The 1950s: A Decade of Fun, Excitement, and Individuality!

 

1950's Music

1.   Rock ‘n Roll:   Explain the birth of rock 'n' roll in 2-3 sentences.  What were the top two singles of the 1950's?
 

2.   Preacher Against Rock 'n Roll: Why is this preacher against rock 'n roll music?  Do you think music persuades teenagers to rebel?  Why or why not? 

3.  Opinion: Why do you think Rock 'n Roll music had such and impact?

4.  Mr. Sandman:  What is your reaction to this music? Is this something you would listen to? Why or why not?

1950's Movies

5.  East of Eden:   Why do you think this movie was filmed at such weird angles?  What is James Dean's character discussing with his father?

6. Rear Window: Rear Window is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous films. Describe Grace Kelly's dress from the movie.  What do you think happens next?

7. Cinderella: How do you think this movie impacted the popularity of Disney films?

1950's Language 

8. Slang: Name and give a definition for two slang terms that you found interesting from the 1950s.

9.  Name at least two slang terms that we still use today. 
 

1950's Inventions:

10. Hula Hoop: Where was the idea for the hula hoop born?  Why was it so popular in the 1950s?

11.  Polio Vaccine: When was the vaccine discovered? Why was this discovery so important?

1950's Economy:

12.  Money: What was the cost of a house during the 1950s? What was the average income per year?

1950's Pop Culture

13.   Fads and Fashion: Name and explain three fads or trends from the 1950s.