WebQuest
Introduction
You are about to embark on a journey of understanding of what it was like to be a migrant worker in the Salinas Valley of California during the 1930's, during the Great Depression. John Steinbeck wrote OF MICE AND MEN as a vehicle to express his social conscience about the period. OF MICE AND MEN is a novel about poverty and dreams, friendship and loneliness, and despair and hope. Through the memorable characters of George and Lennie, Steinbeck paints a portrait of enduring friendship that you won't soon forget. In order to help you to understand the context of the novel and how it still resonates today, you are about to embark on a Web Quest that will lay the ground work for a deeper understanding of this simple, yet profound story.
The Quest
What are the background issues that led to Steinbeck's writing of this novella about profound friendship and social issues?
The Process and Resources
In this Web Quest you will be working and exploring web pages to answer questions in your designated section. Because these are real WebPages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Just focus on your section, answering the questions in it to the best of your ability.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Steinbeck was influenced by a variety of geographical, human, and social issues to write Of Mice and Men. Your job will be to explore some of these issues.
Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Geographers:
Below is a link that contains information for all sections of this WebQuest:
Links to be used for all sections: (If you would like to sign in to the second website, you will have to use your school email) However, I have provided the link info for you:
PLEASE REFER TO THESE THREE LINKS IN ALL SECTIONS OF THE WEBQUEST
4.
Section 1: Salinas Valley, California
1. What are the geographical features of the Salinas Valley in California?
2. What kinds of jobs are available here?
3. What is the Salinas Valley known as?
4. List several facts about the Salinas Valley: Include those from the Depression Era
5. Why do you think he chose this place as the setting of his novel? Explain.
6. What is Steinbeck's connection to Salinas Valley?
Links for sections 2 and 3:
Section 2: The Great Depression
1. What were the main features of the Great Depression? (List and describe the most important facts)
(Ex: What was event that occurred?, How did this impact employment? What were food riots and how did they impact society? What was the government's solution?)
2. What were some of the causes of the Great Depression?
Section 3: The Dust Bowl
1. What was The Dust Bowl?
2. How did the Dust Bowl / Great Depression effect California
3. List facts about California during the Great Depression
4. How did the Dust Bowl impact American society?
Section 4: Migrant Workers
1. Who were migrant workers?
2. How did the Great Depression effect the migrant worker?
3. What were the struggles that the migrant workers faced?
4. What is a swamper?
Section 4 links:
Section 5: Women in the 1930's
1. How are the working roles of women different from the 1930's to the 200'0s?
2. How were women treated during the 1930's?
3. What was the role of women during this time period? (Jobs, roles at home, roles in society? liberties/ freedoms?)
Section 6: Intellectual Disabilities
1. What is Intellectual Disability?
2. Reviewing the links on the Great Depression/ Dust Bowl, how were people with such disabilities different in 1930 as compared to modern day?
Links:
Also read the links on the Great Depression/ Dust Bowl located above
Section 7: John Steinbeck- Remember to use the intro page from your novel.
1. Who was John Steinbeck
2. Provide a brief history (Key points from his life as an author)
3. Discuss the content of his writing
4. Provide examples of his works
5. How did he portray the Great Depression Era?
6. How was he recognized for his works?
Links:
