Tour Guide of India

 

 

Introduction

India is a wonderfully diverse nation! It is difficult to examine all of the unique characteristics of India in a few short lessons. We need to work together to explore this nation and uncover all of the treasures that India has to offer.

 

 

 

(Map courtesy of http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html)

 

 

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

 

Task

Pretend you are a tour guide for an organization from India. You are going to take your classmates on a tour of your topic. To do this, you will need to become an expert in one area of interest in India. There are several topics to choose from. (Check with your teacher to make sure that no one else has chosen your topic. Some topics are very broad and it may be possible to divide the topic into two! )

  1. You need to choose a topic. After you look at the following list of topics, click on that link to find some web resources and a few sample questions to think about. If you find any links that do not work, tell your teacher.
  2. You should then prepare a written report (about a paragraph, but more if necessary) to turn in. This is not a formal paper, but you should have all of your ideas written down in sentences.
  3. You will present your findings to the class on the day your topic is going to be covered in class. If you find any interesting pictures, print them out, or if you find an interesting website, write a sentence describing the site. Include the web address so that we may visit the site!
  4. If you need to find additional information, you can you the search engine. If you do not know how to use the search engine, ask your teacher to help you.
  5. I look forward to hearing all about your topic!

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Topics 

Places of Interest & Landscape

Clothing & Culture

Animals

Kids & Government

Holidays

Taj Mahal

K2

Blue City

Varanasi

New Delhi

Kerala

Harrapa

Kanha National Park

Turbans

Women'sClothes

Bindi

Mehendi

Yoga

Languages

Religions

Food

Money

Tigers

Cows

Camels

Elephants

Monkeys

Schools

Toys & Games

Government

Mother Theresa

Castes

Baiskhi

Camel Festival

Diwali

Dussehra

Gandhi Jayanti

Ganesh Chaturthi

Gangaur

Gurpurab

Holi

Id-ul-Fitr or Ramazan Id

Independence Day

International Kite Festival

Janmashtmi

Kumbh Mela

Maha Shivaratri

Mahavir Jayanti

Navaratri

Pongal

Raksha Bandhan

Ram Navami

Republic Day Festival

Vasant Panchami

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Castes

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/magazines/article/0,17408,92370,00.html

Book-Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India.

Caste System in modern India

http://www.kamat.com/indica/caste/

 

    1. What are the castes?
    2. How did castes begin?
    3. Is the caste system still in use?
    4. What are some myths about the Caste system?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Monkeys

 

http://www.kamat.org/picsearch.asp

http://animal.discovery.com/news/afp/20040223/monkeys.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/monkey/Monkeyprintout.shtml

http://www.szgdocent.org/pp/p-mcrhes.htm

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/area/newsarticle/0%2C18077%2C540217%2C00.html

 

  1. Where do monkeys live in India?
  2. What are some interesting facts about monkeys?
  3. What are some problems with monkeys?

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Mother Theresa

 

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

TIME 100: Mother Teresa

http://www.cyberindian.com/india/index.php?action=search&query=mother%2bteresa

    1. Who was Mother Theresa?
    2. What types of things did she do?

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Government

Political administration of India

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/magazines/article/0,17408,92370,00.html

http://www.tri-murti.com/india/

 

    1. What is the government called in India?
    2. What type of government is in India? (Dictatorship, Democracy, etc.)
    3. What types of things does the government take charge of?
    4. Give a few brief facts about the government.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Toys & Games

 http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/children/asphalt/index.htm

http://www.tulane.edu/~rouxbee/kids99/india.html

http://www.tri-murti.com/india/

 

  1. What are some popular toys in India?
  2. Do all children have toys in India?
  3. If children don't have toys, what do they play with?
  4. What can you tell us about how children live in India?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Religions

http://www.informationonindia.com/india/religionsinindia-map.htm

http://www.tri-murti.com/india/religonmap.html

http://www.kamat.com/indica/religion.htm

 

 

  1. What are the main religions in India?
  2. Can you give two facts about each religion?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Yoga

