This lesson allows students to examine the Scottsboro trial and compare it
to the trial in To Kill A Mockingbird. They will complete three preliminary
activities before the culminating assignment: a comparison/contrast essay
between the two trials. All resources are self-contained within the
webquest, including Web sites, activities, and rubrics for assessment.
Teachers should allow 4-5 class periods for completion of the webquest,
though students could access the webquest at home as well.
Curriculum Standards
Students will:
*Demonstrate understanding of the civil rights movement and the Scottsboro
trial
*Use their understanding of To Kill A Mockingbird to assist them in writing
an essay
*Utilize credible Web sites as research sources
*Synthesize information from these sources in creating a magazine cover,
completing activities, and writing an essay
Skills Obtained
*Synthesis and evaluation of research material
*Active and close reading
*Comparison/contrast practice
*Practice with writing an essay
*Creating an image that reflects their work
Materials Needed
*Computers with Internet access
*Pens/pencils
*Notebooks
*Folder for each student
The Lesson
Students will utilize their comprehension of To Kill A Mockingbird to
complete this webquest. They should see themselves as professional
journalists researching for an article they will each write comparing the
trial in the novel to the Scottsboro trial. All directions for the lesson
are provided. Simply follow directions and links.
