Of Mice and Men Web Quest Project

1. Of Mice and Men Web Quest Project Hedrick AP ENG III: Language and Composition

2. INTRODUCTION In order to better appreciate the novella, Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck, you are going to conduct a research project in which you examine the time period and setting in which the author lived and wrote the novella. By closely examining the time period and setting, you will gain a better understanding of the social, cultural, and economic factors that influenced the author and are reflected in the story. You will gain an appreciation of what it was like to be a migrant worker in the Salinas Valley of California during the 1930’s and Great Depression.

3. INTRODUCTION Steinbeck used Of Mice and Men as a vehicle to express his social conscience and observations regarding the social and cultural issues he witnessed during this difficult era in America. In the novella, Steinbeck paints a picture of two friends struggling against an indifferent society. The novella focuses on topics of poverty and dreams, friendship and loneliness, despair and hope. In addition to gaining a better understanding of the context of the novel, the Webquest will also enable you to understand how many of the societal, cultural, and economic factors that Steinbeck addressed in Of Mice and Men resonate in America today. 

4. TASK Identify and integrate information from multiple sources presented in diverse media to create a presentation that delivers the information • visually • orally Gain an appreciation of how social, cultural, and economic factors can influence an author and are reflected in a literary work.

5. PROCESS • Research and present information on each of the topics to the class visually and orally. • Put all information, summaries, pictures, etc. in presentation form (poster, powerpoint, prezi, video, etc.) • Create a Works Cited page using the proper format. • Students must support all questions asked of the class, as well as be creative.

6. INSTRUCTIONS • Individuals from your presentation group will be assigned one of the specific roles listed below. In this role you are to direct your research to gain information that will answer the specific questions for your section and obtain specific visuals that address your topic to be included in your presentation. • Find information that answers the questions and find visuals to use to help your classmates better understand your research. Take notes to record your information. • Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can identify and document your sources when preparing your Works Cited page. • Stay focused on finding information that enables you to answer the question: What are the background issues that influenced John Steinbeck’s writing of this novella about friendship and social issues?

7. Geographer • What are the geographical features of California’s Salinas River Valley? • What is the Salinas Valley known as? • What kinds of jobs are available there? • What was John Steinbeck’s relationship to the Salinas Valley? • Identify specific locations relevant to Of Mice and Men? • What was the Dust Bowl? How did it affect this area? • Possible idea for the visual component: create a map of the area with significant locations identified. Also, include photos of the dust bowl and its effects. Be creative and have fun.

8. Sociologist • When and what was the Great Depression? How long did it last? • What are some of the factors that caused the Great Depression? • Who were the migrant workers and how were they affected by the Great Depression? What kind of work did they do? Where did they work? • What affects did The Great Depression and Migrant Work have on consumerism, politics, family, life, labor? • Do migrant workers exist today? Where? Who are they? What kind of jobs do they do? How is the issue of migrant workers significant today? • Find one personal account of the Great Depression and one personal account of migrant work experience. Retell and summarize. Give your own personal response to what you find. • Possible idea for the visual of your presentation: develop a collage of photos of the Great Depression and migrant workers of the 1930’s. Be creative and have fun.

9. Biographer • What was his life like? List some of the major facts about Steinbeck’s life, his basic background. • What philosophy of life is revealed in Steinbeck’s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech? Give a brief definition of that philosophy. • What influenced Steinbeck to write the novella, Of Mice and Men? • What are the other major works written by Steinbeck? What are some major themes addressed in his works? • Who are some of the recipients of the Steinbeck Award? What is the purpose of the award? • Possible idea for the visual: create a collage of photos of Steinbeck and covers of his most significant novels. Be creative and have fun!

10. Psychiatrist • What is a mental disability and how does it impact a person’s everyday life? • What are some of the difficulties faced when caring for a mentally disabled person? • What kinds of support are available for people who care for the mentally disabled? • What role does friendship play in the caring for the mentally disabled? • Possible idea for the visual: create a collage of literature book covers and film posters that have stories about the mentally disabled. Be creative and have fun.

11. EVALUATION • Your ability to complete the following tasks will be evaluated: Identify key supporting ideas from reading and research Analyze & evaluate text, comments, claims, and evidence posed • Synthesize comments, claims, and evidence for all sides of an issue • Facilitate discussions over designated topic • Present: • information • findings • supporting evidence • conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning • Include: • alternative perspectives • opposing perspectives • Utilize appropriate: • organization • development • substance • style for: • purpose • audience • Use digital media strategically in presentations to: • enhance understanding • add interest

12. CONCLUSION • We have traveled back in our country’s history to explore a time of change, heartache, and hope. We have explored the literary mind and world of John Steinbeck. We are now ready to experience… Of Mice and Men