The Crucible Unit

Lesson 2
University of Mary Washington
Aubrey Kennedy
Title: Using the WebQuest Model of Inquiry to Understand Historical Context of
The Crucible
Grade Level: 11
Time Frame: 60 minutes
Model: WebQuest Model of Inquiry
Designed by: Instruction: A Models Approach by Thomas H. Estes, Susan L. Mintz,
Mary Alice Gunter
Materials:
Paper and pencil for taking notes during the WebQuest
Literature textbook
Computer for each student
WebQuest
Lesson PowerPoint
White board and markers to post lesson objectives, standards, rationale, agenda,
and homework.
Essential Questions/Big Ideas:
What themes do the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible, and McCarthyism all
have in common?
VA SOLs: 11.4: The student will read, comprehend, and analyze relationships among
American literature, history, and culture.
NETS-S:
3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and
use information.
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making: Students use critical thinking
skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed
decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Learning Outcomes/Objectives:
Students will know the themes, setting, and key facts associated with the Salem Witch
Trials, The Crucible, and McCarthyism.
Students will understand that knowing historical context can enhance a readers
comprehension of a text.
Students will be able to make a list of the common themes of the Salem Witch Trials,
The Crucible, and McCarthyism.
Assessments:
Formative

List
Homework paragraph answers

Activities/Procedures:
1. (Hook) The teacher will create a Mind Map (or two, depending on responses)
using students tweets from their homework assignment, which required them to
tweet one fact about the Salem Witch Trials and one tweet about Joseph
McCarthy.
2. (Webquest Model of Inquiry) Students will complete the WebQuest on the
background information of The Crucible.
a. http://thecruciblewebquest11.weebly.com/
b. This WebQuest will require students to complete research on the Salem
Witch Trials, The Crucible, and McCarthyism. Students will work in pairs
to research the themes of each and make a list of their common themes.
c. Students will turn in their lists.
3. (Homework) The students will post a five-sentence paragraph that explains how
the themes are related (as written in their lists) to Google Classroom. If students
do not have access to a computer at home they can turn in a paper copy of their
paragraph.