Projects

Source (including handouts): Social Studies Framework Site ([]) Beliefs and Ideals: The student will understand that the beliefs and ideals of a society influence the social, political, and economic decisions of that society. Standards: SS3H2a, b; SS3G2a-e; Map and Globe Skills: 4,7,8; Information Processing Skills: 3,5,10,11,13 Description of Task: You are asked by your teacher this question: “Which individual would you hire: (list historical figures)?” One way an employer decides whom to hire is by looking over each person’s resume`- a personal summary of job experience and accomplishments. Using your knowledge gained about the historical figure you will be assigned, you will use biographies, ideas from unit, and other resources such as the internet to gather your information in support of this person. You and your group will then complete the resume` for your historical figure showing examples of his/her beliefs and ideals and positive character traits that helped influence individuals and society. Finally, your teacher (future employer) will hold a job fair, posting positions that may be applied for. In order for your historical figure to be hired for this particular job, your group will write a short persuasive writing piece detailing why he or she is the best person for the job according to your research. (It will be interesting to see if the groups’ findings and interpretations are similar and are encouraged to compare and contrast later among groups.) Modifications: Provide graphic organizers for character studies that will assist students in organizing their information about their assigned historical figures (see links). [] [] Provide graphic organizer for developing a persuasive writing piece (see link). [] Work with a small group of struggling students to guide them through the process and components of the task.
 * Performance Task**
 * Step 1** Show students sample from a book or Microsoft Word resume wizard on how to write a resume`. Point out the information that each resume` includes: //name, address, education, job experience,// and //achievements.//
 * Step 2** Next divide the students into groups of 3-4 and allow them to draw the name out of a hat or bag. Due to only 3 historical figures being researched for this activity, more than one group may be researching the same person.
 * Step 3** Provide each with access to biographies of each as well as the unit information collected and learned about the assigned historical figure. Each group will research using books, information from lessons, and the internet if available to keep a record of the accomplishments of the person upon whose life story is based.
 * Step 4** Each group will use the information it gathers to write a resume` for the individual using a resume template. Resumes may be handwritten, but using technology is preferred if available.
 * Step 5** After students create the resume for the assigned historical figure, the teacher will hold a job fair with several “booths” posting positions around the classroom. Beforehand, the teacher and students will examine several job advertisements from the newspaper’s classified ads or online resources. After teacher models how to write a job description, students will create classified ads for the different historical figures.
 * Step 6** After deciding on the best job to interview for, each group will write a persuasive paragraph that explains why their famous person is most qualified for a job according to their actions, character traits, and the influence he or she has had on society. Details from the biographies, research, and unit ideas should be incorporated into their arguments. The goal is to persuade the employer to hire this historical figure.
 * Step 7** After all the research and writing requirements are complete, hold the job fair with parent volunteers or other school personnel running the booths. Each group will present their resume and persuasive writing paragraph to at least two future employers.