Celebración! Did you know that some cultures view death as a cause for honor and celebration? This webquest challenges you to examine a holiday from one such culture. Your job will be to investigate and report on select Internet resources that describe the Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead or El Dia de los Muertos. What do these resources reveal about traditions, historical influences, beliefs, and the celebration of this holiday? How is this holiday similar to or different from American holidays that you and your family may celebrate?
Your task is to learn about the Mexican holiday, The Day of the Dead. You will examine online sites according to your assigned team role. After conducting research and taking notes, your team will then create a book about the El Dia de los Muertos and will present the information to the class.
Investigate the following sites according to your role: History Hunter, Food Finder, Cultural Creator. After reading the information on each site, answer the questions located at the student handout link. Take notes carefully on your student handout. These questions will provide the information your team members will need to create the book on El Dia de los Muertos. When you have completed the student handout, you will meet with your team members to begin creating your book.
History Hunter: Your job is to provide historical information on the Day of the Dead.
Student Handout - Use this handout to take notes.
Sites:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/ - AZ Central’s El Dia de los Muertas
This site explains the traditions and historical influences behind the Day of the Dead.
http://www.mexonline.com/daydead.htm - Mexico online
This site provides an explanation of the Mexican holiday for tourists. Comprehensive historical information is included, as well as details about how the holiday is currently celebrated in Mexico.
http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/dead.htm - Sinclair Community College’s Day of the Dead site
This comprehensive site provides historical background information and the spiritual significance of the Spanish holiday.
Food/Music Finder: Your task will be to locate information on recipes and traditional foods served during the Mexican holiday. You will also include details about music and its role during this celebration.
Student Handout - Answer the questions on this document.
Sites:
http://www.pbs.org/foodancestors/
- PBS site
Fun, interactive site that includes recipes and traditional foods from the celebration.
http://www.inside-mexico.com/featuredead.htm
- Inside Mexico
Food, recipes, and a description of how music is used during this holiday.
http://csumb.edu/events/dead/food.html
- California State University’s Site
Describes the importance of food during El Dia de los Muertos
Cultural Creator: You will be the teacher of culture. Read about the events and traditions associated with The Day of the Dead. You will record important details on your student handout.
Student Handout: Use this sheet to answer questions.
Sites:
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/dpdeadsupplement.html
- Mexico Connect
Describes current traditions and events incorporated into the Day of the Dead celebration.
http://www.elpayaso.com/table.htm
- El Payaso
This site describes various events and symbols associated with the Day of the Dead. Pictures and images from the celebration are included.
http://olvera-street.com/html/cemetery.html
- Los Angeles El Dia de los Muertas site
This site gives details about the graveside ceremonies conducted during the holiday.
Once you have completed your handout and answered your questions, you are ready to meet with your team to begin your final project. Follow the link below to learn more about your team's project and evaluation.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed your study of El Dia de los Muertos. Your completed book should reflect the traditions, events, and historical background of this honorable occasion. Do not let your learning stop here! Did you know that Mexico celebrates other unique occasions, such as the Cinco de Mayo holiday? I hope you will continue to learn more about this rich, interesting culture.
