Chariots of Fire

What makes a strong character?

Module summary:

Students will understand that character development adds depth and interest to characters, and often includes elements such as background, strengths, weaknesses, and motivation (internal or external).
Students will understand that an effective PowerPoint is one that supports, rather than encompasses a presentation; that includes balance of text and photos; and that uses form to enhance, not confuse or distract from, the presentation.
Students will understand that a strong oral presentation using a visual aid is one that is practiced, adds more information that is included in the visual aid, and that connects with the audience.

Reading:

Cite strong textual evidence to support analysis of explicit and implicit meaning of text
Analyze multiple interpretations of a story and of a theme in various texts throughout history

Writing

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in flexible and dynamic ways (open to feedback, link to other information).

Language

Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking and writing

Speaking and listening

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
Analyze the important points of an oral presentation
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning and style used
Present information, findings and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective

Monday: 1924 Olympics PPT / review skills / start movie

Review PPT on 1924 Olympics. Take notes on strengths and weaknesses of slides:
- Which slides are most effective, and why?
- Which slides are ineffective, and why?
- How could you use this PPT to give a presentation effectively?

Tuesday: Finish watching movie / discuss characters / start outside research

During the movie, track background, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations of either Liddell or Abrahams; use the "Chariots Character Notes" handout, below, for your notes
After the movie, do outside research on the character you chose and take notes on the "real life" column on your handout. Compare and contrast real life events with movie portrayal

Wednesday: Conduct outside research / plan and create PPT

Create a PowerPoint answering the question, "What defines your character [Liddell or Abrahams]?" Your PPT should have 7 slides:
- title/thesis (thesis is your answer to the question, with topic, opinion, 3 reasons)
- context/background on character
- 3 supporting slides
- conclusion slide - final thought
- resources (cite movie and websites; use www.easybib.com for formatting)
Use PowerPoint Tips handout (below) as a reminder for slide formatting guidelines

Thursday: Complete PPT / practice presentation / review feedback

After you have finished creating your PPT, review it with Christine and practice giving your presentation on your own

Friday: Give final presentation / wrap up module