Dia de los Muertos!

Developed by Jean Napier-Faeih

and Maria Collins

 

Overview | Introduction |Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Overview

 
 

The purpose of this webquest is to teach students about Dia de los Muertos.  Students will learn about the activities, history, and culture behind this celebration.  It was written for grade levels 6 to 8th. 

 

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

 Introduction

We live in an ever changing world and come into contact with people from different cultures who have a different way of life from us.  It is imperative for mankind to know one another if we want to live in peace and harmony. In this activity you will be exploring the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. 

 

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Task

American is knows as a melting pot of cultures.  It is crucial that all Americans get along and live in harmony.  In an effort to promote peace and multicultural understanding the government has asked you to create a brochure to educate people about the holiday “Dia de los Muertos.”

You have been advised that people are less afraid and suspicious when they are familiar with things.  You have been asked to examine the possibility of comparing or contrasting Dia de los Muertos to an American holiday.

 

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Process and Resources

To give you the background information needed to write your article you will be viewing two video clips and visiting several websites.  Begin by printing out your fact gathering sheet.

  1. Read through this sheet before beginning the Quest.  You must familiarize yourself with these questions before continuing.
  1. Go to http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/video.  Locate the subheading “Traditions”.  Click on “Artist Teresa Villegas Explains Dia de los Muertos Traditions”.  Pay close attention to what she says.  If you read your fact sheet you know you will have a question or two to answer!

Next, click on “Artist Ruben Maqueda Explains Dia de los Muertos Traditions”.  This is just below the last video you clicked on.  Listen closely to what he has to say.

  1. Visit http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/history/ and read the article, “Indigenous People Wouldn’t let Day of the Dead Die.”  What do you think about this?
  1. At http://www.holidays.net/halloween/muertos.htm read the article.  Once again, I caution you to pay close attention to what you read!  Look at your fact sheet!
  1. Http://mexweb.com/noche.htm has a photo of a family altar.  You need to study the photo.  Notice what items were used. 
  1. You have learned that altars are a big part of this event.  Go to http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/altar and examine the photo of a contemporary altar.  Click on the numbers to view the items, or get a description. Sometimes their links do not work very well do don't be discouraged if it doesn't show much.  You can still see what is in the photo.

Click on http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/altar/tradaltar.html to see a traditional altar”.  Examine the photo and click on the numbers to view the items used for this altar.  Sometimes their links do not work very well do don't be discouraged if it doesn't show much.  You can still see what is in the photo. Are they different?

  1. Read “Common Misconceptions about the Day of the Dead Celebrations” at http://www.inside-mexico.com/noes.htm.
  1. Visit http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/photos/.  Look at 5 or more photos.  Think about what is happening in the pictures.
  1. Create an outline and make your brochure. BE SURE YOU HAVE A COPY OF THE RUBRIC TO BE SURE YOU INCLUDE EVERYTHING. Your brochure must have the following elements:
  • The name of the holiday and what it is about. You can have a title and an explanation.
  • When is it celebrated?
  • How is it celebrated?
  • What is on an altar?
  • What happens at the graveyard?
  • What is a contemporary altar?
  • What is the difference between a contemporary and traditional altar?
  • What other cultures influenced this holiday?
  • Give examples of some foods
  • Use Spanish vocabulary - SEE YOUR RUBRIC FOR HOW MANY WORDS!
  • Compare and Contrast this holiday to an American Holiday.
  • Make sure to put your name on it!
  • You will need to have some pictures in your brochure as well. See the rubric for how many!

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Evaluation

The “Fact Gathering Sheet” is worth a total of 50 points.  Question 15 is worth ten points out of the total and the Venn Diagram will be worth 8 of the total.  The brochure is worth 50 points.  Please click here to see the rubric.  The project is worth a total of 100 points.

 

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process&Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Conclusion

In learning about the Day of the Dead, did you come up with any new questions you would like to learn about?  If so, what are they?  Do you think it is important to learn about other cultures?  Why is it beneficial?

 

Teacher notes | Sources | Home Fun!

 

 

 

Created October 2003

Last updated October, 2004