Images of Greatness Project

Images of Greatness Speech/Presentation Family Information and Overview *If you have ANY questions about these requirements, please contact Mrs. Wojciechowski at [email protected] or for further information please see my classroom website at: http://www.dvusd.org/Page/7858 Please keep this guide for your reference through the project.

Overview *Images of Greatness (IOG) is an investigative unit designed to help students develop study habits and learning skills as well as understand human characteristics that have the power to change. This project will require depth of research and thought.

*The time allotment for IOG is approximately Four-Five weeks. Skills to support the required research and completion of other work requirements will be taught in class. However, much of the research and additional tasks will require additional support from home.

*Each student will select a famous, eminent person in whom s/he is interested. These persons may be men and women from any field and time period. The person chosen must be someone the student believes has made an important and positive contribution to society.

*By completing extensive research, students will become experts on the chosen person. The activities they complete and the products they create will help them demonstrate and convey the knowledge they have gained. While more than one student may wish to choose the same person to study, the class as a whole will most benefit from learning about a wide variety of eminent figures. Therefore, whenever possible, it is preferred that each student choose a different subject to study. Since each student is responsible for his/her own independent study, team projects will not be allowed. Objectives . Students will become more aware of personalities that have the power to affect change. . Students will learn how other people use their gifts and talents to benefit mankind. . Students will improve their research skills by utilizing both primary and secondary resources in writing biographies. . Students will demonstrate knowledge of the people they are researching by assuming the voice of their subjects in an oral presentation before an audience. . Students will utilize multiple intelligences by choosing a creative display from a product menu. . Students will gain understanding of and will practice and demonstrate skills, concepts, and attitudes related to lifelong learning. Project Requirements . Research, record notes, and study about the life of a selected eminent person . Write a 5-paragraph biographical script from the perspective of that person, based on references and notes . Plan and prepare two props to aid in presenting and/or illustrate a key characteristic or point (ex. If you are researching Van Gogh, a paintbrush and palette). Please note, the props can be real, but are not required to be. Students may draw and/or print pictures to use as props. . Present a script/speech “in character” before the class

OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED: Plan and prepare a costume that “suggests” that person

Point Values . Research notecards—50 classwork pts . 5 paragraph biography—100 writing pts . Oral presentation and props-75 project pts

Timeline Dates: Thursday, November 9th-Wednesday, December 13th 11/9 Introduction to the project and teacher example. Select a person to research. Have a biography or autobiography in class by 11/14 (students will have time to look for a book in the school library on 11/13; however, if they are not able to find a book on their selected person, they will need to acquire a book elsewhere, such as the public library). 11/13 Discuss note-taking strategies for research and reading with a purpose. Students will need notecards or lined paper. 11/14-11/17 Reading and note-taking time. Students will also have opportunities to begin researching online if finished with their reading. 11/27-11/29 Research online and note-taking time. 12/4-12/5 Writing script (final product can be hand-written but should be readable; typing is optional). 12/6 Create audience questions and answers (questions will be planted in the audience with a peer of their choice and will answer questions regarding their person after their scripted speech). 12/7 Practice speech, questions, and answers. 12/8-12/13 Presentations Suggested format of the five-paragraph script: . MLA Heading Name Teacher Class Date . Introduction paragraph (paragraph #1 minimum: 3 sentences): Why this person has achieved in their lifetime . Early life paragraph (paragraph #2 minimum: 4-6 sentences): Family background, important childhood experiences, family life . Education paragraph (paragraph #3 minimum: 4-6 sentences): Early education, higher education, important/significant events . Accomplishments paragraph (paragraph #4 minimum: 4-6 sentences): Important events, challenges, career information . Conclusion paragraph (paragraph #5 minimum: 3 sentences): Why this person is remembered as a creative producer, a change agent, or a positive contributor to society. . Works Cited (included in your notes) Be certain to use easybib.com for correct MLA formatting.

Some TIPS before students begin IOG… Students may need some help to decide whose biography they will research and write. They will need to learn enough about the person initially to make a wise choice. Students will be spending a good deal of time on this person, so his/her life should be intriguing. Students will want to see if there is enough good information readily available (school/public library, internet) on the person BEFORE they make their choices and begin.

The Research Process Students need to use a MINIMUM of three sources to gather information. AT LEAST one source must be a book. No Wikipedia.

Research Suggestions: Books: Find and read printed books in the library that are devoted to the person. As you read, make notes on information in the various categories you have chosen to research. Electronic Encyclopedia: Do a keyword search (not a topic search) for the person and read more than the main introductory article. See where the person is mentioned in other articles. Summarize key findings and record them on note cards. Internet: Visit reputable sites on the Internet. The following site lists 7 biographical website that are considered credible: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-websites- biographies-famous-inspirational-people/