Of Mice and Men

Introduction

Imagine that you are able to step back in time--back to the decade of America's Great Depression, 1930-1939.  What would life be like for someone living then?  What kid of education would you have?  Where would you shop?  What would you wear?  What would you do for entertainment:  go to the movies, watch television, listen to the radio?  Now, what if you could become someone other than yourself?

This is your chance to be someone else, someone different.  You will assume the role of a person living in the 1930s.  You may be anyone you want: a migrant worker, a dust bowl refugee, a city dweller, or a country farmer.  If you wish, you may link your pretend person with someone else's and be brothers or sisters or mother or child.  This is your chance to assume a role!

Task

In order to assume your new role, you will have to become an investigator.  When your investigation is completed, you will make an oral presentation to the class, in character (if you like), using PowerPoint presentation format.

You will be expected to know your background, education, occupation (student, farmer, secretary, etc.), geographical location and/or residence, family life, social/community life, entertainment, and any other information about your life that want to share.  If you have met a famous person, or witnessed an exciting event of the 1930s, make sure you include it in your presentation.

Process

In order to be successful investigators, you will need to research the decade (1930-1939).  Web links have been set up for you in order to aid your investigation.  However, before you can begin your investigation, you must make some decisions:

  1. Decide on the role that you will assume.
  2. If you are planning to link your person with someone else, now is the time to make that decision.  Remember, each person will do their own investigation.
  3. Once you have made these decisions, begin investigating the decade.
  4. Everyone, regardless of role, must begin here with an overview of the 1930s decade.
  5. Record the URL's in which you visit through your research.  (EXAMPLE: https://www.createwebquest.com)
  6. Using the Inspiration web tools, organize the information you have gathered.

Inspiration Web

The 1930's Decade

  People  Events  Fads& Fashion  Art & Architecture
 Music  Radio & Film  Government & Politics  Prices: Then & Now

Now that you are understanding the decade better, it is time for you to learn more about The Depression. Search through the web sites that follow to learn about The Great Despression, The Dust Bowl, and migrant workers. 

The Great Depression

The Migrant Experience  Photo History: Arkansas, 1935  Photo History: Omaha, 1938  Photo History: Migrant Workers, 1937
 Photo History: New York City, 1938  Photo History: Tenant Farmers, 1937  Dust Bowl Memories  The Dust Bowl
 The Great Depression: History Links  1930's Timeline  Surviving the Dust Bowl  The Great Depression: Cause & Effect

 

  

 

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Evaluation

 Each element of your webquest will be evaluated.  As you work, check the rubric often to make sure you are on target to get the best grade possible.  You will be graded in the following areas:

  • Research
  • Role Playing
  • PowerPoint Presentation

 

Beginning

10

Developing

15

Accomplished

20

Exemplary

25

Score

Research

 

                                                                     

Little or   no historical research

Evidence   of historical research which shows an emerging knowledge of the 1930s decade.

Evidence   of historical research which demonstrates applicable knowledge of 1930s   decade.

Evidence   of historical research which demonstrates an understanding of 1930s decade.

 

Role   Playing

 

    

No   evidence of role playing

Displays   an emerging knowledge of characteristics of role; demonstrates an attempt to recreate   a person through appearance.

Displays   an applicable knowledge of characteristics of role; demonstrates application   of role playing through appearance.

Displays a   comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the role; demonstrates   the understanding through appearance and manner.

 

PowerPoint   Presentation

 

    

Creates   few slides with little content; displays little mastery of PowerPoint

Creates   some slides which demonstrate research and an attempt at creative   presentation.

Creates   multiple slides which demonstrate complete research and a strong application   of PowerPoint format.

Creates   dynamic slides which demonstrate complete research and mastery of all facets   of PowerPoint format.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Now that you have spent some time traveling back in time, what are your impressions of the 1930s?  Was it an interesting time to be alive?  Do you think life was easier, harder, simpler, or more complicated?  What did you think of the price of items and the clothes people wore? 

Now please take some time to write in your composition book a reflection of your experience using the questions above as a guide.