1. Homelessness in America Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page A WebQuest to accompany Can’t Get There From Here by Todd Strasser By Debby Merino

2. Introduction Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page Todd Strasser’sCan’t Get There From Here tells the stories of several homeless teens living in NYC. Teenage children comprise a large, and often voiceless population among the homeless in America. Completing this WebQuest will open your eyes to a very serious problem, and hopefully inspire you to try to help.

3. Task Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page You will be assigned a group and a city to research. You will find statistics about homelessness in your assigned city, and respond to worksheet questions. Finally, you will use what you’ve learned to create a Public Service Announcement to help raise awareness.

4. Process (Page 1) • Introduction • Task • Process • Page 1 • Page 2 • Page 3 • Resources • Rubrics • Conclusion • Teacher’s Page • You have your group. You’ve been assigned a city. • Now what? • Click on the corresponding link on the “Resources” page • Gather information about the homeless problem in that city • Respond to the following questions: • What is the homeless population in your city? • What percentage of that population is male? Female? Under 18 years old? • Were there any statistics available for drug use of the homeless population? • How has that number changed in the last ten years? • What community and social organizations are in place to help the homeless population? • How do you think the problem in this city might be improved? • Use the information to create a PSA for your city. What’s a PSA?

5. Process (Page 2) • What is a PSA? • A PSA is a Public Service Announcement. It is an advertisement intended to let people know more about a problem in the community, and to try to help. • Click below to view some examples of PSA’s, both video and print. • Sample #1 • Sample #2 • Create a PSA • Your group will create a PSA – either video or print. Each member in your groups will take on one of the following jobs: • Writer: write the script/copy • Director/Photographer: direct and film • Actor/Model: Perform or pose • Prop/Stage design: Organize and gather props • PSA Requirements • Videos must be 30-45 seconds • Print ads must be photographed • All ads must two relevant incorporate statistics from research • All ads must have a memorable and persuasive slogan • Introduction • Task • Process • Page 1 • Page 2 • Page 3 • Resources • Rubrics • Conclusion • Teacher’s Page

6. Process (Page 3) • Introduction • Task • Process • Page 1 • Page 2 • Page 3 • Resources • Rubrics • Conclusion • Teacher’s Page • How did I do? • Print, complete, and submit a copy of the self-evaluation sheet. This must be submitted when you present your project/PSA. • This self-assessment will help me grade you, and also help me grade your peers. Be fair and honest. Name: _____________________________________________ Group Members: ___________________________________________________________________ Researched City: ______________________________________________________ My role in group work: ________________________________________________________________________________ I contributed _______________________________________________ to my group’s project. I worked well with my group. Yes No I gave my best effort. Yes No If I was to grade my performance on this assignment, I would give myself a(n)_______________

7. Resources • The following sites are national sites for homelessness. They include national statistics and resources for help. They also have links to local agencies. • National Alliance to End Homelessness • National Coalition for the Homeless • The following list includes homeless sites for specific cities. They include health agencies, shelter information, and homeless statistics. Click on the city your group is researching. • New York • Chicago • Los Angeles • Houston • Miami • Seattle • Philadelphia • Phoenix Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page

8. Assessment Group Work Rubric Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page Individual Rubric

9. Assessment Individual Work Rubric Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page

10. Conclusion Introduction Task Process Resources Rubrics Conclusion Teacher’s Page Homelessness really is a larger problem than most of us realize. If you would like to find out more about homeless issues in your area, and perhaps find ways to help, click on the links below. Homeless Prevention in Monroe County, PA PA Homeless Children Initiative US Dept. of Housing & Public Development

11. Teacher’s Page Introduction Introduction Learners Standards Procedures Resources Students’ Page This WebQuest was created to accompany the young adult novel Can’t Get There From Here by Todd Strasser. This WebQuest is a group assignment and would work well with all levels of learners.

12. Teacher’s Page Learners Introduction Learners Standards Procedures Resources Students’ Page • This WebQuest is intended for 10th grade students. • Objectives: • Students will be able to: • Organize and summarize research • Respond to worksheet questions • Create slogan for ad campaign • Participate in creation of group project • Evaluate their performance

13. Teacher’s Page Standards Introduction Learners Standards Procedures Resources Students’ Page • Pennsylvania State Standards for • Reading & Writing • 1.1 Learning to Read Independently • Apply Comprehension & Interpretation Skills • 1.2 Reading Critically in All Content Areas • Differentiate Detail • Examine Analysis & Evaluation • 1.4 Types of Writing • Analyze & Create Persuasive • 1.5 Quality of Writing • Write w/ Sharp Distinct Focus • Write Using Well-developed content • 1.6 Speaking & Listening • Listen to Others • Participate in Group Presentations • 1.8 Research • Locate Information • Organize Main Ideas • Summarize Main Ideas • Present Main Ideas

14. Teacher’s Page Procedures Introduction Learners Standards Procedures Resources Students’ Page • Procedures: • Students are divided into groups • Anticipatory set: discuss homelessness, KWL chart on homelessness • Students complete WebQuest • Students present completed PSA’s • Closure: Discussion – Is there a homeless problem in your community? What can you do to help? • Assessment: • Students will be graded as per WebQuest rubrics • Students will earn two grades • Individual work • Group work

15. Teacher’s Page Resources Introduction Learners Standards Procedures Resources Students’ Page • Materials: • Computer lab with Internet access • Sources: • Rubric was created using Rubistar: • http://rubistar.4teachers.org • WebQuest references : • http://webquest.org/search/ Credits: This course was created with the help and guidance of George Smith, Professor-Fresno Pacific University. It was inspired by my students who always want to learn as long as it’s fun.