Of Mice and Men- Webquest   (adapted from a webquest developed by Hamilton Southeastern Schools)

 

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, completing this webquest will lay the ground work for a deeper understanding of this simple, yet profound story.

 

ENDURING  UNDERSTANDINGS

 Students will understand that …

·    Literature captures universal patterns that reflect the human experience across time.

·    Conflict can alienate or oppress an individual or culture.

·    Love, respect, and self-awareness can help individuals overcome obstacles.

·    Writing can be used to reveal truth and cause social change. 

 

 

VOCABULARY ONLINE SUPPORT:

Vocabulary List #1

Vocabulary List #2

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

Background for Of Mice and Men http://www.quia.com/quiz/7203311.html

 

  

PART ONE: Answer each of these essential questions on QUIA.

 

·    How does literature reflect universal themes and archetypes that transcend time and culture?

·    How does conflict divide individuals?

·    How do individuals overcome obstacles?

·    How does literature serve as a vehicle for social change?

 

 

PART TWO:  

 

Click on each of the the Links below. Answer these questions on QUIA. 

• Write a complete sentence to explain the following question: WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE of this link? 
• Write a brief personal response to the information or images contained in that resource. (What did you learn? What did you know already? How will the information included there help you in this unit? What do you think about these images? etc.) 

 

1. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/afctshtml/tsme.html

 

2. health.org/kid/health_problems/birth_defect/mental_retardation.html

 

3. http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html

 

4. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1851.html

 

5. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1642.html

 

 

PART THREE:

 

Answer the following questions by using a Google search within the .edu parameters. Answer questions on QUIA.

 

SALINAS  VALLEY 

1. What are the geographical features of the Salinas valley in California?
2. What kinds of jobs are available there?

BIOGRAPHICAL  DETAILS

1. What biographical details in Steinbeck's life are evident in Of Mice and Men?
2. What was John Steinbeck’s relationship to the Salinas Valley?

HISTORICAL  DETAILS

1. What was the Great Depression?
2. What were some of the causes?
3. Who were the migrant workers and how were they affected by the Great Depression?
4. Do migrant workers exist today? Where? What kinds of jobs do they have?
5. Describe FDR’s New Deal.
6. What were Hoovervilles?

MENTAL  DISABILITY

1. What is a mental disability and how does it affect a person's everyday life?
2. What are some of the difficulties in caring for a mentally disabled person?
3. What is the role of friendship in caring for the mentally disabled?

 

 

 

HANDOUTS: Homework, Classwork: 

 

Of Mice and Men Chapters One - Three Analysis Questions.doc

Of Mice and Men Chapters Four - Six Analysis Questions.doc

 

MAJOR THEMES CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT

 

·         Human loneliness
·         Disillusionment and frustration
·         Alienation and Isolation
·         The survival of the fittest, the predatory nature of human existence
·         The Brother’s Keeper Concept
·         Mercy Killing
·         The American Dream
·         Struggle against powerful forces beyond the control of the characters
·         Tolerance of the atypical
·         Prejudice 

 

 

 

 

 

QUOTATIONS FOR OF MICE AND MEN

 

 

 

 

 

 IDENTIFICATIONS For OF MICE AND MEN.docx

OMaM QUOTATIONS.doc 

Directions for ID Questions for OMaM Test.docx