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Introduction
According to iconic musician John Lennon, "The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility that we all had. It wasn't the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.” The 1960's were a time of great change in our nation. Young people found their voice, as they protested against war and racism. Older generations began to question the world they grew up in. As a nation, our culture changed in every way imaginable.
Your job is to learn about the 1960's in order to help you understand the journey you will take with Marc and Bryon in the S.E. Hinton novel That Was Then, This Is Now. Some of the topics we will discuss will be controversial, so keep an open mind and get ready to really think about the lessons our country learned in a very different time.
The Task
To prepare for your time travel into the 1960's, you'll need to research the specified information. Click on the blue links under each topic. Collect your research information from these websites, either on loose leaf or in a Google Doc (If you are using a Google Doc, share the Doc with your teacher). Be sure to answer the questions or complete the tasks tied to the research!
The Process
Use the laptop and the websites below to find information on the following topics. Write down your answers and information on loose leaf or in a Google Doc. If you choose to use a Google Doc, you MUST share it with your teacher(s)!
1. CIVIL RIGHTS:
Ruby Bridges-
In order to understand what school was like during the 1960's, read about Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend an all-white public school in the southern part of our country.
Biography of Ruby Bridges Read the article AND watch the web video on this link!
IN YOUR NOTES...Write down five facts about Ruby Bridges and what she experienced in 1960.
Martin Luther King, Jr-
In order to understand the changes going on in society during the 1960's, read about Martin Luther King, Jr. and watch the video clip below.
Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kid President
IN YOUR NOTES...Explain why Martin Luther King, Jr. is important to our society. Make sure your explanation includes at least two specific details about what Dr. King did during his life. Your explanation should be at least five sentences in length.
2. YOUTH CULTURE:
Hippies-
In order to understand how young people felt during this time period, read about the Hippies.
IN YOUR NOTES...Write down three ways that Hippies were different from regular society. Why do you think they chose to be different from their parents and the rest of society?
Icons-
In order to understand the culture of young people during this time period, select one of the following icons to read about using the link below:
IN YOUR NOTES...Write down a brief description of who this/these icon(s) was/were and what he, she or they are best known for.
3. COST OF LIVING:
Finances-
In order to understand how much money would be needed by the average family, watch this. Then research the following:
The average cost of a new house in 1960
The average cost of a new house in 2016
The cost of groceries in 1960 (Not just one item...make a list of food enough to last a week!)
The cost of groceries in 2016 (Try to pick similar items as you did with your 1960's list)
The salary of the average American in 1960
The salary of the average American in 2015* Remember that in today's society, there are many two income families where both parents work. This was not the case in 1960, when most of the workforce was made up of men, and women were expected to raise families at home.
IN YOUR NOTES...Write down the cost of each item listed above. Decide how much money someone would need to make in order to live comfortably in 1960 (a house, a car and food for all 52 weeks in the year). Determine how much money someone would need to make in order to live comfortably today. BE SURE TO EXPLAIN YOUR THINKING!
Evaluation
Your teacher will grade your Google Document or notes. Use the following as a checklist to make sure you've completed everything you need:
CIVIL RIGHTS SECTION....40 points total
- Five facts about Ruby Bridges and what she experienced in 1960.... 20 points
- Five sentence explanation of why Martin Luther King, Jr. is important to society.... 20 points
YOUTH CULTURE SECTION....40 points total
- Three ways Hippies were different from regular society.... 15 points
- A written statement about why Hippies chose to be different from their parents.... 5 points
- An explanation of who one of the listed icons was.... 10 points
- An explanation of what the listed icon was best know for.... 10 points
COST OF LIVING SECTION....20 points total
- The cost of all 8 listed items....8 points
- Your determination and explanation of how much someone would need to live comfortably in 1960
and in 2016.... 12 points
Your total grade will be a PROJECT GRADE worth 100 points!
Conclusion
Now that you've had a peek inside of the world in which Marc and Bryon grow up, you might have a clearer idea of some of the obstacles and struggles that they will face as we read the novel That Was Then, This Is Now. With this story, as with any fiction we read, our goal is to make a personal connection, understand the struggles of our characters, and draw conclusions that we can learn from and apply to our own lives. John Lennon saw the 1960's as a time of great possibility and hope. Let's try to determine how Marc and Bryon see it as we read.
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