Title:
Impressions in the Dust: A Visual, Auditory, and Tactile
Journey through the Dust Bowl Experience of the 1930's
Grade Level(s): 5th or 8th Grade
Description:
Integrating the Karen Hesse novel Out
of the Dust, students will use their senses to experience
the 1930's Dust Bowl and how it affected the land,
the families who stayed behind, and the families who
went through the relocation process
Process:
Students will initially complete a KWL chart to determine
any prior knowledge before beginning any of the activities
which includes reading the novel.
Next, students will complete a "Thinking About
Primary Sources" sheet based on pictures located
on display board. This will allow them to view aspects
of the Dust Bowl before reading the novel.
Following "Thinking About Primary Sources"
activity, students will begin reading Hesse's novel
Out of the Dust and while reading the novel, students
will be recording impressions and thoughts in their
Guided Reading Journals. This allows them to pick
out significant aspects in the novel that relate to
School Life, Community Life, Family Life, Agriculture,
Landscape, and Assistance from others. These journals
will be shared before beginning the culminating activities.
Lastly, students will engage in "Historical
Sleuthing" in which they examine the contents
of a box containing photos, sound recordings, maps,
letters, etc. from which they will determine what
aspect of the Dust Bowl their box depicts- Effects
on the Land, Effects on the People/Farmers who stayed,
Effects on families who relocated. Students will then
choose 4 photos from each box to create a story based
on their pictures- "Discovery Storytelling"
activity. Students will then share what they have
learned (historical facts relating to the Dust Bowl)
through their story boards.
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