This year is something like the 14th or 15th anniversary of my Biography Projects unit; I'm really looking forward to seeing what this class comes up with!
For what it's worth: Biography Project 2 is quite a bit different than Biography Project 1. I think both projects are exciting opportunities for students to create, study, and explore using their own talents while doing some seriously challenging academics. But, truth-be-told, I really think Project 2 is the most exciting and creative of them. I hope you and your student feel the same way about it when all is said and done!
Please look over and sign the packet together tonight. If it's been forgotten at school, you can download another copy here. It's long! Seven pages! But, don't panic! In sending home such monumental assignment, I've tried to do my best to thoroughly and completely explain what I hope your student will be able to accomplish in the course of this learning experience.
Here's what needs to happen over the course of the next week-and-a-half:
- Parent-Signatures and Student-Contracts (see forms on pg. 3) can be turned in anytime before Tuesday, April 15.
- The Interviews (see directions on pg. 1, form on pg. 5) must be conducted and turned in anytime on-or-before Wednesday, April 16... but, the sooner the better... Only after you have had your subject approved by Mr. Coe can you begin working on the Posterboard and Speech.
- Remember: review the Qualities of Great People, and the list of some great people who aren't yet on the Wall of Greatness (see page 4). Please, don't accept someone like your Great Uncle Henry who was injured in the line of duty in World War II as a suggestion during your interviews... Sure, he's Great! No argument! But think about it this way: if a fourth grader can't find lots of good information on him online or in an encyclopedia for next year's 300 word report, he's just not the right kind of candidate for the Wall.
- The Posterboard (see directions on pg. 2, example on display in the classroom) must be completed and on-display no later than Friday, April 18.
- The Speech (see directions on pg. 1, example speech on pg. 7 or as a download) must be completed by Monday, April 21.
Voting will take place on Tuesday, April 22 at the conclusion of all the speeches.
