Data Analysis & The Outsiders By Rebecca Chin Ed 200 Professor Dougherty April 27, 2004

Introduction Students will have read the novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Students will analyze data information for Tulsa, Oklahoma and Hartford, Connecticut Gather data on gang- related information in both areas

Context This lesson can be taught in any middle school in Hartford, Conneticut (or it can be modified to any other urban setting) 6 th -8 th grade Preferably with block scheduling (more time in each class) Materials Needed: The Outsiders, handouts on statistics on Tulsa and Hartford, graph paper, movie of The Outsiders

Objectives Students will discuss perceived similarities and differences between Tulsa and Hartford Discuss perceived similarities and differences in gang- related activities in Tulsa and Hartford Students will do research/get handouts on statistics on Tulsa and Hartford with discussions on their findings According to the Connecticut Framework: (a) “Identify points at which comprehension breaks down and correct misunderstandings without prompting” (grade 7) (b) “Interpret and analyze the influence of culture, history and ethnicity on themes and issues in literature” (grade 6)

Activities 1 st Class2 nd Class3 rd Class4 th Class Short quiz on the novel Complete a Venn Diagram of Socs and Greasers Discuss the setting of the novel (Tulsa) Homework: Have the students write down their preconceived notions of Tulsa Go over their lists Give students real statistics on Tulsa and Hartford Compare/contrast Tulsa to Hartford Discuss gang-related activities in Tulsa and Hartford Homework: Write an essay on the findings in class and how does that differ from what they originally though about Tulsa. Were they surprised by anything? In pairs, have the students graph one piece of significant data that communicates a similarity or differences between the two cities and the gang- related activity from the handouts Workshop essays How can we stop gang-related violence in Hartford? With permission of the principal, dress up like your favorite character Watch the movie! Homework: Final paper - Compare/contrast the novel with the movie

Evaluation Quiz Active classroom discussions Small writing assignments/Essay Final paper The students enthusiasm to learn new things and participation

Conclusion With this lesson, I want students to get rid of stereotypes and to seek out the real information My hopes is that with this lesson plan, students will find reading more exciting because they can apply it to real life, especially their own community (and see that other’s are not that much different).