I. Reading and Literature

Title: THE VOICE OF DREAMS: THE AMERICAN NOVEL

Standards: Research Process, Reading/Media Literacy

Overview: Students will examine the American dream (if it exists, its many meanings, if it is achievable) through the lens of American novels, authors, and characters. In addition to exploring a variety of literature, students will record and listen to real stories of people who are working toward the American dream. Then they will write a dramatic version of an American dream story.

 

Title: RE-TALE VALUE: EXPLORING PLOT SIMILARITIES

Standards: Research Process, Reading/Media Literacy, Responsible Use

Overview: Students will create lists of novels and plays with similar story lines and examine the article "The Plot Line Thins, Or Are No Stories New?" which discusses the existence of seven basic story lines (i.e. Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, etc.) Students will examine the New York Times for articles which have story lines similar to the seven plot archetypes and write essays comparing an article to literature with similar plots.

 

II. Writing

Title: COMMUNICATING ON LOCAL ISSUES -- PERSUASIVE WRITING

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy, Responsible Use

Overview: Students will identify and research local issues which concern them by using the internet and print sources. They will then argue a position on the issue in letters to two different audiences, addressing their own purposes and considering the needs of the audiences in each letter. Students will work with peer groups as they draft and revise their letters before sending them to the intended readers.

 

Title: BRINGING FACTS INTO SCIENCE FICTION

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Overview: Students will reflect on a favorite character from a science fiction story and read a New York Times article by a science fiction author. Students will develop setting, plot, and characters for a science fiction story based on current news themes which they will research. They will then write individual drafts of a story.

 

III. Speaking, Listening, and Viewing

Title: BROADCASTS & PODCASTS: ORAL STORYTELLING & DRAMATIZATION

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Overview: After exploring the historical information surrounding H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" broadcast, students will create criteria for effective audio dramatizations. They will then compose their own dramatizations (radio presentations, podcasts, or audiobooks) of a selected scene from an in-class reading.

 

Title: DIGITAL POETRY: THOUGHTS IN MOTION

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Overview: In addition to writing a poem, students will create a digital work of art. They will fuse their words with images and music in order to make a deeper connection with their audience. This webquest leads them through the steps of creating an expressive poem, digital picture, and imovie.