by Patricia Leslie, Robert Hunter Elementary School
Suzanne Petto, Copper Hill School
Working in groups, students will research The Great Migration. They will become experts in the push and pull factors of the migration and decide whether to migrate North. Students will write a letter to a friend or relative explaining their decision.
Teacher Introduction
This webquest was created as a lesson for a Teaching American History Grant. It would be appropriate for 4th. through 8th. graders.
The webquest begins with a brief introduction to The Great Migration. The students analyze art by Jacob Lawrence and identify three northern cities that serve as major destinations by African Americans. Because students will be analyzing primary source documents, they are required to read a definition. It would be a good idea to have a discussion of source documents with your students before they begin.
The students will work in groups of three to research and explore three topic:
- push factors of the migration
- pull factors of the migration
- conditions in the North
After researching their topic, the students will use the jigsaw technique to ensure understanding of their area of expertise.
They will then be required to form a consensus about whether they should migrate to a northern city.
In the final part of the webquest, the student will publish a letter, explaining the reasons for his/her decision.