The Outsiders - 1960's Webquest

Introduction

You are about to travel back in time to a world very different from the one that we live in today. It was a simpler time, before video games, cell phones, or even computers. Although the 1960's were very different from what you are used to growing up with, you will probably be surprised at how well you can relate to, understand, and even learn from the characters in S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders. You will explore everything from 60's music and fashion to government, cars and even gang life.

Task

What was it like living in the 1960's?

Your task is to gain knowledge of the early 1960's culture in order to better understand and connect with the characters in The Outsiders.

Using the websites provided on the Process page, you will be asked to explore all aspects of the 60s. This process will take some time, as you will be asked to do some investigative work finding specific facts and details about important people, events, and activities of the decade.

Process

The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the year 1966.  You will use the links below to explore, find and record information about the setting of the novel.  

PART 1 - OKLAHOMA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma

https://www.google.ca/maps

http://guides.tulsalibrary.org/content.php?pid=209350&sid=1744213

1. What country is Oklahoma in?

2. What is the biggest city in Oklahoma?

3. What is the population of Tulsa?

4. If you were to drive in a car from Northeastern to Tulsa how long would it take you?

5. Write one additional fun fact that you learned about Oklahoma from your research

PART 2 - ECONOMY

http://www.auroraontheweb.com/east66/1966/66econ.html

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1960s.html

Record the prices of the following items in the year 1966:

1. A new home

2. A gallon of gas

3. A dozen eggs

4. A gallon of milk

5. A new car

note: a gallon has approximately 4 liters

PART 3 - MUSIC

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/60smusic.html

http://www.tvparty.com/fall1.html

1. What was the "British Invasion?"

2. What band was most commonly associated with the "British Invasion?"

3. List 3 other popular bands or artists from the 1960's.

4. List a popular song title from each of the bands/artists you named in question 3.

PART 4 - ENTERTAINMENT

http://www.wgeneration.com/1960.html

http://www.his-forever.com/50s_toys.htm

http://www.tvparty.com/fall1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Newman

1. List two popular TV shows from this decade.

2. List two popular movies from this decade.

3. List and briefly describe three popular toys from this decade.

4. Who is Paul Newman?

PART 5 - STYLE/FASHION

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madras_(cloth)

http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/Modern-World-1946-1960/Rock-n-Roll-Style.html

http://coolmenshair.com/2011/08/how-to-style-a-pompadour-hair.html

http://www.mustangdreams.com/mdconvert.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvair

1. Describe a madras shirt.

2. Briefly describe the pompadour hairstyle.

3. Describe a Mustang.

4. Describe a Corvair.

PART 6 - MAJOR EVENTS

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/1960s-united-states

http://www.bbhq.com/boomeryr.htm

http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/babyboom.htm

http://www.pbs.org/opb/thesixties/timeline/timeline_flash.html

http://email.slaico.com/campaigns/theStandardEdition/1313/se7_1960s.html

1. List and briefly describe four major events from this decade.

2. Give a brief description of the baby boom.

3. Name 2 presidents of the 1960's.

PART 7 - GREASER SUBCULTURE

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/print/p-teach_lesson4_worksheet2.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greaser_(subculture)

1. List 5 slang terms and their meaning.

2. Describe Greaser subculture.