|
“Time Machine” Project
Elka Veselinova
Students are writing and illustrating a historical fiction story, which
is completed in a bound book form. Each student is writing a 3-page
story centered on a famous event from American history between the years
1600-1960s. They create a character that was present and involved in a
meaningful way in this event. For example, the story might center on a
very young officer serving on the staff of George Washington during the
winter spent at Valley Forge. The student would then develop a plot line
to interest readers by 1) giving them a “behind the scenes” view of what
that winter was like for Washington’s army and 2) making the readers
care about what happens to this young officer.
Students need to do a significant amount of research on the time period,
people and events to write an effective story. The first step is to
choose an event that will be the focus of their project. Since they are
studying U.S. History this year, they have to choose an event between
the years 1600 and 1969. Here are some examples of general time periods:
• The American Revolution (specific events – Boston Tea Party, Battles
of Lexington & Concord, the British surrender at Yorktown);
• Westward Expansion (specific events – California Gold Rush, Battle of
the Alamo, Journey of Lewis & Clark);
• The Civil War (specific events – Battle of Gettysburg, Monitor vs.
Merrimack, Lincoln’s assassination);
• World Wars I & II;
• The Great Depression;
• The Industrial Revolution
Students found this to be an enjoyable and creative time in class, with
the sharing of their completed books as one of the highlights of the
year.
The working process in pictures:
Picasa Óåá Àëáóìè - Elka - Historical Fi...
|
