“Where the Red Fern Grows”
WebQuest
A WebQuest for 5th Grade Reading
Designed by Mrs. Pullum
Introduction
You are about to engage in a webquest on the novel Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. One week
will be given to complete this quest. A varied of activities have been designed to extend your reading
experience. There are several tasks to complete during this time, starting with research on the author’s life.
This quest will also include two travel brochures to the Ozark Mountains, one as it might have been during the
Great Depression Era and one in the present. Links have been provided that contain the appropriate
information. This will be an independent activity.
Tasks
1. Conduct research to complete an Inspiration file. This file will compare the author, Wilson Rawls to the
character, Billy Colman. After completing the Inspiration file, write a paragraph comparing the two in
narrative form.
2. This task will require that you complete two brochures. One brochure will focus on the Ozarks during
The Great Depression Era and the other will focus on the Ozarks in present day. The brochure should be
appealing and entice others to visit the area. Microsoft Publisher should be used to complete this task.
3. The last task will require that you write a five paragraph persuasive essay convincing your parents to
buy you a dog. The rough draft maybe handwritten however, the final draft will need to be typed.
The Process
Please find the guidelines for research below helpful in completing your WebQuest:




Follow ALL the directions reading them carefully.
Be sure to complete each task.
Explore all the links and resources provided.
Take notes during the research process. (Please get permission prior to printing materials from the
computer.)
 Use your time wisely.
Inspiration File
1. Compare Wilson Rawls to Billy Colman using Inspiration. It will be necessary to research the life of
Wilson Rawls in order to complete this task. As you are researching the author be sure to take clear notes
using a notebook or note cards. Use these notes to make a character web using Inspiration. Visit the
following sites to research Wilson Rawls:
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rawls.html
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/rawls.html
http://ifpl.org/rawls/bio.html
2. It will also be necessary to take some notes about Billy Colman as you are reading.
3. Using your notes and character web, write a paragraph comparing the two characters. This must be written
in narrative form. Remember to use as much descriptive language as possible and bring your readers into
your writing.
Travel Brochure
1. The Ozark Mountains are special! Being from the Ozarks, this story holds a special place in my heart and I
would like to share the wonderful things it has to offer with all of you. Your first step is to begin research
on the area. I have provided some resources in the classroom as well as, links to the following sites:
STOP! Be sure to take notes.
The Ozarks
http://camping.about.com/cs/destinations/a/lakeoftheozarks.htm
http://www.azaleafalls.com/hike/
http://www.ozarkmtns.com/index.asp
The Great Depression
http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_19268_20778-52530--,00.html
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/tkm/Internal%20links/Pricesthen%20and%20now/Prices.html
http://title3.sde.state.ok.us/history_and_culture/great_depression.htm
http://www.42explore2.com/depresn.htm
2. First create a brochure that will entice travelers to visit the scenic Ozarks in present day.
3. Second, create a brochure that would have enticed travelers to visit the Ozarks in the Great Depression.
4. Keep in mind as you are creating these brochures, modes of travel, all the costs involved in traveling
including food and lodging, etc.
5. Hardcopies of brochures should be printed only when they are complete. These will need to be turned in
the reading box upon completion. Remember to ask permission before printing.
Five Paragraph Persuasive Essay
1. Write a five paragraph persuasive essay convincing your parents to buy you a dog.
2. The links below will provide valuable information as you research to make your request as convincing as
possible.
http://www.thepetprofessor.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1972
http://www.puppyfind.com/?adv_id=11
http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm
3. Be sure to stick with the following format:
a. Introduction
b. 3 supporting paragraphs with vivid details
c. Conclusion
Evaluation
Inspiration Rubric
Brochure Rubric
Persuasive Essay Rubric
Conclusion
As you come to the conclusion of the story, Where the Red Fern Grows, and begin your new quest try putting
yourself in Billy Colman’s shoes. What must it be like to grow up during the Great Depression Era? How
would it feel to grow up in the Ozark Mountains? Why would owning a dog be beneficial during this time?
These are but a few of the questions you could ask yourself.
Credits and References
http://milforded.org/schools/westshore/mcerino/redfern.html
Last updated 03/27/2006