A SINGLE SHARD
A WebQuest for Language Arts
Block Junior High School
Designed by
Mrs. Alexis Walker
Introduction
Welcome to twelfth-century Korea! As you read A Single Shard, you will meet Tree-ear, an orphan named for a mushroom that grows "without benefit of parent seed." You will also meet other characters such as Crane-man—an elderly man who is raising Tree-ear—and Min, a master potter for whom Tree-ear works.
For your WebQuest activity, you will explore topics that will be covered in class and in your reading and you will learn about Korea, past and present. Enjoy your journey!
Task
You will use the Internet to find the answers to questions about the Newbery Award, names, celadon pottery, Korean history, and Korean food.
Process
Choose one partner, or if you wish, you may work alone.
Click on the links provided below the question to find the answers.
Record your answers on the sheet of paper provided for you.
WebQuest Questions
The Newbery Medal—Linda Sue Park won a Newbery Medal in 2002 for A Single Shard. The Newbery Medal was designed in 1921. It is an award that is given every year for the most distinguished American Children's book published the year before. The Newbery Award became the first children's book award in the world.
Who is the Newbery Medal named for?
What book and author won the Newbery Medal for 2006?
Give three things (criteria) that committee members need to consider when identifying a book for a Newbery Medal. (Click on the link that says "Newbery Terms and Criteria" to answer this question.)
Link:
Celadon Pottery
What makes celadon pottery unique?
How many times does celadon pottery have to bake in order to bring out its unique color?
What is saggam? Give examples of a type of saggam one could use in pottery.
Link:
www.wisegeek.com/what-is-celadon.htm
When was the Choson Dynasty? Is that the period of time in which Tree-ear lived?
Who influenced Korean potters?
Why did potters put images on their work?
What is the purpose of using the inlay technique on pottery?
(In order to answer questions 4-7, you must click the link below and answer the questions on the website correctly.)
Link:
www.metmuseum.org/explore/celadon/html/startpage.htm
First and Last Names
Look at page 7 in your copy of A Single Shard. Describe how Tree-ear got his name.
Based on your physical characteristics or personality traits, what do you think would be a good name for you?
Try to find your first name on the Internet. What is the etymology, the history, of your name? (You may have to ask your mom to tell you the story behind your name.)
Look up your last name. What does it mean?
Links:
www. surnames.behindthename.com
www.genealogy.about.com/libra ry/surnames/bl_meaning.htm
Korean History
Where did the ancestors of modern Korea come from?
What foods did Korea borrow from China?
What did Koreans first invent in the twelfth century?
What form of art did Korea pass on to Japan?
When was Korea divided into North Korea and South Korea?
Link:
www.pbs.org/hiddenkorea/history.htm
Korean Food
What is Korea’s staple dish?
List 3 table manners that are appropriate when dining in Korea.
What kind of tea do Koreans typically drink with their meals?
What are the Korean names of street vendors and small restaurants?
Links:
www.lifeinkorea.com/food/index.cfm
http://english.tour2korea.com/05food/main.asp?kosm=m5_1
Conclusion
By now you know a little bit more about Korean culture, especially pottery, which is a dominant theme in A Single Shard. You’ve even learned something about yourself!
List 3 things you learned that you found the most interesting in your research.
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