 

http://www.yogaworld.org/not_a.htm

http://www.yogaworld.org/mainly.htm

http://www.cyberindian.com/india/index.php?action=jump&jumpto=3323

 

  1. What is Yoga?
  2. Give some facts about Yoga.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Money

 

http://www.askasia.org/image/drawing/i000522.htm

http://www.askasia.org/frclasrm/lessplan/l000021.htm

http://www.xe.net/ucc/full.shtml

http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/9940/pictures.html

http://www.rrindia.com/currency.html

http://www.deccanherald.com/general/post.asp

http://www.saffronsoul.com/shop/productslist.asp?subcatid=50000

 

  1. What is the money called in India?
  2. Why would we need to know about Indian money if we were visiting India?
  3. Can you give an example of how much we could buy with American currency in India?
  4. Are the prices right between dollars and rupees on the two example shops above?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Food

 

http://www.tri-murti.com/india/

http://www.food-india.com/

http://www.stylusinc.com/business/india/food.htm

http://asiarecipe.com/indinfo.html

http://mapsofindia.com/indiaagriculture/

http://cultural-india.eindiatourism.com/national-fruit.html

 

  1. What types of food are grown in India?
  2. Give some examples of recipes made in India?
  3. What kinds of treats do Indian children eat?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Harappa

 

www.harappa.com/seal/sealtext.html

http://www.harappa.com/har/moen0.html

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCINDIA/HARAPPA.HTM

http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa041498.htm

http://saxakali.com/COLOR_ASP/harappa.htm

http://archive.msmonline.com/1998/07/harappa.htm

 

  1. Where is Harappa?
  2. Why would we need to know about Harappa if we are studying India?
  3. What is important about Harappa?
  4. What are the seals?
  5. Give some facts about Harappa.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Kanha National Park

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.wildlifeinindia.com/kanha.html

http://www.indiawildliferesorts.com/national-parks/kanha-national-park.html

http://picture-gallery.indianvisit.com/

 

  1. Where is Kanha National Park?
  2. What is important about Kanha National Park?
  3. Give some facts about Kanha National Park.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Kerala

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.keralatraveldesk.com/101%20things%20to%20do/1.htm

http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/

 

  1. Where is Kerala?
  2. What is important about Kerala?
  3. Give some facts about Kerala.

  

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Varanasi

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.evaranasitourism.com/

http://www.evaranasitourism.com/places-to-see-varanasi/index.html

 

  1. Where is Varanasi?
  2. What is important about Varanasi?
  3. Give some facts about Varanasi.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

New Delhi

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/delhi/

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/in1/wwwhmain.html

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=176

 

  1. Where is New Delhi?
  2. What is important about New Delhi?
  3. Give some facts about New Delhi.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Blue City

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.aliaterra.com/asia/jodhpur.htm

http://picture-gallery.indianvisit.com/

http://www.kamat.org/picsearch.asp

  1. Where is the "Blue City"?
  2. Why does it have that name?
  3. Give some facts about the "Blue City".

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

K2

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

 http://www.peakware.com/encyclopedia/peaks/k2.htm

http://www.jerberyd.com/climbing/stories/k2/index.htm

 

    1. What is K2?
    2. Where is it located?
    3. What does K2 stand for?
    4. Give some facts about K2.

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Taj Mahal

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,214514,00.html

http://www.taj-mahal.net/augEng/pano_pages.htm

http://picture-gallery.indianvisit.com/

Taj Mahal - A Tribute to Beauty

The Taj Mahal, India

THE MAJESTIC MAHAL

Forgotten Wonders: Taj Mahal

 

    1. Where is the Taj Mahal?
    2. What is the Taj Mahal?
    3. Give some facts about the Taj Mahal.

  

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

Languages

 

http://www.culturopedia.com/Languages/language_intro.html

http://www.askasia.org/image/maps/indiav4.htm

  Official Language of India

 

    1. What is India's national language?
    2. What other languages are spoken in India?
    3. What problems has this caused?
    4. Can you give some other facts about the languages spoken in India?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

