Notable American Report and Reenactment Our country, the United States of America, has grown in strength from the time of exploration to the present because of the talent and dedication of many Notable Americans. As a whole, they have built bridges, both literally and figuratively, to make our country a great nation. Many of them are even considered to be heroes.
Therefore, this project is to first read a biography about the life of one Notable American who you feel is an example of greatness, and has contributed to the story of our nation in a powerful and positive way. Next, you will take the information you’ve learned and draft a report on your Notable American as an autobiography. That is, you’ll be writing the paper in a first person point-of-view, as if YOU are the actual Notable American! Finally, you will present your “life story” as your Notable American, complete with a simple costume/outfit/uniform representative of your American’s time period and culture.
Note: As we discussed in class, you may not choose an athlete or an entertainer. Your person will need to be approved by your teacher.
How to get started: You will become an expert on the life of your Notable American by following these simple steps. You will be given some class time for reading, but this is mostly a project to work on at home.
Select a Book: Find a biography of your Notable American at the South School Library or Hingham Public Library, or a bookstore and show it to your teacher by Monday, January 13th.
Your book should be at your independent reading level, and approximately 80 pages long. It should focus on the individual’s whole life and what he/she did that qualifies them to be considered NOTABLE.
Our hope is that the bulk of information presented in your paper will come from your chosen biography. However, please feel free to use additional sources to supplement your paper.
Written Report & Presentation: Your written report and costume will be due on Monday, February 10th. That week, you will be expected to present an oral report to the class as your Notable American one day that week. Prepare note cards to help you. You may not read the note cards or report to the class, but use them for reference.
In class, students will receive an outline of requirements as well as a packet for taking notes while reading their biographies. These documents are also available to download at the bottom of the page.
Wax Museum:Friday, February 14th, students will create a "wax museum" where students will pose as their Notable Americans. Parents will be invited to come visit the figures and hear a bit about each Notable American!
Report Paragraph One: Introduction
Your name and why you are considered a Notable American. (very general)
Birth - date and place
Parents - names and occupations
Siblings - names and general information
Paragraph Two: Early Years
Important childhood events
Education
Early indication of success? (May not apply to all Notable Americans.)
Role Family/Friends played in developing your talent and or interests
Paragraph Three: Adulthood
Marriage/Family
Two important events in history that took place during your lifetime (World War, The Great Depression, etc.)
Personal Struggles/Failures (and how you coped with them)
Paragraph Four: Becoming a Notable American
Awards/Honors/Achievements
Why you are considered a “Notable American?” (Explain the actions or deeds you did that made you important to our country.)
Paragraph Five: Reflection and Farewell
Two personality traits that helped you succeed. (Give an example to support each trait.)
Did you have a role model that inspired you?
Reflect on your life, is there anything you would do differently?
Advice for the Fifth Grade students
Becoming your Notable American On the day of your presentation, you will come to class dressed as your Notable American! Be prepared to share your life story through the eyes of your Notable American! When choosing an outfit/costume, consider your American’s:
Time Period
Profession
Artifacts (Is there anything he/she would have often been seen with?)