Sticks and Stones and Names Can Hurt You

Webquest by: Dennis E. Buccola

Introduction | Task | Process | Worksheets | Grading Rubric | Conclusion | Teacher's Page

Introduction

"Bullying beats the best of us."  Kids in schools all across our country, as well as all over the world, many times have unhappy, scary, and even dangerous school experiences brought about because of Bullies.  Bullies are kids who go out of their way to pick on others.  They make others feel bad to make themselves feel better. This is not always their fault. There are other reasons that kids bully other kids. In order to help the problem, we have to understand how to recognize bullying, what causes others to bully, and how we can effectively deal with bullying.  One of the hardest questions to answer is:  "Do YOU ever bully anyone?"  Nobody has the right to hurt other people by hitting them, kicking them, calling them names, spreading rumors about them or by doing anything else which is intended to be upsetting.

Task

Since you are leading experts on bullying, as a group you will come together to utilize your skills to put together a PowerPoint slide show presentation sharing your knowledge you have obtained through your research on bullying. You will be divided into small groups and assigned a particular role in this process. This slide show presentation, when viewed, will help other students in the school deal with bullying.  The slide show must include the following information:

  • Know what bullying is.
  • Be able to recognize a bully.
  • Know some useful ways to deal with a bully.
  • Realize that they don't have to be bullied.
  • Have an idea of some people they can go to if they are being bullied.
  • Know how to react in crisis or emergency bully situations.
  • Know of immediate steps to be taken if they are being bullied by and adult, even a teacher.
  • Test themselves to see if they are ever a bully to peers, brothers or sisters, parents, or even teachers.

Your slide show presentation is based on FACTS, not opinions. The information needs to be accurate and useful for others. Useful links and a worksheet will be provided for you to assist in your research.

Process

Your team will consist of 3 members. Each member is EXPECTED to contribute equally to the project to make sure you produce the best final product possible.

There are three major roles assigned to this project.  They are as follows:

  • Reporters- They will investigate the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, WHEN, and HOW of the project. You don't want to leave anything out. Make sure you include everything listed in the TASK portion of the project.

  • Editors: Will make sure that all the spelling is correct, sentences are complete and make sense, and make sure the information is factual. You may include any pictures, tables, charts, etc. that you may find in your investigation of the topic

  • Production Managers:  The PM will make sure the project is LOOKING GOOD.  You will lay out what the reporter and editor have given you to include.  You will choose color schemes, cover art and style. You must make sure everything is in place the way the team likes it.

BULLY

You should decide who will fill what role amongst yourselves.  Keep in mind you might have to do more than one of the jobs, or do a little of each role to help each other out.

Remember, when you are making your PowerPoint presentation for others to read and see, you need to make sure that:

  • Your facts are ACCURATE and VERIFIABLE.
  • Your spelling and grammar are PERFECT
  • Your presentation is NICE TO LOOK AT.
  • Most importantly, make sure it MAKES YOU PROUD that you worked on it.

BULLY

Conclusion

Hopefully after completing this webquest your eyes have  been opened to this problem. Have you seen a bully before and asked yourself "why"? Have you been bullied before without knowing what to do? Have you felt that you were alone as the victim of a bully? Your research has helped you to look around, and hopefully to look inside yourself. Everyone has experienced a bully one way or another, whether it is the bully down the hall or the bully inside. Now you are equipped to stand up to that bully even if he IS IN THE MIRROR.