El Dia de los Muertos By: Elsa Coelho EDU-505 Spring 2008
Introduction What do you know about “El Día de los Muertos”? Whether you know a little, a lot, or nothing, by the end of this assignment you will have a good foundation about this tradition celebrated in Mexico.
Task In this Web Quest you will be learning about “El Día de los Muertos.” While doing your research on the questions that follow, keep the following information in mind: Why do you think El Dia de los Muertos is important to so many people? What attitude do Mexican people have towards death? Do you think you would like to participate in a celebration for El Dia de los Muertos? Why or why not?
Task Questions 1. Who was Jose Guadalupe Posada? What types of drawings did he do? Why did he draw the pictures he is famous for? 2. What is a calavera? Are calaveras presented in a serious way, or in a joking way? 3. What is typically included on an altar or 'Ofrenda' for the dead? What is the purpose of each object? 4. How long does the Day of the Dead last? What different events take place during that time? 5. What types of food are traditionally placed on the altar? 6. Did this celebration begin before or after the arrival of the Spanish in the new world? How did the Spanish feel about it? How did they try to change it? 7. What typically happens in graveyards during the celebration for Dia de los Muertos? 8. Describe the types of toys that are given to children around this time of year. Why do you think the children are given these types of toys to play with?
Task Questions Cont. 9.What is an Alfeñique? How are they decorated? 10.What differences are there between a Day of the Dead celebration in urban areas and one in rural areas? 11.In what area of the United States can you take classes to prepare traditional Day of the Dead candies? 12.What is papel picado? When is it traditionally used? 13.Who is la Catrina? 14.What is Cempazuchitl? Why is it used during this holiday? 15.What Spanish speaking country celebrates El Dia de los Muertos? Is this holiday celebrated in Europe? 16.What differences exist between Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos?
Process After reading through the assignment, you are to answer questions 1-16 using the resources that follow. After answering all the questions, you are to write an 80 word essay reflecting on the following questions. This essay must be done in Spanish. a) Why do you think El Dia de los Muertos is important to so many people? b) What attitude do Mexican people have towards death? c) Do you think you would like to participate in a celebration for El Dia de los Muertos? Why or why not? The entire assignment must be typed.
Resources ml
Evaluation A) Students will be given 4 points for each question answered correctly for a total of 64 points possible. B) The response to essential questions will be evaluated using a writing rubric for a total of 36 points.
Conclusion For extra credit, reflect on your experience while working on this project. me a response to the following questions: What do you think worked well and what could be improved? Would you like to do more projects like this one? Why or why not?