EXPLORING CALIFORNIA
A WEBQUEST FOR ESL STUDENTS
Designed by MARÍA ÁNGELES CRUZ CÁMARA


Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction

Come to sunny California! Whether you are the outdoor type, the theme park lover or the shopaholic, you'll find more than enough to keep you entertained. Choose from world-famous national parks, colossal roller coasters, culturally significant landmarks, or wonderful beaches. You won't be disappointed!

Task

Your aim is to organise a 10-day trip to California that includes activities for 5 different types of people: the ride lover, the fashion lover, the nature lover, the water sports lover and the sightseeing lover. Your quest should include information about the following:

1. THEME/AMUSEMENT PARKS
2. SIGHTSEEING/TOURING
3. NATIONAL/STATE PARKS
4. OUTDOOR RECREATION (HIKING, BIKING, SURFING, BOATING)
5. SHOPPING

You are going to come up with a tour for this very mixed group that has the following conditions:
- They want to do at least one of the activities mentioned above each day.
- They have only 10 days to spend.
- They would like to see as much as possible of both Northern and Southern California.
- They all like to dine out and would like to treat themselves to a variety of foods:Mexican, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese …
- No budget restrictions!!

Process

Links
http://www.ca.gov/
http://wikitravel.org/en/California
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/state/tourism/tour_homepage.jsp
http://www.shopcalifornia.org/shopcalifornia/
http://www.dollar.com/
http://www.expedia.com
http://www.americanairlines.es/
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.timeout.com/travel/

Individual work

Each one of you is responsible for finding different activities for each personality type along different regions and cities, as well as a variety of restaurants.
Group work

Put your work together and make a feasible planning for the 10-day trip. You should also include information about flights, how you’re going to move around, accommodation and food.
You should come up with an oral presentation of a day-by-day detailed trip and show maps and photos of places chosen.

Evaluation

Creativity of the trip: 5
Extent to which all traveller’s needs are met: 5
Quality of trip description: 5
Feasibility of activities proposed: 5
Individual work: 5
Group participation: 5
Range of vocabulary and structures used: 5
Fluency: 5
TOTAL: 40 POINTS

Conclusion

By completing this activity you will have learned about California, its geography and places of interest. You’ll also have learned to plan a varied trip and choose a route.