Process
The Process
Before you begin your quest, get some background information about The Great Migration.
Examine the picture by artist Jacob Lawrence. Identify the three major destinations for African Americans in the North.
You will be working with primary source documents in this webquest.
STEP 1.
EXPERT RESEARCH
You will become a content area expert. You will be assigned to one of three areas. You will read, look at, and consider all the websites in your area of expertise. You will identify 3 important or interesting ideas in your area, and then you will take notes on those 3 ideas. Remember to examine the photographs and the art carefully. There is a lot of information in the captions. TIP: Click on a website link to enter it. When you're ready to leave it, click the BACK ARROW. Don't close the site.
Factors that pushed African Americans out the the South Expert:
A "push" factor is an event or events that pushes a person away or encourages a person to leave his or her home. Push factors drive people away from a place. Take a look at these websites and list at least three push factors:
Go to Seven Letters from the Great Migration
and read the letter dated May 13, 1917.
Some other factors which lead African American lead to migrate North.
Examine the following primary documents:
Factors that pulled African Americans North Expert
A "pull" factor is an event or events that attract a person to another area. A pull factor draws people to a new place. Take a look at these websites and list at least three pull factors:
Conditions in the North expert
STEP 2.
Once
you have collected and recorded all the information in your notes, you will meet with members of other groups who have the same task as you, and you can compare information to be sure everyone has
the necessary facts.
STEP 3.
Making a Decision 
Now it is time for your group to make a decision about whether to migrate to a northern state. It's a big decision, so you should take your time. It's very important for all members to play a role. Your group will be arriving at a consensus.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the definition of consensus is:
- a : general agreement b : the judgment arrived at by most or all of those concerned
- group solidarity in sentiment and belief
Use the following steps to guide you:
- Trust
each other. This is not a competition; everyone must not
be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.
- Make
sure everyone understands the topic/problem. While
building a consensus make sure everyone is following,
listening to, and understanding each other.
- All
members should contribute their ideas and knowledge
related to the subject.
- Stay
on the task.
- You
may disagree, that is OK and healthy. However, you must
be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an
agreement.
- Separate
the issue from the personalities. This is not a time to
disagree just because you don't like someone.
- Spend some time on this process. Being quick is not a sign of quality. The thought process needs to be drawn out some.
Let your teacher know when your group has made a decision.
STEP 4.
You will inform a family member or friend of your decision. You have two choices:
Write a letter stating the reasons you are going to migrate North:
- Use specific reasons for going North
- What northern city are you migrating to?
- What are you bringing with you?
- Are you traveling alone or with your family?
- What are your hopes?
Write a letter stating the reasons you are going to stay in the South:
- Use specific reasons for not migrating
- Do you plan on migrating in the future?
- What are your hopes for your future?