What do you know about the 1960's?

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.

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 novel '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.

Building Background Knowledge

 

Answer the following questions in complete sentences in your English Workbook.

 

PART 1 - AUTHOR

1. Where was Hinton born? (Coincidentally, this is assumedly where the novel takes place.)

2. What year was 'The Outsiders' published?

3. What influenced her to write The Outsiders? 

4. Where did Hinton get the idea for The Outsiders?

http://www.sehinton.com

 

PART 2 - OKLAHOMA (SETTING)

1. What country is Oklahoma in?

2. What is the biggest city in Oklahoma?

3. What is the population of Tulsa?

4. Write three additional fun facts that you learned about Oklahoma from your research.

5. Draw a picture of the state of Oklahoma - just the outline is fine!

 

PART 3 - ENTERTAINMENT

1. List five bands that were popular during the early to mid 1960's.

2. List two popular TV shows from this decade.

3. List two popular movies from this decade.

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

4. Who is Paul Newman?

 

PART 4 - EVENTS

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

2. Give a brief description of the baby boom.

3. Name two presidents of the 1960's.

 

PART 5 - HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AND TOYS

1. Find the prices of six commonly used household items in the 60's.

2. List five popular toys from the 1960's.

 

PART 6 - FASHION

1. Describe a madras shirt.

2. Briefly describe the pompadour hairstyle.

3. Describe a Mustang.

4. Describe a Corvair.

 

PART 7 - GREASER SUBCULTURE

1. Read about the Greaser subculture 1950's / 1960's and provide a brief summary.

2. What were gangs like in the 1960's.

3. What is a rumble? What types of weapons were often used in rumbles in the 1960's? 

This is your opportunity to work on some research and show what you know. The final product should reflect 9th-grade ideas and insight.  

Congratulations!  You are now becoming an expert on S.E. Hinton and 1960s culture.  You are ready to embark on the incredible journey of Ponyboy, Johnny, and the other Greasers in the novel 'The Outsiders'.

Please ensure you turn in your worksheet on TEAMS so that Ms Glenwright see it!

Ms Glenwright

English and Humanities Teacher