The Crucible-Prereading Explorations

Target learners: 11th Grade College American Literature, homogeneous, little modification necessary
Rationale: Prior to reading The Crucible, students will learn about the historical events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, MA, in 1692. Students will explore websites that provide knowledge surrounding the trials as well as other instances of hysteria in other historical periods. Students will be able to analyze the relationships and triggers of hysteria. They will be able to apply this knowledge to current events that could lead to hysteria and to their overall understanding of the history surrounding the witch trials when they read The Crucible. Upon completion of the webquest, students will be able to recognize hysteria situations and be able to apply them to today�s society. They will also be able to present their perspective on the various explored situations.

Objectives:
By completing this webquest, students will be able to...
-Explain the meaning of certain terminology pertaining to hysteria and the trials
-Demonstrate understanding by answering questions and completing a project
-Explain in his/her own words what occurred in Salem, MA, in 1692
-Make inferences about the websites
-Compare the hysteria situations throughout history
-State an opinion about what occurred
-Compare the hysteria to his/her own life and other current situations in the world
-Demonstrate mastery in the research of the Salem Witch Trials and other hysteria events

Standards: 

National Standards for Reading from National Council for Teachers of English

1.  Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
2.  Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
3.  Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Social Studies Standards from National Center for History in the Schools

Standard 2: How political, religious, and social institutions emerged in the English colonies  

Standard 2A
The student understands the roots of representative government and how political rights were defined.

Standard 2B
The student understands religious diversity in the colonies and how ideas about religious freedom evolved.

GRADE LEVEL	THEREFORE, THE STUDENT IS ABLE TO
9-12	Describe religious groups in colonial America and the role of religion in their communities. [Consider multiple perspectives]
	Explain how Puritanism shaped New England communities and how it changed during the 17th century. [Compare and contrast differing sets of ideas Materials or technology mediums needed: Computers with internet access Additional Resources: Bremer, Francis J. The Puritan Experiment: New England Society from Bradford to Edwards (Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1995). Burke, James. Connections. (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1978). courtroom. The sources used are included in the evaluation portion of the webquest.    Provisions to enhance/aid those students who may be challenged, performing at grade level, or those who have mastered objectives quickly and with greater ease than others: 1.  For students who are challenged by the reading, allow the opportunity to work in a team for the grade.  Students may also present their thought orally as opposed to writing.  2.  Students who have mastered objectives easily can indulge in additional research of historical time periods that have been influenced by undue prejudice.  Wars and crimes perpetrated against individuals and cultures (examples; imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, genocide of the Kurds, etc.).  Students will complete power point displays that link their research to The Crucible.