Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/everywhere/Griffin/default.htm

How it works:
Students will gather Internet research about the Hapsburg Dynasty, then will take one of four roles as determined by the WebQuest. They will then evaluate the effect of the dynasty and apply the ruling principals and structure to a modern-day organization or business. This WebQuest is designed to help students understand and apply principles of organization and rule in current day businesses or organizations that can be gleaned from an examination of this dynasty. A teacher's guide to this unit can be found at: http://teachersnetwork.org/everywhere/Griffin/t-index_files/t-index.htm.

Standards addressed:  
Social Studies: Investigate the rise and development of the modern European political system.
Technology: Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity; select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning.

Students will address the following levels of thinking per Bloom's Taxonomy: (1) Comprehension, as they gather information and write notes in their own words; (2) Application, as they apply dynastic principles to current organizations; (3) Analysis, as they consider the various groups affected by dynastic rule; (4) Synthesis, as they envision or create a new organization that matches the Habsburg model; (5) Evaluation as they see the effects of dynastic rule on current business and organization structures.

Assessment:
Students produce documents that are evaluated through use of a posted rubric. These documents require analytical thinking, synthesis and evaluation on the part of the students.

Overall value:
This project requires Internet research about an important, but often overlooked dynasty in the heart of Europe. It requires students to apply what they learn in a modery-day setting as they set up an organization based on the principles of Habsburg rule.
 
Tips: 
This WebQuest may well encourage students to examine other dynasties for similar patterns of rule. It will also help students understand how autocratic, dynastic rule can be effective.
   

Teacher: Alan Griffin

About the teacher:
Alan Griffin is a World Civilizations Instructor at Electronic High School in Ogden, Utah.

E-mail: agriffin@wsdmail.net

Subject Areas:
Global History
World Civilizations
Social Studies                            

Grade Levels: 10-11