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Discovering the Hero Within - A PBL Unit

After the completion of the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, students will begin the unit with a discussion of true heroism based on the characteristics of the main character Atticus Finch.

Two TED talks offer insight into good and evil in humanity. Chris Abani emphasizes the “small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness,” that are heroic. Philip Zimbardo discusses how good people go wrong and that heroism is choosing to act when others do not. Heroism is in all of us.

Wesley Autrey: An ordinary man who chose to be extraordinary.

New York Times Article

Interview with David Letterman

Part 1

Research the following questions and compile ideas on a class Google document.

Part 2 Class Collaborative Investigation

What does it mean to be a hero?

Driving Question: What inspires ordinary people to do heroic deeds?

What are the characteristics of a hero?

Heroic Images? Quotes about heroism?

Famous heroes?Videos about heroism?

Links to websites related to heroism?

Classification of types of heroes?

Part 3 Individual Investigation

Find a living hero.

Family & Friends Interviews

Courage to Come Back Award

Unsung Heroes Awards

Newspaper ArchivesTelevision News

Websites dedicated to honoring living heroes

Where else?

Using the MyHero website platform, create a website dedicated to your chosen hero. The website includes a descriptive narrative on the life and heroic nature of the individual, along with original images, and links to external resources related to the individual or event. Include a description of What inspired this ordinary person to do an heroic deed?

Draft and revise the written element based on peer feedback solicited on the secure online blogging platform Collaborize Classroom.

Publish Website and present to class.

Part 4 Small Group Collaboration on Biographic Documentary

Students group according to who they are most interested in and based on possible limitations.

Groups choose a hero from the class created MyHero websites.

Research, Gather Visuals.

Conduct Interviews: Live, Phone, Internet (Skype?)

Storyboard the documentary

Shooting

Write narration. Include description of What inspired this ordinary person to do an heroic deed?

Assemble all elements using Final Cut Express

Compose and record soundtrack using Garage Band

Present to class.

Submit to MyHero Film Festival

Share all documentaries at local screening with invited school officials, parents, and hopefully some local heroes!

Part 5 Connecting to the Driving Question

Driving Question: What inspires ordinary people to do heroic deeds?

Re-examine original brainstorming document to discuss and reflect on itʼs elements

including the introspective question: Do you have a hero within you?