Directions:  Choose enough projects from each layer to add up to the correct amount of points.  When you submit each section, label it with the layer and number of the assignment or it will not be graded.  Projects will be graded on the quality of the content and the quality of its presentation (i.e. neatness, organization, spelling/grammar).

Layer A:  Choose 60 points

1.     Find 20 words or phrases throughout the book that are slang from the 1960’s.  Write out the word/phrase, a definition, a sentence, and a drawing or symbol to help you remember the meaning.  10 points

2.     Read aloud a chapter with friends, each of you taking the part of one of the characters with one person narrating.  Present a page of it to the class.  20 points

3.     Identify the theme, setting, conflict, and climax.  15 points

4.     Memorize “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost and recite it in front of the class.  10 points.

5.     Hinton gives detailed descriptions of each of the characters in the book.  Choose 3 characters and write a paragraph or poem about each one.  15 points

6.     Draw a cartoon of one of your favorite scenes in the book.  20 points

7.     Draw a poster that would appeal to your friends and would make them want to read the book.  For example, the poster could resemble the back of the book, with pictures and a summary of the book.  20 points

8.     Write an obituary about Bob, after chapter 4.  It must be at least 3 paragraphs.  20 points

9.     Write a poem about family that reflects Ponyboy’s relationship to either Soda or Darry.  15 points

10.  On poster board, create a “graffiti” collage featuring the slang words in the novel.  Include actual meanings and current slang equivalents.  10 points

11.  Write another chapter with a different ending to the story.  It should not exceed 3 pages typed, double spaced.  30 points

Layer B:  Choose 20 points

1.     Pick out 12 significant incidents in the book.  Make a timeline with the incidents and a two-sentence explanation of why they are significant.  On the timeline, put the positive incidents towards the top of the paper and the negative incidents toward the bottom.  10 points

2.     Do an interview with Cherry for a local radio station.  Include questions about the problems that exist everywhere and how she feels torn between the Socs and the Greasers.  Your interview should have at least 7 questions  10 points

3.     Imagine that the Greasers hold fundraisers to erect a memorial in honor of Johnny Cade’s life.  Decide where they would place the memorial and what it would look like.  Make a detailed drawing or model of the memorial and include the inscribed wording that would appear on it.  10 points for drawing, 20 for model

4.     Make a list of 5 “groups” in schools today that are similar to the Socs and the Greasers.  What would the strengths and weaknesses be for each one?  List 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses.  10 points

5.     Design your idea of the perfect place, like Ponyboy talks about.  Include details about what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch there.  You may include photos or illustrations.  Compare your perfect place to Pony’s (at least 2 paragraphs).  10 points

6.     Predict what Ponyboy’s life will be like twenty years after Johnny’s death.  Create a collage that depicts his career, friends, family life, and hobbies at age 34.  10 points

7.     Design an award for each main character (choose 6 characters).  Write a brief speech outlining why each character qualified for that particular award.  For example:  Rebel of the Year goes to

Dally.  10 points

Layer C:  Choose 20 points

1.     Find two articles in a magazine or newspaper that you think would explain a lesson that Ponyboy learned.  Provide a 3-paragraph summary of each article, and then in a paragraph explain its link to the book, and another paragraph with your opinion as to whether you agree or disagree (5 paragraphs total).  20 points

2.     Find 3 articles on the Internet about gangs and their risks.  Summarize each article in at least 2 paragraphs and then in an additional paragraph include if you agree with the article and why/why not.  20 points

3.     Imagine that the publisher of The Outsiders has decided to print a “special edition” of the book to celebrate its 40 years of popularity.  The publishers plan to make each chapter more appealing by including illustrations.  Sketch twelve pictures (one to enhance each chapter) that the publisher could consider for use.  Be sure to label each sketch with its appropriate chapter number.  20 points

4.     Research why juveniles commit serious crimes.  Compare the reasons you find with the causes or reasons you can infer from the book.  Use at least 3 sources.  Write a one-page explanation or prepare a 5-minute presentation for the class.  You must provide your sources.  20 points