Introduction

Picture this: You're in your English class anxiously awaiting to start reading your favorite book. On the day you're supposed to start reading, your teacher sorrowfully informs the class that you will no longer be reading your favorite book; it has been banned from all classrooms due to controversial content in the text.

You begin to wonder why books get banned, and whether banning books from classrooms is fair. You decide to conduct research on the Internet so you can make a informed opinion on whether or not book banning is fair.

Given the proper research tools, the students will browse a variety of websites to conduct their research. Based upon their findings, they will come to a informed conclusion and be able to discuss why they think book banning is fair or unfair.

The Quest

Should schools be able to limit students' reading in the classroom or should it be your decision?

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be conducting individual research using the Internet. Each student will answer the question of whether book banning is fair. As a member of the class you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about banned books. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in the class getting some background information on banned books before dividing the class into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the different controversial issues surrounding book banning. Make sure to find solid evidence to back up your individual positions.

• American Library Association - This website discusses Banned Books Week and proviedes information about banned books.
• The Online Books Page - This site lists banned books that have been censored by legal authorities and provides additional information on censorship.
• Intellectual Freedom - This site gives topics related to censorship, library policies on banned books, and supreme court cases.
• Banned Books Online - This website lists censored books, and provides additional censorship information.
• Celebrating the Freedom to Read - This website provides a list of banned books.
• Most Frequently Banned Books of the 1990's - This site lists a plethora of books that were most frequently challenged in schools between 1990-1992.
• Censorship/ Banned Books - This website provides information about the latest updates on books that have been banned (i.e. Harry Potter).
• Banned Books and Censorship - This website provides links to recent books that have been banned (1990-1999).
• Articles on Censorship - This site provides articles from both viewpoints of the banned books controversy.
• Banning Books From the Classroom: How to Handle Cries For Censorship - This website defines censorship and provides information on how to handle and avoid controversy.
• Book Banning Heats Up - This site is the Education World issue of book banning.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals from your larger WebQuest team will explore the given role of opposing or supporting book banning.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. Read, summarize, and document the files given as they pertain to your specific group.

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point. Make sure you site your sources.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned from your web research into one main opinion that answers the question based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

students who are for book banning

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to students who are for book banning:

1. How does banning books benefit the public?
Be sure to site previous cases that support your opinion as well as siting where you got your information. Also, be sure to include the first amendment rights and how it plays a part in supporting book banning.

students who are against book banning

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to students who are against book banning:

1. Is book banning robbing people of their first amendment right to freedom of the press?
Be sure to site previous cases and include the first amendment argument in your support for opposing book banning. Also, be sure to site your sources to back up your argument.

• Banned Books and Censorship
• Banned Books and Censorship - This site provides links to other websites that deal with banned books and why.
• Banned Books and Censorship: Info & Resources - This website provies background information on banned books, as well as freedom rights.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different part of banned books. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with the new knowledge gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the question of whether book banning is fair. Each group will present their findings and argue their case for or against book banning. The opposing sides will engage in a debate in class. Use information, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your class that your viewpoint is important. Make sure to voice your opinion-you never know how it will affect the class!

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

After the group debate in class, the two sides are now well informed on both positions. Now it's time for real world feedback by writing a letter to any authority figure who is responsible for banning books-whether it be someone in government, the school board, principal etc.,that contains your personal opinion on book banning. Individually, you will write a letter that contains expresses your opinion on book banning and what you actions you think the authority figure you are writing to should do about book banning. Be sure to keep the information and perspectives that you've gained, both in favor or your argument and against. Also, remember to express yourself in a professional manner. Here's the process:

1. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing your message to this particular person or organization. Be sure to be professional as to not offend anyone. Your letter should express your personal opinion on book banning.

2. Give background information that shows you understand the topic.

STATE THE TASK / QUEST(ION) AND YOUR GROUP'S ANSWER.

3. Your letter should be at least 5 paragraphs in length and contain factual information supporting your opinion. Make sure to be specific in both the information (like where you got it from on the Web) and the reasoning (why the information proves your group's point).

4. Use correct letter format. When you are satisfied with your letter, you will hand it in for the teacher to proofread and send.

Your Contact is: Emily Bennett - Classroom Connect

Conclusion

You're back in the English class which barred you from reading your favorite book. Now you're aware of why of your favorite book was banned in your classroom. When you are only informed on one side of an issue, it's easy to come up with an answer that may not be completely right. It's the same for understanding a topic as broad or complex as banned books: when you only know part of the picture, you only know part of the picture. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of banned books could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.