Red Scarf Girl

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits
Chairman Mao

Introduction: The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a period of great tumult in China. In 1966, when Ji-li Jiang's story begins, Chairman Mao Zedong has enlisted help of the Red Guards, mostly high school and college students, to cut people's ties to pre-Communist China. Schools and hospitals were closed and destroyed. The work force was thrown into chaos. Violence was common. Families were humiliated and scorned by former friends, neighbors and co-workers.

The Task: While reading Red Scarf Girl you will learn more about the Chinese Cultural Revolution. In order for you to truly understand these events and to share with others your human rights knowledge, you will need to complete the activities in this Webquest.; Once you have completed the novel and the other activities, you will write a newspaper article from Ji-li Jiang's point of view. You will use AppleWorks 6 to create this article and include pictures of this event.

The Process: Follow these steps in order to successfully complete this Webquest.
Reading Activity - Read the novel Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang.

Mapping Activity: Go to the following link and print out the map of China or use the Inspiration template on our server.
: Use the following sites to complete your blank map of China.; http://www.enchantedlearning.com/asia/china/; http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/north_east_asia/china/china.htm; Make sure your map has the following elements :; Major cities - Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xian; Major rivers - Yellow River, Yangtze River, Pearl River; Major waters - Pacific Ocean, South China Sea; Major Sites - Great Wall, Forbidden City

Timeline Activity: The Cultural Revolution has played an important part in the history of China. Using the following sites and Inspiration to create a timeline. You must create a timeline of a minimum of 5 events that charts events leading up to the Cultural Revolution and ending with Mao's death in 1976. View an example timeline and instructions.; Web sites:; http://library.thinkquest.org/26469/cultural-revolution/history.html?tqskip1=1&tqtime=0318; http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/prc3.html; http://chineseculture.about.com/cs/culturerevolution/; http://members.fortunecity.com/stalinmao/China/Cultural/Cultural.html

Writing activity: You have learned a lot of important information regarding the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Now put yourself in Ji-li Jiang's shoes. You have just survived this event and you need to communicate this story to the rest of the world.; • Write a detailed newspaper article that depicts the events of the Cultural Revolution.; • Include a minimum of 4 photos with a brief explanation of each photo.; • Your newspaper must have a name, an issue and a date.; • The article must have a title and your name (Ji-li Jiang) must appear on the article.; • Be creative!; • Don't forget that a good article contains the answers to the following questions : who? what? when? where? why?

Evaluation: Rubrics; Everyone is expected to work to best of their ability and use time wisely. Projects are to be completed on time.; Read novel The Red Scarf Girl and participated in classroom discussions.; Mapping activity Rubric ( points); Timeline activity Rubric ( points); Newspaper Writing activity Rubric ( points); Total Mark: out of /100

Conclusion: Congratulations, you now have a clearer understanding of a devastating human rights violation in the 20th Century. Don't forget that the more we know of such historical events the less likely the chances of this kind of event happening again.; As you conclude this novel study think about the following questions...; What was the purpose of the Cultural Revolution? Was it successful?; Do you think a similar revolution could occur in Canada? Why or why not?; What lessons can be learned by this event?; Please reflect on these questions and write a minimum one page essay stating your opinions.

Credits & References: Novel study of Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang.; China Map http://www.abcteach.com/china/chinamap.htm; Cultural Revolution Poster http://www.iisg.nl/~landsberger/

Updated Sunday, February 8, 2009 C. Pearl-Hodgins