El Día de los Muertos: A WebQuest

Introduction Many people consider El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) to be the Mexican version of Halloween. Is it? Or is this a misconception? Through this WebQuest, you will come up with an answer to this question and learn what the Day of the Dead is and how it is celebrated.

Task 1 First, you will discover what the Day of the Dead is and how it is celebrated. Please answer these seven questions in a complete sentence. What is the Day of the Dead and where is it celebrated? When is the Day of the Dead celebrated? What is the history behind the Day of the Dead? What is its origin? What are some of the traditions associated with the holiday? What is an “ofrenda” and what is its significance? What are some of the foods associated with the holiday? What is the Mexican view of death?

Task 2 Next, you will compare the Day of the Dead and Halloween. How are they similar? How are they different? Please complete a Venn Diagram that compares and contrasts these two holidays.

Task 3 Finally, you will arrive at a conclusion: Is the Day of the Dead the Mexican version of Halloween or do you think that this is a misconception? Are there more similarities than differences between the holidays or vice versa? Please write a three-paragraph paper.

Resources http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/ This is a great website!! Día de los Muertos Be sure to check out the various links on this website and watch the video clips in the Video section. You will learn a great deal of information here. La Ofrenda Click here to find out what an “ofrenda” is, what it is for, and what it includes. Day of the Dead This link will bring you to Fact Monster and gives a great overview of the holiday. Pay special attention to the last section called “Tone of the Holiday.” This is where you where you will find out how the holiday compares to Halloween. Day of the Dead Honors the Deceased Click here to discover some of the differences between the Day of the Dead and Halloween.

Evaluation Your worksheet, Venn Diagram, and paragraph will be graded using the following rubric: 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point Worksheet Worksheet is complete and contains accurate, detailed answers. Worksheet is complete and contains accurate answers. Worksheet is somewhat incomplete and/or contains inaccurate information. Worksheet is mostly incomplete and contains mostly inaccurate answers. Venn Diagram Venn Diagram is complete, accurate, and detailed. Venn Diagram is complete and accurate. Venn Diagram is somewhat incomplete and/or inaccurate. Venn Diagram is mostly incomplete and inaccurate. Paragraph Paragraph is well-developed and appropriately detailed. Paragraph is developed and contains some supporting details. Paragraph is underdeveloped and lacks appropriate details. Paragraph does not satisfy task and/or is highly underdeveloped.

Conclusion ¡Felicitaciones! Congratulations! You have completed your exploration of the Day of the Dead! You can now consider yourself an expert on this Mexican cultural tradition. You should have the following things ready to turn in: A completed Día de los Muertos Worksheet A Venn Diagram comparing Halloween and the Day of the Dead A paragraph stating your view on whether the Day of the Dead is the Mexican version of Halloween or whether this is a misconception