By

Stacy Schirk - M.S./H.S. English and Journalism
Suring School District

Chris Verges - H.S. English, Speech, and Video Broadcasting
Oconto Falls School District

Monica Gostisha - H.S. Library Media Specialist
Oconto Falls School District

Introduction

The Crucible exemplifies persecutions/discriminations during the Salem Witch Trials. But has the witch hunt ended? Is history doomed to repeat itself again and again? Seek and you will discover!

While you may have escaped past and current suspicion, you have been charged to employ your discoveries and stretch your imagination by writing a futuristic play depicting a form of persecution.

Task

1. Each group of six students will research the significance of persecution throughout history to the present.

2. Each group will write a play based on a persecution that occurs in the future. The play will contain the following:
(Click on the blue word for definitions)

• A Setting in the future.
• A number of Characters demonstrating the appropriate traits associated with persecution (antagonist/protagonist).
• A Plot, which includes at least one conflict, based on persecution as well as the resulting climax.
• A Theme that reflects timeless persecution.
• A Point of View/Narrator that furthers your theme.

3. Each group will perform its play script using the conventions of a play reading or a group oral interpretation.

Process

The steps to complete the project are as follows:

1. Students will be divided into teams.

2. Each team will be required to read the information at each site listed in the resources.

3. Each team will formulate the following information on one 4x6 notecard for each site.

• What type of persecution has occurred (racial, ethic, gender, religious, etc.).
• When the persecution occurs (i.e.1963).
• Whether this type of persecution still exists (short, concise explanation).

4. Each team will collaboratively write a play based on a persecution that takes place in the future.

5. Each team will present a reading using the conventions of play reading or group oral interpretation.

Resources

Evaluation/Assessment

A project rubric has been developed to assess research as well as presentation of this WebQuest.

Conclusion

For this project you are charged with discovering the numerous forms of persecution that have existed throughout civilization. After researching them, you will apply the concept of these persecutions in writing and perform a play reading that may occur in the future.

Results:

• An awareness of the diverse persecutions throughout civilization.
• Collaborative effort to write and present the play that demonstrates an understanding and application of the concept of persecution.
• An understanding that unless awareness motivates change, history is doomed to repeat itself.

Teacher's Notes

1. This WebQuest is a closure activity for The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It is assumed that the students have successfully finished reading the play and discussed the concept of a "witch hunt".
2. It is assumed that the student has a working knowledge of play script elements.
3. It is assumed that the student has a working knowledge of play reading and group oral interpretation conventions.
4. It is suggested that teams be made up of six students, using teacher discretion and computer availability on subdividing the team for researching "Resources".

**Arthur Miller did not do his research. Check it out!

Stacy	Chris	Monica