The Library of Congress

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Visions In the Dust Student Study Guide

We are beginning our study of the Great Depression of the 1930s. For this unit, we will be combining literature with the resources of the Library of Congress. As we embark upon this venture, we will be looking at this aspect of history from a young person’s perspective. At the conclusion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Use primary source materials to gain knowledge of the Dust Bowl;
• Use historical fiction to understand the human aspect of the Dust Bowl experience;
• Relate primary source materials from American Memory collections to passages, characters, and events from the novel; and
• Develop research skills and strategies, such as keyword searches, for finding information.

1. Begin by looking at Images of the Great Depression for our introductory activity.

2. Following this exercise, read Karen Hesse’s Newbery Award-winning novel, Out of the Dust. Use the Guided Reading Journal as you read; this will aid you in documenting meaningful passages.
3. Your next step will be to explore the resources of the American Memory collections. For this project, concentrate your search in America From the Great Depression to World War II: Photographs From the FSA and OWI.

4. Use keywords and concepts from your Guided Reading Journal to find images representing meaningful passages you have recorded.

5. Using the images you have selected, compile a presentation (poster, collage, scrapbook, multimedia presentation, etc.) to share with others. The presentation should include the picture with the accompanying passage from the book.