What makes someone great?
Your task is to find answers to this question by learning aboutthe lives of people who are famous or well-known in their particular field. To do this, you will each assume the role of an expert in one field.
One of you will be a Science and Technology expert, one will be an expert in Leadership, one on Sports, and one will focus on Arts and Humanities.
Before beginning your research, read the article Mind Power for some background information.
Week One: You will be reading about THREE OR MORE of the specific people in your chosen field. You may use books and magazines as well as the Internet links provided.
Because the fields are divided among you, it will be extremely important that each of you learn as much as you can about what influenced these people and caused them to become great. Take notes on each individual so that you have some facts to refer to later.
Click here to print copies of a worksheet that will help you keep track of what you learn.
Week Two: Continue reading about AT LEAST THREE of the people and collecting information about their lives. Begin to formulate your own theories about what might have caused them to become great and look for evidence to support your theories.
Week Three: Meet with your group members to compare what you've learned. Are your theories similar? Can you find anything that the famous individuals might have in common?
If you find nothing in common, you may want to consider the theories of other members of the group and go back through the information on your subjects. Perhaps you overlooked something. If there is nothing in common, this will need to be incorporated into your presentation before the school board and community members group.
Develop your plan for the PowerPoint presentation you will give to the committee examining a magnet school. Determine what role you will play in the presentation and what you will contribute. Will you have visual aids? Will you do role-playing? How will you get your message across to your audience?
Week Four: Finalize your plans for your presentation as a group. Make sure that each of you has a significant role in sharing your findings and practice your delivery.
Culmination: Present your findings to the committee.
The Links
Important Reminders
Be prepared to share information about each person with your fellow group members. You will compare and contrast personal characteristics, backgrounds, childhood anecdotes, and personal influences for these people in an effort to find commonalities.
Remember that you are going to make recommendations to a committee of community leaders about providing an appropriate education for gifted and talented students. What do students need to learn, or how can they be encouraged to become influential experts and leaders?
