Teacher Process
Upon giving this web quest, make sure you have enough computer lab time for students to work on the project. Almost all of the research will have to be done online. Computer lab time (depending on length of periods) will most likely not exceed 2-3 days. Students will then need additional time to organize information and locate articles for the altar. Students should have 2 weeks minimum to prepare for this assignment.
Method of grouping students is best left to each individual teacher's discretion.
The number one constraint of this assignment will be space. My suggestion is to talk to your building principal and try to accommodate your students altars by creating a space for them in school where they can be viewed by all. Students will enjoy showing what they have created to others and will be even more motivated to enthusiastically create fabulous altars.
There is a presentation portion of this assignment as well. Class time for this will be significant depending on class size. Students will need at least 15 minutes per group to present their finished altars. You may want to consider an exhibit instead of doing this during class time. One idea is to invite other students and teachers to watch the presentations as a school wide event. Another idea is to have a parent night for family and community members to learn about “ofrendas”.