Gold

A WebQuest on the Klondike Gold Rush

Designed by Brendan Kelly
Kell6091@pacificu.edu

 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction

The Klondike Gold rush of 1897 changed the lives of many people living in the pacific northwest.  Looking back at western expansion and the reasons for moving out west few people realize the effect of settlement and profit brought by this gold rush.  In this WebQuest you will have the chance to explore what life was like for these gold seeking entrepreneurs and follow the path they took to get to the Klondike gold fields.

 


The Task

Your task is to explore the reasons behind the gold rush of 1897 and the paths taken by the prospectors.  While exploring keep in mind these key questions:

    1) What were the reasons people flocked to the Klondike area and why?

    2) What kinds of materials were needed to make the trek to the Klondike area?  Were any required?

    3) What paths were available to the "stampeders" and what were the factors that made them choose their path?

    4) What sort of environmental factors did the "stampeders" have to face during
        their trek?

    4) Who was profiting the most from the Klondike gold rush?

    5) What was the outcome of the prospectors?


After completing the WebQuest you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of the Klondike Gold Rush by creating, with a partner, an artistic depiction of the voyage of your Klondike prospector. Starting from out current city and then your final destination at Dawson City.  This artistic depiction can be in the form of a journal with images and words describing your voyage, a picture book, a poster, or any other form that can be approved by the teacher.  Once completed groups will present their project to the class.



The Process



You are now all prospectors in the year 1987.

1) Pick a partner to aid in your travel to the Klondike.

2) In a notebook take notes of information you gather while doing research for your voyage.

3) Begin looking over the sites that are linked below.

As you continue to research keep in mind how you would have traveled and what kinds of resources you would need to make your journey.  Keep notes on possible routes of travel and gear needed to make the trip to the Klondike Gold Rush area.


Once completed with the WebQuest artistic depiction you will be presenting your journey to the rest of the class.

Background Information on the Klondike:

http://www.questconnect.org/ak_klondike.htm

http://www.historynet.com/klondike-gold-rush.htm

http://www.nps.gov/klgo/historyculture/index.htm

http://content.lib.washington.edu/extras/goldrush.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/gold/about.html

Key Cities:

Dawson City

Skagway

Dyea

Seattle

St. Michael

Trails & Traveling:

Chilkoot Trail

White Pass Trail

Trails Overview

Supplies:

http://www.questconnect.org/ak_chilkoot_supplies.htm

http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/exhibits/klondike/case4ex2.html

http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/exhibits/klondike/case4.html

http://www.arcticwebsite.com/goldrushsupplies1898.html

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/55klondike/55klondike.htm

Maps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klondike_Routes_Map.png

http://www.questconnect.org/ak_klondike_map.htm

http://www.nps.gov/klgo/forkids/images/gold_field_maps.jpg

Pictures:

http://www.arcticwebsite.com/Yukonimages1898.html

http://www.library.state.ak.us/hist/goldrush/mining.html

http://www.library.state.ak.us/hist/goldrush/trail.html

http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Goldrushphoto/02english/02intro.html

Key Figures:

Alexander "Big Alex" McDonald:

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9A0CEED7103CE433A25754C1A9669D94699ED7CF

http://www.yukonalaska.com/klondike/byprovince.html - Under Nova Scotia

Belinda Mulroney:

http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/carcross/klondike_women_pages/belinda_mulroney.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/11313/Gold_Rush/belinda.html

Kathleen "Klondike Kate" Rockwell:

http://library.thinkquest.org/11313/Gold_Rush/kate.html

http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/carcross/klondike_women_pages/klondike_kate.htm

John W. Nordstrom:

http://www.nps.gov/archive/klse/hrs/hrs3a.htm

http://about.nordstrom.com/aboutus/companyhist/companyhist.asp

Video's:

Off to the Klondike! The Search for Gold

Rocking Gold in the Klondike (1901)

Klondike Gold Rush Picture Video

Klondike Gold Rush Images/Video

Gold Rocker Box







Evaluation

The WebQuest is finished and now it is time to demonstrate your knowledge of the Klondike Gold Rush.  Next you will share your projects with the rest of the class.  In this portion you will describe your journey and why you chose the route you did.  Share what you expect to encounter on your journey and also what you think is waiting for you in the Klondike area.

It is important to keep in mind the questions asked in the Task section when describing your travels.  I am looking forward to hearing of your travels prospectors!

Refer to this rubric for what I am looking for in the presentations and artistic depictions:

Beginning

1

Proficient

3

Exemplary

5

Score

 

Process

 

 
Student rarely spent computer research time on WebQuest.  Notebook contains few entries from WebQuest material.
Student spent research time mostly on task.  Notebook contains some WebQuest entries.
Student was always on task during computer research time.  Notebook contains many entries of research from WebQuest sites.

 

Product

 

 
Artistic depictions do not reflect the journey of a Klondike prospector.  Depictions are not organized and unclear. 
Artistic depictions mostly reflect the journey of a Klondike prospector.  Depictions are mostly clear and organized.
Artistic depictions clearly reflect the journey of a Klondike prospector. Depictions are exceptionally clear and organized.

 

Understanding

 
During the presentation students show little understanding of the Klondike gold rush.
During the presentation students show moderate understanding of the Klondike gold rush.
During the presentation students show exceptional understanding of the Klondike gold rush.


Conclusion

You have made the journey to the Klondike and experienced what past prospectors have experienced.  By now you should have a better understanding of the reasoning behind the Klondike gold rush and what prospectors have endured to make it to the Klondike area.  Think about this journey how it would be different if it were done in 2009.  It was a pleasure traveling with you prospectors!


Credits & References

Template for WebQuest: The WebQuest Page

Special thanks to the National Park Service for images displayed in this WebQuest.

A special thanks to the Seattle Klondike Gold Rush Museum
The Seattle Klondike Museum is a free museum that is open to the public and provides excellent accounts of Seattle's role in the gold rush. It is a recommended visit if you are in the Seattle area and it's FREE!

E-Mail Me: Kell6091@pacificu.edu

Webquest Last Updated: 12/13/2009