Jason+M.+WebQuest+Text

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=G.R.A.S.P.S= = =
 * Goal || You goal is to design an exhibit on the the 1920's for a new collection in the Smithsonian Museum. ||
 * Role || You are a group of historians competing with other historians to win your place in the museum's collection. ||
 * Audience || Smithsonisn Museum board of directors. ||
 * Setting || Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. ||
 * Presentation || You will present an iMovie feature that will be shown to the board, then explain you idea to them further with an oral presentation. ||
 * Standards || Students understand major eras, major enduring themes, and historic influences in the United States and World History, including the roots of democratic philosophy, ideals, and insitutions in the world. ||

=Introduction= What do you think of when you hear about the 1920's? Maybe a few random words, thoughts or ideas come to mind? Does a famous person come to mind? or a particular event? Many of you may not realize that the 1920's are a pivotal decade in United States history. Our fascination of celebrities grew on a grand scale during this time. If you wanted a good introduction to the Roaring Twenties, how would you want to see or experience it? A short movie depicting a few key events would certainly pique your interest. Well then, looks like your ship has come in. Not only will you be watching such a movie, you are going to be in it! =Task= The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has issued a “call to arms” for any Historian listening. Apparently, they are budgeting for several new exhibits to be incorporated into new collection that will focus on the question of whether or not the 1920's share similarities to today. Each decade of the twentieth century had its significant changes politically and culturally. Personalities we chose to idolize during the 1920's share similarities with those of today. Often, changes happened for the better, but not always. Can major events and trends of the era repeat themselves today? The museum ultimately wants a collection of exhibits showcasing every decade of the twentieth century. Your team has been given the task of creating a movie exhibit to be featured in the 1920’s collection. The museum wants not only an exhibit that teaches about that decade, but one that will challenge viewers to ask if we have learned our lessons of history. Can any of those same controversies, mistakes or tragedies happen again today? You will compete with many different groups of historians who also want to win, and win badly. You will present a video presentation to a board of directors who will then choose the best presentation. The winners will have their work featured in the museum and enjoyed by millions of visitors a year. Think of the prestige!

=Conclusion= Maybe your exhibit won a place in the Smithsonian, maybe it didn't, but wasn't the journey a lot of fun. Did you not learn a great deal about the 1920's? As the decade of bathtub gin and flappers falls further behind in our everyday thoughts, we must think of new ways to draw a meaningful connection to this pivotal decade. You have proven that in many ways the past does not simply vanish forever. The 1920's were rife with events, people, and places that have become immortal. Film and radio for the first time guaranteed a place in history for those people caught in their spell. If our collective history can be looked at as a chain, then every link is equally important. Every decade of our history is an important link and vital to whom we are today. The 1920's were rich in personalities, events, and sensational stories. Since you now know so much about this decade, who would you want to be if you were back there? What event would you want to participate? See, the 1920's live on in your mind!