ˇVamos a Madrid!
An Internet WebQuest on Madrid

Introduction | The Quest | Unit 1 - Background | Unit 2 - Cartographers |
Unit 3 - Artists | Unit 4 - Chefs | Unit 5 - Tourists | Unit 6 - Report | Conclusion |

Introduction

As you step on the airplane at Philadelphia International Airport, a sudden excitement seizes you. You're going to Spain! You have your notes on Spanish phrases in your pocket, and you’re ready to study again those all-important things to say once you arrive in Madrid. You settle yourself into your seat and introduce yourself to the people around you. It turns out that they have all been to Madrid before. 'Great,' you think, 'I can learn something from these people!' But as you hear their answers to your questions, it becomes clear that different people have different experiences when they travel.

One person loves Spanish food, and raves about the grilled octopus. The other hates Spanish food and will only eat pizza or a Big Mac while in Madrid. A third person recommends you go to the Prado Museum, one of the greatest art museums in the world, while another says, 'Oh, I just hang out in the Retiro Park all day with my American student buds. Then I don't have to speak Spanish.'

You end up confused. What ARE you going to do? What is important to see and do? What will be most rewarding for you on this trip? What do you want to get out of this experience? Do you know the right Spanish words and phrases?

In this webquest you will find out! You will learn about what Madrid is like, how you can get around, what there is to see and experience, and how you can use your Spanish to do it all!

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The Quest

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The Process and Resources

During this WebQuest you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Madrid. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level - and the language used - might challenge you. Feel free to use an online Spanish-English dictionary, or one in your classroom.

In Unit 1, you'll begin by getting some background information. Then, in each following unit you will be tasked with exploring a specific topic. In the last unit, you will compile all of your information into a Powerpoint report.

Unit 1 - Background

In this unit you will be responsible for certain background information to help you understand what Madrid is like, and what you need to do as a visitor in a foreign country. Use the Internet links below as resources to find the required information. You may click on other links on the page to learn more, but be sure to stick to your topic! If you get stuck because a site is in Spanish and you don't understand it, use the Online Spanish Dictionary. When you find your information, select, copy, and paste it into a Word document along with the address of the website you used so you can go back to it later, and so that your teacher can check your work. Save your document as YourName_Unit1_Culture. Find the following information:
  1. A hotel to stay in
  2. Current news in Madrid
  3. Current weather in Madrid
  4. Currency exchange - What does everything cost? Start by figuring out the cost of your hotel in euros and dollars.
  5. Pictures of places you would like to visit
 LINKS:

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Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

Unit 2 - Cartographers and Metroliners

During the next four units you will examine Madrid from four different viewpoints: In Unit Two, you will start by taking the viewpoint of a Cartographer. Find the answers to your questions by visiting the websites listed. As before, copy and paste your answers into a Word document. Include pictures/maps whenever possible. Don't forget to to copy/paste the website address also. Save the document as YourName_Unit2_Culture.
Use the Internet sites linked below to answer these questions related to geography and transportation:
  1. How can you get around in Madrid?
  2. Find your hotel on a map of Madrid and look at it's street view in Google Maps. Include a screenshot in your report by using the print screen button and then pasting the image into the report.
  3. How can you get from your hotel to the following:
    • the Prado Museum
    • the Royal Palace
    • Chinitas Restaurant and Flamenco Show
  4. How much will these trips cost? About how long will each trip last?
  5. Based on your research, what would you recommend to a fellow traveler who wants to get around Madrid?


LINKS:

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Unit 3 - Artists

Use the Internet sites linked below to answer these questions related to Spanish art, music and dance. As before, copy and paste your answers into a Word document. Include pictures/maps whenever possible. Save the document as YourName_Unit3_Culture.

  1. Visit three museums in Madrid. Rate them by giving them from 1 to 4 stars, with 4 being the best. Explain your reasons for the ratings.
  2. View the artwork of at least 3 Spanish painters in each museum. Which artist is your favorite in each museum? Which is your favorite overall? Why?
  3. What makes flamenco dancing unique in the world? How does it compare to dancing in the USA?
  4. Is it easy to dance flamenco? Explain your answer. Would you like to learn how?
  5. If you were asked to perform with a flamenco troupe, which instrument would you want to play? Why?


LINKS:

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Unit 4 - Chefs

Use the Internet sites linked below to answer these questions related to Spanish food. As before, copy and paste your answers into a Word document. Include pictures/maps whenever possible. Save the document as YourName_Unit4_Culture.

  1. What are 5 of the most typical dishes in Spanish cuisine? Describe them.
  2. Are the ingredients necessary to make most Spanish dishes easily available in the grocery store your parents usually go to?
  3. Can you find international foods (not just Spanish foods) in Madrid? Why?
  4. What type of Spanish food do you think you'd most like? Why?
  5. Which type of Spanish food would you NOT like to try? Why not?
  6. If you were to open a Spanish restaurant, which Spanish dishes would you have on your menu? Why?


LINKS:

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Unit 5 - Tourists

Use the Internet sites linked below to answer these questions related to the sights to see in Madrid. As before, copy and paste your answers into a Word document. Include pictures/maps whenever possible. Save the document as YourName_Unit5_Culture.

  1. How does the architecture of the Royal Palace compare to the architecture of Independence Hall in Philadelphia?
  2. Which are the 3 most beautiful sights to see in Madrid? What makes them so beautiful?
  3. Which activities would attract older adults? Which are more fun for kids your age?
  4. If a family with Middle School aged children had just two days to spend in Madrid, what would you suggest they do there? Why?
  5. Would you recommend any of the museums and flamenco shows in the 'Artists' section?


LINKS:

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Unit 6 - Putting It All Together

Now it's time to put your learning to use! Pretend that you are working for the Spanish tourism bureau and have been asked to create a PowerPoint presentation to attract tourists to Madrid. Use the opinions, information, and perspectives that you've gained in your travels. Your presentation should follow the format below.

  1. Title slide with a title in Spanish, your name, and a picture from Madrid.
  2. Part One - background information on Madrid (see Unit 1) particularly where you would stay, and what the exchange rate is.
  3. Part Two - information on Tourism and Transportation (Units 2 & 5)
  4. Part Three - information on Art and Cuisine (Units 3 & 4)
  5. Part Four - favorite links. Present your 5 favorite links about Madrid with a short description of each link.

    Your presentation should be entirely in Spanish and you should accompany your information with pictures of what you are describing.

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Conclusion

So what was important to you in your virtual tour of Madrid? Do you have a better idea of what is important when you visit a foreign country? Can you apply the process you learned here to learn about other complex topics?

Remember, learning never stops!


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original version created by T. Diane 6/03
modified/updated by G. Miller 7/06, 10/09