Biography+Project

Second Semester Extra Credit Opportunity

Summary
To create an opportunity for personal growth, deeper historical understanding, and to earn extra credit, students have the option of reading a biography of an influential figure in American history and preparing a presentation of that individual to be showcased during our "Exhibition of Student Work" May 2. No class time will be provided for the completion of this project beyond the explanation of the parameters and limitations. Course credit will only be applied if the student and presentation display are available on May 2.

What to Read
The project begins with the selection of an individual. Feel free to choose any person that sparks interest or one that comes from an era that sparks interest. Perhaps the Civil Rights movement engages your curiosity, then consider Martin Luther King, Jr., or //Coming of Age in Mississippi// by Anne Moody (autobiography/historical non-fiction).

There are well over a hundred books right here in our Library to choose from, just ask Carol (that's what she's here for). Otherwise, the Branch District Library has hundreds of biographies to choose from that cover just about everybody you can dream up. Get one and open it.

What to Expect
What a biography does is provides a portal into the life of that individual. You see //their// world through //their// eyes. You begin to realize that their world was very different than ours and you can relate to their condition. All these things are good. The only bad thing that can happen is that you don't quite get into it. In that case choose a different biography, or even a different person. Don't be discouraged... That happens sometimes, too.

When You Finish...
Acquire a trifold display from Mr. Bruce. Fill it with anything you can that answers the following question: What role did they (your individual) play in shaping the America they lived in? This is really important because you must also describe what their "America" was like and how it was different than ours. Then define the impact they had on making a difference and defining the America we live in today.

Tastefully selected, tastefully presented imagery can be your best ally. Caption your images to tell your person's story effectively.

How Much Extra Credit?
Depends... Could be substantial... What are you willing to do?