Biographies

**Strand:** History **Topic:** Heritage Ideas and events from the past have shaped the world as it is today. The actions of individuals and groups have made a difference in the lives of others. ** Content Statement: ** Biographies can show how peoples’ actions have shaped the world in which we live. Welcome second graders! We are going to be starting a Social Studies Unit on biographies. Biographies tell a story about a person's life. In this unit, you are going to have the opportunity to learn about different stories of American social and political leaders, explorers, inventors and scientists. You will learn about individuals and their actions that have made a difference in the world. You will also learn specific locations that people have impacted. At the end of this unit, you will work collaboratively with a classmate to combine your actions and show the difference that you can make together.
 * Theme: ** People Working Together

Before you begin, read over the rubric to learn how you can earn all 25 points! Be sure to refer back to it as you complete this unit. If you have any questions, please ask.  **Step 1!** Before you begin researching biographies of other people, let's share a little about ourselves! Complete // The Life Story Of ...// Google Doc and share it with the other members of the class. Create a copy, change my information and update it with your own. When you are finished, read the biographies that were shared within your Google Drive. Find two classmates and discuss two components of their biography. **Step 2!** __"I can understand that actions of individuals make a difference in the world."__ It's time to select an American social or political leader, explorer, inventor or scientist to research. Your ultimate job is to find out who they were and what difference they made in the world. You will begin by finding five facts about your person of interest and how they made an impact. When you are done researching, create a slideshow using Animoto to present your information to the class. When you are finished, upload your slideshow onto our class website. ** Step 3! **// __"I can u__ // __se information from a biography to describe where the actions of individuals have impacted the world."__ Now that you have presented the biography of a person who has made a difference in the world, let's find out specifically where they left their mark! Choose three places that were important in the lives of your person of interest. For example, it could be where they were born, places they visited, or areas they impacted. Once you have your locations, create a Google Earth Tour to present your areas around the world. Be ready to present your tour to the class along with a verbal explanation of why each destination is important!  Click here to take my tour on places that affected Thomas Edison! When you are finished, upload your slideshow onto our class website. Step 4! //__"I can__// __show how peoples’ actions have shaped the world in which we live__." We have now learned about the many people who have made choices in life that have made a difference in the world. Let's imagine now a greater difference that can be made when we work together! Your job is to collaborate with one of your classmates to create an Infographic of 3 positive choices that each of you are making. Together, detail what those choices are and how they are making a difference in the world around you. Check out my example below. Infographic When you are finished, upload your Infographic onto our class website.