Night by Elie Wiesel
The Importance of Survivor Testimonials
A WebQuest for 9th Grade English
Designed by
Mrs. Peguero
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Introduction
Imagine experiencing the Holocaust firsthand. In this
WebQuest, you will gain an understanding of what it was
like to live through the Holocaust, by reading firsthand
accounts of Holocaust survivors.
Essential Questions
• What is the importance of survivor testimonials in
preventing future Holocausts?
• How are historical events related to the events of recent
times?
• How do people move beyond tragic experiences?
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Task
• After reading Night by Elie Wiesel, you will read
stories of survivors of the Holocaust on the Internet.
• Then, you will design a product to convey you
understanding of the survivors’ stories.
• Finally, you will share you product with the class.
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The Process
• Read Night by Elie Wiesel
• After you finish reading the book go to the
following websites to read other survivor
testimonials.
–
PEOPLE/Survivors
–
HERMAN (PAUL) FEDER Story, Part One
–
Excerpts from the testimony of Rabbi Baruch G.
–
Joseph Heinrich 1
–
MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD IN THE HOLOCAUST by Judith Jagermann
–
Kurt Lenkway
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The Product
• In order to convey your understanding of the
readings, you will create a product to share with the
class.
• You may work on the product individually or you
may work in a small group (3-4 people).
• You may choose from the following formats for your
product:
–
–
–
–
Power Point Presentation (7 slides minimum)
Narrative Poem (5 stanzas minimum)
Visual Essay (5 pictures minimum)
Written Essay (5 paragraphs minimum)
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Evaluation
• You will be required to present your product to
the class orally or visually.
– PowerPoint Presentation - include audio or speak
throughout presentation
– Narrative Poem – read the poem to the class or display
poem creatively on poster board
– Visual Essay – speak about the pictures to the class as
you present them or display them on a poster board
with captions.
– Written Essay – read the essay to the class or display
the essay on a poster board
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Evaluation Continued
You will be graded using the following rubric:
Originality
4-Presentation shows considerable originality and inventiveness. The content and ideas are presented in a unique and interesting way.
3-Presentation shows some originality and inventiveness. The content and ideas are presented in an interesting way.
2-Presentation shows an attempt at originality and inventiveness on 1-2 cards.
1-Presentation is a rehash of other people's ideas and/or graphics and shows very little attempt at original thought.
Content - Accuracy
4-All content throughout the presentation is accurate. There are no factual errors.
3-Most of the content is accurate but there is one piece of information that might be inaccurate.
2-The content is generally accurate, but one piece of information is clearly flawed or inaccurate.
1-Content is typically confusing or contains more than one factual error.
Sequencing of Information
4-Information is organized in a clear, logical way. It is easy to anticipate the type of material that might be on the next card.
3-Most information is organized in a clear, logical way. One card or item of information seems out of place.
2-Some information is logically sequenced. An occasional card or item of information seems out of place.
1-There is no clear plan for the organization of information.
Requirements
4-All requirements are met and exceeded.
3-All requirements are met.
2-One requirement was not completely met.
1-More than one requirement was not completely met.
Presentation
4-Well-rehearsed with smooth delivery that holds audience attention.
3-Rehearsed with fairly smooth delivery that holds audience attention most of the time.
2-Delivery not smooth, but able to maintain interest of the audience most of the time.
1-Delivery not smooth and audience attention often lost.
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Conclusion
In completing this project, you will have an understanding
of the importance of survivor testimonials in preventing
future Holocausts, how historical events are related to the
events of recent times, and how people have an ability to
move beyond tragic experiences. In addition, you will
experience the success of completing a project that will be
viewed and enjoyed by others.
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Teacher Page
Recommendations
•Take notes as you read.
•Summarize the survivor stories.
•Use graphic organizers to arrange your information.
•Identify your strengths before choosing your product format.
•Ask for help from me or your peers throughout this process.
Visit the following Web sites to gain a better understanding of the Holocaust:
Timeline – The Ghettos (1939-1941)
http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/timeline/ghettos.htm
Holocaust Timeline – The Camps
http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/timeline/camps.htm
People – Victims of the Holocaust
http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/people/victims.htm
The Holocaust: A Glossary of Terms
http://www.mtsu.edu/~baustin/glossary.html
Jewish Losses in the Holocaust
http://www.mtsu.edu/~baustin/jewvicts.html
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Credits and References
College of Education, University of South Florida (2005) The
nazification of Germany. Retrieved on March 1, 2007, from
http://fcit.usf.edu/HOLOCAUST/timeline/nazifica.htm
Night. New translation. New York: Hill and Wang, 2006.
Schools of California Online Resources for Educators (1997). Night by
Elie Wiesel. Retrieved on February 28, 2007, from
http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/night/nighttg.html
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