This webquest was prepared by Glenn Boardman.
This webquest was prepared by Glenn Boardman.
At last! Love has finally happened to you! The one you've always dreamed about has come into your life...and just like you've always imagined...fun personality, loads of money, no acne. Life is good!
There's only one problem...your dream lover has just contracted...
Of all the rotton luck! Now you have to go back to being a nerdy wall-flower. Darn! Life sucks! You're happiness is as doomed as doomed can be...
Maybe there's still a chance! The doctors may have given up, but not you! You're different! You are not going to be defeated that easily. Why? Because your special! (...and you have an assignment to complete.)
Two: You can take the bull by the horns, and save your lover by yourself! To do that, you're going to have to get knowledge. Data. Information. There is no doubt the plague is a killer...if it has enough time. Unfortunately for you, time is something that's running out. There's no time to go to the hospital or library. Nope, you've got to handle this by using the computer and internet, and you've got to handle it right now.
Here is your task:
You must......1. Discover where the plague originated. 2. Find out how deadly it is. 3. Learn cures that were tried before. And 4. Research the most modern treatments. With this information, you will coach the medical "professionals" to do the job that they're already being overpaid to do.
O.K. But once you've done this, do you just keep this info in your head? (You wish!) No, you will keep a brief log of the data you uncover, and the questions you have answered. You will then compile these notes into a simple, one-page summary of the Black Plague. By doing this, you will:
If you find the information you need within 30 minutes, you can win this race. Your life will be bliss, your prayers will be answered, and you won't become a lonely, broken shell of a human being. O.K., look at the clock and note the starting time. Your lover is starting to experience the first symptoms...high fever. Better get moving!
At the following information sites you will uncover information that will enable you to inform the doctors and save the day. (HINT: jot down the question to be answered, before you visit the site.) When you have finished visiting a site, click on the "back" button to return to this page for the next segment.
Part 1. In your search for a cure, you must know the history of your opponent. Go to the "Origin" site and be prepared to answer these questions: In what part of the world did the plague originate? Approximate date?
Area and speed of transmission are important facts. Click on "Map" and examine the ancient drawing. Why did the plague spread so quickly and easily?
Part 2. Oh, oh. Your sugar is getting the chills. You must determine what caused the infection. Visit these two sites to determine the "vectors" (or transmitters) of the disease
Part 3. Now your sweetcakes is testing your patience by complaining of severe headache, and intolerance to light. Maybe your love can survive this. Click on "Death in Europe" and determine 1. How deadly was the disease in Europe? and 2. Why was it called the black death? (Brace yourself for the disgusting answer.)
Part 4. It's grossing you out! Now sweetcake's tongue is coated in white. Yuk! But why are the doctors positive your honey-bunch has the plague? See if the symptoms match those common to the plague by clicking on "Symptoms and Liquid Gold." While you are visiting this page, examine some of the ancient cures that were tried. After all, you have to know what doesn't work. Write down two of the primitive cures that are listed. (If you have a weak stomach, get a friend to read these for you.)
Part 5. Now you have noticed swelling and darkening of lymph nodes (arm-pit area.) Your darling must have contracted the plague while travelling. At the site labeled "World Wide Killer," determine the recent outbreaks, and write down the dates and locations.
Now, find out how many residents of India were killed by plague between 1898 and 1918? Check "Dropping Like Flies," and record how many people were killed world-wide? Areas hardest hit?
Part 6. Is your love strong enough to withstand this test? Vomiting of blood makes you start to doubt your choice for a life-mate because this will certainly ruin any parties you're invited to. But at last, you are ready to administer a healing treatment, which this site promises. What is the name of this treatment? What is the bad news concerning the young boy?
Now, quick! Look at the time! Has the 30 minute deadline passed, (along with your only chance for a happy life?) Or, have you just saved a member of a wealthy, generous, and grateful family?
Whatever the outcome, I am proud of you for pursuing your quest quietly and quickly. Your efforts at saving another human being, are noble...and worthy of recognition. You have proven that the world is a better place with you here. All that's left now is to complete your analysis, and write up.
The write up: You could just list the facts, but that would be boring, yes? So, while writing the facts, try to also address the following issues: