one part, it's easy to come up with an answer that may not be completely right. It's the same for understanding a topic as broad or complex as House Design: when you only know part of the picture, you only know part of the picture. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of House Design could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.

Content by Dafne Gonzalez, dyg_usb@yahoo.com
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/webhousededa.html
Last revised Thu Apr 21 23:36:33 US/Pacific 2005