Introduction
I’d like to extend a welcome to all who have boldly taken a step to join this class in our
little town of Nowhere, Mississippi. A made up town where you’ll learn life long lessons
in history about courage, justice, empathy, and how all three will come to life! In
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, we meet Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their
friend Dill as they navigate a world filled with prejudice, moral dilemmas, and the
search for fairness. This web quest will take you on a journey to explore the novel’s
key themes and characters, helping you understand what it means to “walk in
someone else’s shoes.” Try to prepare yourself as we get into this story. We will be
investigating its historical context and connect its lessons to today’s world.
Task
You have now been given the assignment to become the maestro on To Kill a
Mockingbird by investigating its themes of justice, empathy, and courage through
research, analysis, and creative expression. You will work in small groups to complete
the following:
1. Analyze a Theme: Choose a major theme from the novel (justice, empathy, or
courage) and investigate how it is developed through characters and events.
2. Character Study: Create a character profile for one key character in the novel
(e.g. Scout Finch, or Tom Robinson) and explore their role in the story.
3. Historical Context: Research the historical setting of the novel (the Great
Depression and other historical events that occurred) and connect it to the story’s
events.
4. Modern Connection: Write a reflection on how the novel’s themes connect with
current social issues
In order to showcase your findings a group presentation will be your final product (skit, sideshow, poster, etc.)
Process
Follow these steps to complete your web quest. Work in unison with your group,
dividing tasks to guarantee that each group member does their part
1. Step 1: Form Groups and Choose Roles
• Form groups of 3–4 students.
• Assign roles: Designer (creates visuals), and Presenter (leads the presentation).
Researcher (finds information), Writer (organizes findings),
• Decide which theme (justice, empathy, or courage) and character your group will
focus on.
2. Step 2: Research the Theme
• Use the following online resources to explore your chosen theme:
LitCharts: To Kill a Mockingbird Themes https://www.litcharts.com/lit/to-kill-a mockingbird/themes
SparkNotes: To Kill a Mockingbird Themes
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/themes/
• Identify at least three examples from the novel where your theme is evident (e.g.,
quotes, or character actions or other elements).
• Discuss: How does Harper Lee developed this theme? What message do you
think she is trying to convey?
3. Step 3: Create a Character Profile
• Choose one character and use the novel and online resources to build a profile:
Shmoop: To Kill a Mockingbird Character Analysis
• Include: Key actions, personality traits, their connection to your chosen theme,
and background.
• Create a visual representation of your character (e.g., collage, digital graphic, or a drawing)
4. Step 4: Explore Historical Context
• Research the Great Depression and racial segregation in the 1930s American
South:
PBS:Jim Crow Laws https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/freedom-
riders-jim-crow-laws/
History.com:The Great Depression https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression
• Answer: How do these historical events shape the novel’s setting and conflicts?
Provide two specific examples from the text.
5. Step 5: Connect to Today
• Find a current social issue (e.g., racial justice, equality, or bullying) that relates to
your theme.
• Use credible news sources to research the issue (e.g., BBC News, CNN).
• Write a 200-word reflection explaining how the novel’s lessons apply to this
modern issue.
6. Step 6: Create Your Presentation
• Organize your findings into a group presentation (8-12 minutes). You can use a
skit or slide presentation.
• Include the following: Modern connection, theme analysis, historical context, and
visuals and character profile,
• Practice your presentation for engagement, clarity and understanding.
Evaluation
Research the Great Depression and racial segregation in the 1930s American
South:
PBS:Jim Crow Laws https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/freedom-
riders-jim-crow-laws/
History.com:The Great Depression https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression
• Answer: How do these historical events shape the novel’s setting and conflicts?
Provide two specific examples from the text.
5. Step 5: Connect to Today
• Find a current social issue (e.g., racial justice, equality, or bullying) that relates to
your theme.
• Use credible news sources to research the issue (e.g., BBC News, CNN).
• Write a 200-word reflection explaining how the novel’s lessons apply to this
modern issue.
6. Step 6: Create Your Presentation
• Organize your findings into a group presentation (8-12 minutes). You can use a
skit or slide presentation.
• Include the following: Modern connection, theme analysis, historical context, and
visuals and character profile,
• Practice your presentation for engagement, clarity and understanding.
Your group’s work will be evaluated based on the attached rubric (out of 100 points):
Conclusion
You should be proud of yourselves, you’ve completed your travels through Nowhere,
Mississippi! You were able to explore To Kill a Mockingbird, you had a marvelous
experience and you’ve uncovered lessons about justice, empathy, and courage.
You’ve also connected the novel’s themes to the past and present, showing how
literature can inspire change. Now think about what you’ve learned: How will you apply
Atticus Finch’s advice to “walk in someone else’s shoes” in your own life? Share your
thoughts with your classmates!
Credits
Harper Lee, for writing To Kill a Mockingbird.
SparkNotes, LitCharts, Shmoop,
History.com, PBS for providing reliable educational resources.
WeQuest Template inspired by WeQuest.org.
Teacher Page
Objective: This web quest aligns with Common Core Standards for English Language
Arts (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7-12.1–3), focusing on theme analysis, character
development, historical context, and real-world connections. It promotes critical
thinking, collaboration, and research skills.
Grade Level: Adaptable for grades 7–12. For younger students (7–8), simplify the
reflection (100 words) and focus on one theme. For older students (9–12), emphasize
deeper analysis
Duration: 5–7 class periods (45 minutes each)
Materials: Copies of To Kill a Mockingbird, Computers with internet access,
presentation tools (e.g., Google Slides, poster boards), and access to listed websites