Instead of writing a report I often require my older students instead be build a website that teaches others about their topics. This assignment is meant to help them practice their research and expository writing skills, learn and develop new computer skills, and learn to work effectively with a classmate or small group to complete a large project.
I typically give my class two weeks of class time (about 12 classroom hours) to complete this assignment. In that time they will need to research their topics, write a report and other content, and build a website using Google Sites. These websites are later shared with the whole school and parents. The authentic audience helps motivate students to do a good job.
Students will, after conducting research on a topic, organize it into at least four sub-topics which are presented on separate Web pages.
Students will create at least six well-designed Web pages with accurate, properly formatted information related to the topic of the Web site.
Students will demonstrate good Internet search techniques as taught by the instructor.
Students will utilize web-based web design software to create a web site that meets an average "proficient" rating on the assessment rubric.
The following are my basic requirements for the finished websites:
A home page that introduces the topic.
Clear and easy-to-use navigation so users can get to all of the pages.
A separate page for each sub-topic you are writing about. This is similar to paragraphs in a written report. For example, if the topic is the Vikings, students can have one page that tells us about the Vikings recreational activities and another page that tells about how and why the Vikings raided.
Pages should include images that help bring extra meaning to the text. Warning: Students should be instructed to avoid using copyrighted material on their websites. Screen your Google searches and use copyright-free images in your work.
Include different kinds of media. Websites must have visuals to be interesting. Google Sites allows students to easily embed images, YouTube videos, and more.
A "links" page that gives us links to the websites you used for research, other helpful websites that teach us about your topic, and any other resources you think will be helpful.
Students often need the following reminders when undertaking this assignment:
Remember to spell-check and grammar-check the text.
A simple, but attractive design. Let Google Sites help you by choosing a nice Theme.
This is an educational website, not a personal one. NO USELESS IMAGES AND DECORATIONS ARE NECESSARY. Include only things that will teach about the topic.
Think about the user. Ask, "If someone new comes to this site, will they be able to easily find their way around the content?"
Have a clear and easy-to-use system of navigation.
Content is the most important. Spend most of lass time on your information, not finding images.
Work together. Students can't finish this project on their own. They must collaborate and divide tasks within their groups.
All websites should be checked for the inclusion of all the requirements above and graded using this rubric.
To complete this assignment I give students the following resources to help them. Making these available helps students working off-campus, especially:
Student-made example websites to help you plan your own website.
Google Sites how-to videos (in case you forget how to do something)