Teacher Process
Placing students in collaborative groups at the beginning of the year is a tricky process. Student choice is important, but special attention should be paid to integrating students that may be new to the district. Also, perhaps it could be considered to conduct some kind of 'getting to know you' survey in the first few days of school, including questions about a student's strengths and weaknesses. You could ask if the student is a strong reader, is good at being a leader, enjoys writing, and similar things to aid in creating groups.
The Quest guides you through having students complete the process. It is suggested that you go over the rubric with students at the beginning, as well as reading through part one of the process together.
Test all the links ahead of time, to be sure none of them have broken since the Quest was designed. Another consideration is whether your district will block some of the sites. Some of the sites had to be changed when the links were tested at Koogler. Originally, there were examples in polygons about angles in shooting pool, in proportions and ratios about mixing fertilizer, and in percents about computing odds in poker. Although these are great real-world examples of math, the links are blocked to protect the students.
Make sure you are familiar with PowerPoint, how to upload videos to Teacher Tube, how to use video equipment, or whatever software tool the students will use, so you can serve as an effective mentor and guide. Most of all, have a great time!!
Timeframe: (assuming one-hour class periods)
The first day could be spent in the classroom, with the use of an LCD projector. The first part of the process could be reviewed, groups and roles chosen, and the rubric looked at.
The second, third, and fourth days could be spent in the lab, with students questing and filling in graphic organizers. This gives them one day for two sites. You could add in a fourth day as cushion. That makes a week.
The second week could be begun in the classroom, with students using the storyboards to design their presentations. You should probably allow two days for this, requiring students to finish for homework if they are behind. The next two days could be spent in the lab, with students designing their PowerPoints. Or, if students are doing videos as presentations, arrangements will need to be made for a quiet and supervised place to film. You may decide to provide an extra day as a cushion, or have students meet at study hall time to finish.
Overall, you can expect to spend about two weeks on this, or a little less if students are on task and motivated. It will be worth it!