West Middle School
Student Project Page
A Christmas Carol
A Scavenger Hunt WebQuest

Introduction:

You have just read and viewed the play version of the classic novel, A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens. The novel includes many references to things that may be strange to you, including such items as a Smoking Bishop, Plum Pudding, bed-curtains, and others. Here’s a chance to become an expert on A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ life, and the Victorian times in which he lived.

Task:

  1. Answer the following questions by visiting various sites on the Internet. 10 points for each question answered correctly.

  2. When you are finished getting notes, write out the answers in full sentences. Revise and write a final copy, with a 4-part heading.

  3. Hand in to teacher for a grade.

Resources:

  1. The story takes place during the Victorian Era - a period of history from 1837-1901 during the reign of the Queen Victoria. Where is Camden Town located? Be specific. Dickens' London Map
     

  2. Tiny Tim was a little boy who had an illness which made it difficult for him to walk without a crutch. What disease did he have? Dickens' Christmas Page Hint: scroll down to Tiny Tim’s Ailment.

  3. When Scrooge is asked to donate money to the poor, he refuses and asks, “Are there no prisons? And Union workhouses?” What is a Union Workhouse? What was it like? What did they eat? Check out Union Workhouses and The union workhouse, a history & resource.

  4. Plum Pudding and Smoking Bishop are two treats mentioned in A Christmas Carol. What are their main ingredients? What did they make it in? Dickens' Christmas Page . The information can be found in the left column. Scroll down – you’ll find it!

  5. Visit this website and select six or more important events in Charles Dickens’ life. Place the events on a timeline in correct order. Charles Dickens: A Chronology of his Life

     

  6. Create a list of at least 5 hardships that child laborers (Working Children) faced during Victorian Times. Child Labor
     
  7. Back in the Victorian era, their coins were called: pound, shilling, and pence. Scrooge paid his worker “fifteen shilling a week.” What could you buy with that? Scroll down to find “Fifteen Bob a week” A Christmas Carol

     
  8. Scrooge was afraid to move the “bed curtains” for fear he would see another spirit. What are “bed curtains”? Interior Design/Bedrooms
     
  9. Back then, parlor games where played at holiday gatherings. Scrooge watches as his nephew and guests play, “Twenty Guesses.” Explain how this game is played. Victorian Parlor Games
     

  10. Visit Victorian Christmas Menus. Create a menu for Christmas Dinner.

     

Assessment:

  • Each question is worth 10 points.

  • Your questions will be evaluated on the following:
  1. All questions are answered completely.
  2. All questions are answered in complete sentences.
  3. There are no misspelled words.
  4. The answers are written neatly (in ink) or typed.
Last Updated  March 25, 2009
Posted by Mrs. O'Brien, 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Adapted from original WebQuest found at:
Last Updated March 25, 2009