Abstract:
This action research project was conducted to determine the effects of use of a WebQuest
instructional strategy on student learning in fourth grade social studies. Participants in this study
included 22 fourth graders who used a WebQuest to learn about landforms as a supplement to
traditional methods of instruction. Students conducted research on landforms for fourteen
consecutive days and completed a slideshow and geography letter depicting their findings. Data
from the study indicated students favored using the WebQuest to learn social studies content as
supplement to using textbooks and instructional worksheets. The data also indicated students
acquired some content knowledge and demonstrated use of higher order thinking skills. The
teacher questioned the considerable expenditure of instructional time, but considered the use of
the WebQuest to be a positive approach to teaching social studies content when used as a
supplement to traditional classroom instruction.