The Great Gatsby

Introduction

The Great Gatsby was set in a time period that the people sitting in English classes today will never fully understand. The culture of the 1920s was very different than the culture of the 21st century. This webquest will allow you to look back into the 1920s to see the different aspects that played into the novel. Using complete sentences, record your answers in a G-doc and share it by the end of the day. 

Task

This assignment is supposed to be fun, so enjoy reading and learning about the culture of the 1920s! You will be taken through many different sites and sources to see how Gatsby and his friends lived during the time of the novel. You will be given some sites however, you may need to do a little digging on your own to find out more information. Be prepared to get together in groups and discuss your findings next week!

Process

You will look into the five topics that are listed below to learn more about the social and cultural aspects of the 1920s. Drawing names I will randomly put together groups of 4. Remember: Have fun!

Fashion: Use this link to answer the following questions; http://www.1920-30.com/fashion/

  1.  What were two of the major changes to women's fashion during this time period?
  2. Designing clothing turned into a vocation for what reason in the 1920s?
  3. What were the new materials used to make clothing?

Prohibition: Answer the questions below using the following link; https://www.britannica.com/event/Prohibition-United-States-history-1920-1933

  1. Define prohibition and explain the impact that the Eighteenth Amendment had on people after it was put into place.
  2. What rose as a result of the Prohibition?
  3.  What were two big illegal activities during the Prohibition era?
  4. When was the Prohibition repealed and what amendment allowed this to happen?

Slang: Learn more about slag using the link and answer the following questions; http://local.aaca.org/bntc/slang/slang.htm

  1. Select one slang word from each letter category and define it.
  2. Pick one slang word that is still used today and describe the difference from what it meant in the 1920s and what it means today. (Remember keep it school appropriate)

Old Money vs. New Money: Answer the following questions using this link; http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/definition-money-versus-new-money-9932.html

  1. List 3 of the ways in which old and new money differ.
  2. Does the separation of old and new money still exist today?
  3. Explain how the two social classes spend their money differently.

The Jazz Age: Using the following link answers the questions below about the Jazz Age; https://www.boundless.com/u-s-history/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/the-roaring-twenties-1920-1929-24/a-culture-of-change-187/the-jazz-age-1031-1995/

  1. Where did jazz originate from?
  2. What did jazz music consist of?
  3. Were there only men who participated in the jazz industry? If not who were some women who participated?
  4. What was one dance created as a result of the growth of jazz music?

Evaluation

 

 

Category

5

3

1

Content

Student accurately completes each question as asked in the webquest.

Student answers questions, but does not go further than the requirements asked.

Student leaves some questions unanswered and does not use complete sentences.

Interest

Student goes above the standard answers for each question and goes into detail; adds additional elements not asked for.

Student answers all questions; does not include any additional components other than what is asked.

Student does not answer all questions accordingly; meets the bare minimum requirements.

Discussion

Actively participates in discussion and helps lead it; asks many questions

Student participates in discussion; asks one or two questions

Student does not participate in discussion and does not ask questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Now that you have finished your webquest go back and review your answers to prepare for discussion. Be prepared to ask questions within your group and help lead the discussion. While answering these questions try and put yourself in the shoes of a man or woman in the 1920s. My hope is that this webquest helped explain the social and cultural aspects of the 1920s to have a better understanding on how the characters in The Great Gatsby lived. Good luck in the dicsussions and don't forget to participate!