The American Fifties (Mind Map)

 

The 1950s is commonly referred to as the "Baby Boomer Generation." This era represented a dramatic change in American society for several reasons. Soldiers were returning home after victories in Europe and the Pacific. Population growth was at an all time high. Also the economy was booming in a dramatic way. After a decade of depression and a decade of war, America was ready to celebrate and enjoy life. The 1950s was the birth of television and rock 'n' roll music. It was also the first time teenagers had a voice to express themselves in the mainstream - creating adolescent culture that is still around today.

 

For this assignment, you will create a mind map to represent the actions and views of a famous figure of the 1950s. You can chose one person. If there another famous figure you want to choose from this era, you need to check first with Ms. Nahum.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Jackson Pollock

Barbie

Julius & Ethel Rosenberg

Jack Kerouac

James Dean

Sen. Joseph McCarthy

Allen Ginsberg

Elvis Presley

Dr. Jonas Salk

Ayn Rand

Frank Sinatra

Rosa Parks

Ray Bradbury

Nat King Cole

Chief Justice Earl Warren

Jackie Robinson

Lucille Ball

Frank Lloyd Wright

Arnold Palmer

Ed Sullivan

Resources -

American Memory Search Engine Ð type in the name of the person you are looking for information on here.

American History 1950-1959 Ð information is organized by themes (Books, Music, Sports, etc.)

NOTE: You can always do a specific search on your person using Yahoo! or Google search engines.

Mind Map directions -

1.     RESEARCH information from the time period to understand why the person you chose is a famous figure of this time period.

2.     Draw a face (or other circular design). Draw visuals in the inside of the face. VISUALS ONLY! No words or letters allowed inside the design.

3.     Next, attach 7 to 10 lines to the circular design. At the end of each line write either key phrases/quotes from the person OR important fact about the person. The visuals and keywords should describe your topic.

4.     The Write Up Ð Explanation and Opinion. EXPLAIN what your information is about and how it relates to the visuals and key words you have chosen. Clearly describe why your person was significant to this particular era. Then give your OPINION about the information. Do you think this person made important contributions to American society? Did they have a positive or negative influence on people? Are their contributions significant today? Remember to put your explanation and opinion under separate headings. You may not agree with all of the viewpoints of your chosen thinker. Be sure to be specific as to which concern you are discussing.

5. On the back of your mind map, write the name of the website(s) where you collected your research. This includes if you download any images to include on your mind map along with researching facts/quotes.

 

Mind maps will be due on Monday, December 4, 2006!!