The+Pearl+Webquest

__The Pearl__ by John Steinbeck

This Web Quest is designed to help you gain a better understanding of the background information surrounding Steinbeck's __The Pearl__//.// Each member of your literature circle group will explore a different aspect of the novel - location, myths, or author.

You will work independently and will research the following topics. Using the websites provided, you will answer the questions related to each topic.

You are required to type all information and submit the completed package by Tuesday, September 22, 2009. You will have time in class on Monday to share your work with your literature circle group, revise and edit your work, and collaborate as to how you will put all of the information together. At the beginning of class on Tuesday you will put the three pieces of information together in one packet and turn it in.

This will count as a project and homework grade. You will receive individual grades and a group grade for collaboration. Individual section grades are out of 10 points, the group grade is out of 6 points.

**TOPICS** Answer the following questions: Use the websites below. CONCLUSION: Make predictions on why you think Steinbeck relied on this locale for the setting of his novella.
 * LOCALE **
 * 1) Since the story takes place in Baja, Mexico, locate it on a map. Make a copy or draw the map.
 * 2) What bodies of water surround it? List all of them and label them on the map.
 * 3) What mountains exist? List the names of the mountains and label them on the map.
 * 4) What is the terrain like?
 * 5) What is the climate like?
 * 6) Where is La Paz in relation to the Gulf of California and the mountains?
 * 7) Where is the capital of Mexico? How far would it be from La Paz to Mexico City across the water? How far to go around?

// The Setting and History of Mexico // Baja California Includes a short History of Lower Baja and a brief description of the city of La Paz. Find additional information here: La Paz | The Baja Peninsula. Virtual MexicoThis is the host site which contains the above, which includes General Information about Mexico. Mexico - A Country StudyA comprehensive site from the Library of Congress. Answer the following questions: Use the websites below. CONCLUSION: Make predictions as to why you think a "pearl" is used in this novella as opposed to any number of other symbols for good or bad luck. **Websites on Pearls: (The oyster kind, not the literary.)** The Perfect Pearl - NOVA OnlineThe companion site to the PBS series. Australian PearlsCostello's Online Jewelry store. Myths and Legends about Pearls Broome Pearling HistoryA wealth of information about pearls and pearl diving presented by Australian high school students. **The Author** Answer the following questions: Use the websites below. 1. Give some biographical information on John Steinbeck. (Date of birth, death, education, family interests…) 2. Include this information in a timeline. 3. Who is Eddie Ricketts and how did for he influence Steinbeck’ s novella, //The Pearl?// 4. What other books did Steinbeck write that deal with human values? 5. What are some common themes that are generally presented in Steinbeck’s novels? 6. What kinds of awards did Steinbeck win for his works? Give the award, explain what the award is for and the title of the work that won the award. (This information could also be included on your Steinbeck timeline.)
 * Pearl Mythology**
 * 1) How is a pearl actually grown?
 * 2) List and explain some of the legends about pearls.
 * 3) Is a pearl considered a lucky talisman or an unlucky talisman? Why? (What is a talisman anyway??)
 * 4) What are some of the influences that determine whether a pearl is lucky or unlucky?
 * 5) When were pearls first discovered and where?

**Websites:** National Steinbeck Center"Our mission is the exploration of Human Values through Universal ideas found in the works of John Steinbeck". //Note: The Navigation Menu at the bottom of this site may not display correctly on older web browsers.// The Center for Steinbeck StudiesA San Jose State University site. Wikipedia Steinbeck