Introduction

The Dewey Decimal System is used to organise resources in most school libraries/resource centres.

Each subject is given a number and the books and other items are arranged on the shelves in number order, according to their topic/subject.

Do you know which numbers are given to different topics?
Do you know who invented the system?

This kidcyber WebQuest will help you answer these questions and help you to understand how the Dewey system works, so that you can more easily find items in your library.

You will find out

about the inventor, Melvil Dewey, and why the system was invented
how Dewey numbers are assigned to subjects/topics
how the Dewey numbers are used to keep all items about the same topic/subject together on the shelves
how to create call numbers

Your Task:

The library computer system has crashed and the librarian is away on leave. You have been asked to help out in the library to help patrons find resources and to re-shelve any returned items.

You will have to use your knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification system to locate items, and to correctly shelve returned library items.

You will also prepare some display items to help users learn some Dewey numbers and how call numbers are created.

The Process and resources:

By gathering the resources below and then reading about the topic you will acquire the knowledge needed for the task. You can check you knowledge by completing the kidcyber task pages.

Step 6: Collect a copy the response page ‘about call numbers’ and how to construct them and complete Dewey task 3.

Find the task sheet here: Dewey Task 3

Step 6: Read: Some more Dewey numbers online

Find the kidcyber page here

Step 7: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 4

Find the task sheet here: Dewey Task 4

Step 8: A Presentation

The Presentation

To help other library users locate library resources prepare some illustrated Dewey guides like the one below about technology.

Use your own illustrations, computer graphics, magazine pictures etc. Share them with the class and display in the library.

Step 9: Evaluation

Evaluation

Write an evaluation of this WebQuest:

Write how well you think you worked at this kidcyber WebQuest.
Talk about it with your teacher and share your evaluation with the class.

kidcyber

Welcome to www.kidcyber.com.au, a website established in 1999 for primary students and teachers.

We provide:

Easy to understand text for student research, including material for primary school students K-6
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Who are we?

The writers and publishers of kidcyber are Shirley Sydenham, a primary teacher, and Ron Thomas, a primary teacher-librarian. We are authors (together, individually and with others) of numerous books for teachers and kids, published in Australia and overseas. Recent books written together include Using the Library 1, 2 & 3; Thinking Through Themes (4 titles: Air, Fire, Water, Earth); and The Perfect School Project, published by and available at Teaching Solutions.

Our Audience

Students from K to 8, their teachers and parents.
Homeschool students and their parents.
Teacher Librarians

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We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this continent and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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kidcyber WebQuest: Dewey Decimal System

Introduction

Your Task:

The Process and resources:

Step 1: Read Melvil Dewey: a biography.

Step 2: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 1

Step 3: Read: how Dewey organised information (the 10 main areas)

Step 4: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 2

Step 5: Read: how Dewey extended his numbering system in each of the hundreds

Step 6: Collect a copy the response page ‘about call numbers’ and how to construct them and complete Dewey task 3.

Step 6: Read: Some more Dewey numbers online

Step 7: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 4

Step 8: A Presentation

The Presentation

Step 9: Evaluation

Evaluation

Thomas, Ronald & Sydenham, Shirley. 2017. A kidcyber webquest: Dewey Decimal System. [online] www.kidcyber.com.au

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We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this continent and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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kidcyber WebQuest: Dewey Decimal System

Introduction

Your Task:

The Process and resources:

Step 1: Read Melvil Dewey: a biography.

Step 2: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 1

Step 3: Read: how Dewey organised information (the 10 main areas)

Step 4: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 2

Step 5: Read: how Dewey extended his numbering system in each of the hundreds

Step 6: Collect a copy the response page ‘about call numbers’ and how to construct them and complete Dewey task 3.

Step 6: Read: Some more Dewey numbers online

Step 7: Collect a copy of the response page and complete Dewey task 4

Step 8: A Presentation

The Presentation

Step 9: Evaluation

Evaluation

Thomas, Ronald & Sydenham, Shirley. 2017. A kidcyber webquest: Dewey Decimal System. [online] www.kidcyber.com.au

kidcyber

© 2023 www.kidcyber.com.au ﻿We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this continent and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

© 2023 www.kidcyber.com.au
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this continent and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.