__The+Outsiders__+Internet+Lesson+Plan


 * __Pre-reading Research Project for the Outsiders using various Internet Tools__**

Introduction:

I will be teaching //The Outsiders// for the first time next year. I am excited about teaching this book because I have heard that it is a story that most of the 8th grade reading classes enjoy. One of the things that I like to do before I start reading a novel with students is to take time to research the author, setting, novel background, and other such parts of the book that are important to the overall theme. Gangs/cliques play an integral part in the novel, //The Outsiders//. They are also a part of every school society, as well as “the real world” society. Sometimes students do not even realize that they are apart of a clique or gang; likewise, they do not realize how other students may stereotype them. I have formulated a lesson plan that will allow students to use various Internet tools to research differences between cliques and gangs, as well as to gain a greater understanding as to what image they themselves may be projecting in their own environment. This lesson plan will also allow students to briefly research local gangs and gang affiliations. The primary purpose of this research project will be for students to educate themselves as to how cliques and gangs are similar, how they are different, and why some people feel as if they need to be apart of one or the other. After briefly researching the similarities and differences between gangs and cliques, students will be challenged to create a new set of “10 Commandments For Society” based on what they have learned concerning the positive and negative effects that cliques and gangs can have on individuals, as well as society as a whole. It is important to mention in this introduction that this lesson plan is an extensive lesson plan that consists of multiple mini-projects. Overall it will probably take the students about a week to complete.

Procedures:

1. Each student will individually take the following quizzes offered online at [|http://quizfarm.com]. a. http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=4385&first=yes b. http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=89576&first=yes c. http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=89718&first=yes d. http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=204504&first=yes

(Special Note: These quizzes are NOT based on educational background. They are quizzes created by various individuals just for fun. Students will NOT be required to turn in their quiz results, and they will only have to share their quiz results with their group members if they want. The purpose of having students take these quizzes is for them to see how other students around their age “categorize” cliques. It is also for the students to see how others MAY view them. Finally, these quizzes are also serving as an ATTENTION grabber to get the students interested in talking about cliques. If your school has an Internet filtration system, you may not be able access these sites. You will need to contact your tech support supervisor for clearance. Rest assured that the four quizzes I listed above are clean and school appropriate (I have read each one personally); however, other quizzes on this site may not be.

2. After students have taken the quizzes individually, they will break up into groups as selected by the teacher. The teacher will want to make a point of formulating groups that are diverse so that various ideas/thoughts/values/beliefs can be presented within each group.

3. Each group will be given a “Cliques and Gangs” Worksheet to fill out. They may ONLY use the Internet and each other to complete the worksheet. (Please see worksheet below.)

**__ CLIQUES AND GANGS WORKSHEET __** 1. Define the following terms using http://www.webster.com/. a. gang (noun):_____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________  b.  clique (noun):____________________________________________ 2. Using the same reference website ( http://www.webster.com/ ) find at least two synonyms for the same terms. a. gang (noun):_____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________  b.  clique (noun):____________________________________________ 3. Using [|http://dogpile.com] as your search engine, briefly research 2-3 gangs that are dominant in and/or around your hometown. You only need to provide me with information about the name of the gang, where they are predominately located, affiliations, colors, and other such basics. Gang #1: Gang #2: Gang #3: 4. Now, using the same search engine, [|http://dogpile.com], research various gangs and gang affiliations in the United States. Find at least 5-10 ACTIVE gangs operating in our country. Chart their location and member population in a chart of your groups choosing. Use the “create a graph tool” website http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/ to create your graph/chart. Make a special note of this site. It is fun and easy to use to make various forms of charts and graphs. 5. Look up the definitions of the words listed below. Use http://www.webster.com/. After you have finished looking up the definition of each word, create a study guide worksheet at [|http://puzzlemaker.com] using the words and definitions. Your group may choose to make any type of puzzle that you want, but you must have all words and definitions, so the easiest puzzle will probably be a cross-word puzzle. You will only need to turn in one puzzle per group. You will also need to include a key for your worksheet. WORD TO DEFINE: 1. diversity 2. tolerance 3. bully 4. stereotype 5. prejudice 6. self-esteem 7. racism 8. respect 9. gang 10. clique (You may use the same definitions for #9 & #10 that you did before; just make sure to include the words and definitions in your puzzle) 6.  Access and read the following the article: a. “How to Click Without Cliques” http://www.studycircles.org/en/Article.359.aspx 7. Finally, using all of the knowledge that you have gained doing the above mini-projects, discuss with your group the differences and similarities between gangs and cliques. Decide as a group what some positives and negatives of being in a gang or clique might be. Then, assuming that everyone in society wants to rid itself of gangs and cliques forever, create a new set of “10 Commandments For Society” based on what you have learned concerning the positive and negative effects that cliques and gangs can have on individuals, as well as society as a whole. Write out your 10 Commandments on the sheet of butcher block paper that will be provided by the teacher. Conclusion: After students have completed all of the mini-projects, the teacher will lead a class discussion over what the students have learned, how their opinions/views may or may not have changed, and why they decided to create the commandments that they did.
 * Directions: Using yourself, your group, the Internet, and the outlined websites, please complete the following mini-projects. **