  

 

Cows

 

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/farm/Cowprintout.shtml

http://www.kamat.com/indica/culture/holy-cow.htm

http://www.coastsociology.org/204/204_cow_day.htm

http://www.coastsociology.org/204/family_cow.htm

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9603/mad_cow/29/india/index.html

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/11/04/india.cows/

 

  1. What role do cows play in Indian culture?
  2. What other facts about cows in India have you found?
  3. What are some controversial issues related to cows in India?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Tigers

 

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/tiger/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/tiger/Bengaltigerprintout.shtml

Tracking Tigers in Eastern India

http://www.tuffydog.com/tiger6.html

http://www.wildlywise.com/tigers_index.htm

http://www.bootsnall.com/cgi-bin/gt/travelstories/asia/dec00indiatiger1.shtml

http://www.kamat.org/picsearch.asp

 

  1. Where do tigers live in India?
  2. What role does the tiger play in Indian Culture?
  3. What is happening to the tiger population?
  4. What other facts can you find about tigers?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Elephants

 

www.wildlywise.com/ele_text.htm

http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/prani/elephants/index.htm

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsianElephants/default.cfm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/elephant/Asiancoloring.shtml

 

  1. Where are elephants located in India?
  2. What is "Project Elephant"?
  3. What is the difference between African elephants and Asian elephants?
  4. What role does the elephant play in India's religions / culture?
  5. How are wild elephants caught in India?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

Camels

 

http://www.wildlife-tour-india.com/indian-wildlife/camel.html

http://www.arab.net/camels/welcome.html

http://www.datadubai.com/camels1b.htm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/camel/Camelcoloring.shtml

http://www.kamat.org/picsearch.asp

 

    1. Where do camels live?
    2. What role do camels play in Indian culture?
    3. Where do camels store water?
    4. Did you find any interesting facts about camels?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Baiskhi

 

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#11

http://www.spindlepub.com/india/festivals.htm

 

  1. What is Baiskhi?
  2. How is it celebrated?
  3. When is it celebrated?
  4. Where is it celebrated?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  6. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Independence Day

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#19

http://www.india-travel.com/festival.htm

 

  1. When is Independence Day celebrated?
  2. What does it celebrate?
  3. Where is it celebrated?
  4. What does secular mean?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Republic Day Festival

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#1

http://www.india-travel.com/festival.htm

http://www.visit-indya.com/indian-festivals.html

 

  1. What does Republic Day celebrate?
  2. When did India gain its independence and from who?
  3. How is it celebrated?
  4. Where is it celebrated?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  6. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Raksha Bandhan

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#29

http://www.india-travel.com/festival.htm

http://www.spindlepub.com/india/festivals.htm

 

  1. What is Raksha Bandhan?
  2. Who is Varuna?
  3. When is it celebrated?
  4. Where is it celebrated?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  6. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Ram Navami

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#30

http://www.travelingtoindia.com/destinations/festival.html

 

  1. Who was Rama?
  2. When is it celebrated?
  3. How is it celebrated?
  4. Where is it celebrated?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  6. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Pongal

 

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#27

http://www.spindlepub.com/india/festivals.htm

http://www.visit-indya.com/indian-festivals.html

 

  1. How long is Pongol celebrated?
  2. What is honored each day?
  3. When is it celebrated?
  4. Where is it celebrated?
  5. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  6. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Maha Shivaratri

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#21

http://www.india-travel.com/festival.htm

http://www.spindlepub.com/india/festivals.htm

http://www.travelingtoindia.com/destinations/festival.html

 

  1. What does Shivaratri mean?
  2. When is it celebrated?
  3. Where is it celebrated?
  4. Is it a religious or secular holiday?
  5. What does secular mean?

 

 

Introduction Task Topics Assessment Other India WebQuests Additional Resources

 

 

Janmashtmi

http://friendstime.com/travel/festival.htm#20

http://www.spindlepub.com/india/festivals.htm