1. The “Jim Crow” South: Internet Research Activity
time, southern states actively practiced racial segregation. The following activity is designed to
Objective: The novel To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in Alabama in the 1930’s. During this
Directions: Using the internet, provide detailed answers to each of the following questions.
Below are two websites where you can find the required information. Feel free to visit
provide you with historical info that will aid your understanding of the novel.
additional sites.
case? What did the court decide? When did the ruling occur? How did the precedent set by
2) Describe the Supreme Court case of Plessy Vs Furguson. What were facts of the
this case effect race relations in the south?
case? What did the court decide? When did the ruling occur? How did the precedent set by
3) Describe the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. Board of Eduction. What were facts of the
this case effect race relations in the south?
The “Jim Crow” South: Internet Research Activity
1) Where does the term “Jim Crow” come from? What are “Jim Crow” laws?
Name:_______________________________________

2. The following website: http://www. pbs. org/wnet/jimcrow
The following website: Describe what is said and what
8) Listen to one of the personal accounts of life in the “Jim Crow” south given at
It teaches you about life in this time period.
7) Describe the challenges African Americans faced when trying to vote in the “Jim Crow” south.
4) What kinds of negative stereotypes were African Americans subjected to during this
time? How did they combat this stereotype?
5) Describe the Scottsboro trial. What were the facts of the case? What was the
verdict? How did this case effect race relations in America?
6) What specific “Jim Crow” laws were enacted in the state of Alabama?

3. To Kill A Mockingbird: Guiding Questions
town of Maycomb. What are her impressions of the town and it’s people? What
Scout’s teacher, Miss Caroline, offers readers an outside perspective on the
can readers learn about the town from Miss Caroline’s reaction to it?
Names:__________________________________________________

4. To Kill A Mockingbird: Guiding Questions
you think Scout and Jem call their father by his first name? Why do you think he allows
Calling a parent by their first name is seen by many people as disrespectful. Why do
this? What is your overall impression of Atticus, and how does his children’s use of
his first name contribute to your understanding of his character?
Names:__________________________________________________

5. To Kill A Mockingbird: Guiding Questions
Maycomb? In particular, what does Atticus’ comments about his wealth and role in the
3) What role does money and socioeconomic status play in the lives of the citizens of
community illustrate about Atticus and the community he lives in?
Names:__________________________________________________

6. To Kill A Mockingbird: Guiding Questions
What are your first impressions of the town of Maycomb? What do the physical and
geographic descriptions of the town tell you about it. What do the descriptions of
the town’s redidents tell you about the town?
Names:__________________________________________________

7. To Kill A Mockingbird: Guiding Questions
Names:__________________________________________________
5) How are your first impressions of Scout’s family? How do