Introduction

The fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo in Spanish, is a national holiday in Mexico. It commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. The victory was an important step for Mexico in her fight for independence. Today in Mexico, and in Mexican-American communities, May 5 brings celebrations, fiestas and parades! Here are some fun ideas for traditional activities and crafts to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at your house!
Cinco de Mayo celebrates solidarity among Mexican and Latino immigrants to the USA. It's date which usually means a parade on the first weekend in May for Latin communities throughout USA. The date itself refers to one of Mexico's four major invasions through the Carnaval City of Vera Cruz.

The Quest

Exploring Cinco de Mayo

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working individually in class. Answer the Task or Quest(ion), by exploring Webpages from people all over the world who care about Cinco de Mayo. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.

• Cinco de Mayo dates - This site tells you many things about the important date in Mexican history.
• Cinco de Mayo history - This site tells the difference between Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican Independence Day.
• The Mexican Flag - This site tells the history and meaning of the Mexican Flag
• Cinco de Mayo greeting cards - This site gives a variety of cards to choose from, to design yourself.
• Breakfast Burrito reciepe - This site gives the reciepe for a breakfast burrito.
• Cooking Polls - This site wants you to take a burrito poll.
• Mexican word search - This site has a Mexican word search about Mexican foods.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. We will discuss Cinco de Mayo in class, before beginning the Web Quest.

2. Everyone will share their knowledge of the Mexcian Holiday.

3. Independently, everyone will work on their Web Quest assignments, and follow instructions throughly. Read very carefully and do just as the directions tell you to do.

4. Be sure to print out what needs to be printed out, and have all written and/or printed material completed and ready to be turned in by Wednesday. (That gives you two days to complete the project.)

Learning the importance of other cultures

What does Cinco de Mayo commemorate?
When is Mexico's Independence Day?

Celebrating with other cultures

When were the Mexican-American socieities formed?
How was the war settled?
What does the green in the Mexican flag stand for? The red? The white?
What does the emblem shield signify and when was this flag created?

Experiencing new things

What are the ingredients in the burrito?
How many steps are involved in making a burrito?
Take the poll and print it out.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

Now that you have experienced Cinco de Mayo through this Web Quest, we will discuss our new findings and review our answers together.
I hope you enjoyed this assignment, as well as learned alot about the Mexican culture and their holiday of CINCO DE MAYO!!!!

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

Your Contact is: Link to International Schools

Conclusion

Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of Cinco de Mayo could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.