HOW IT WORKS
A Millennium Commemorative is a compilation of biographical research on the 100 most significant individuals of the last 1000 years. It fosters research and writing skills, the use of technology in acquiring, compiling, and presenting research, and furthers the appreciation of our common heritage. The initial lesson, “How do people become famous,” helps the students to distinguish between the concepts of fame vs. popularity/celebrity. Working individually and in cooperative learning groups, they research and write biographies of the last millennium’s most influential persons. Important personal information as well as significant contributions are included, along with a bibliographic citation of source materials. The final publication is prepared using Apple Works and Student Writing Center. This volume also contains a preface, foreword, table of contents, illustrations, and a “Hall of Fame” photo gallery. Appendices include an alphabetical index, index by field of achievement, graphs, and a world history timeline of the last millennium.

The legacy of this program is further extended with the preparation, on the last day of school, of a time capsule. Relevant contributions are sealed until 2009, when the participating class will graduate from high school. At that time, an Authors’ Day Reunion will be held, and the third-grade class of 2009 will meet and share ideas with the returning Millennium Kids in an open-forum discussion. A positive set of role models will be established through this living legacy, and the values implied in this publication will be communicated in concrete as well as abstract form. 

STUDENTS
The students involved in this project are an academically heterogeneous third-grade class at P.S. 177 in Brooklyn. The class receives weekly computer instruction. The computer lab is also available to students for individual research. A broad variety of ethnic/religious/ cultural backgrounds are represented. Over 85% of the students are from immigrant households, and approximately 10% of the students are LEP. This project lends itself to diverse grade/ achievement levels, as much of the work is cooperative. 

THE STAFF
A member of P.S. 177’s Consultation and Literacy Committees, Marianne DeRosa develops a major thematic interdisciplinary program each year, in order to provide her students with opportunities to apply standards beyond the format of the traditional curriculum. She has been a third-grade teacher since 1990 (having previously taught language arts and pre-kindergarten), and has received awards from District 21 and Citibank for A Millennium Commemorative. 

WHAT YOU NEED 
The bulk of this program was divided as required among the classroom, computer lab, and library. Materials employed include a variety of written and electronic reference works (biographies, historical works, encyclopedias, Internet sites, CD-ROM software, etc.), art supplies, writing materials, computers/printers, and a digital camera. Students supplemented their work with at-home Internet/CD-ROM research and visits to the public library. Apple Works and Student Writing Center are also used. 

OVERALL VALUE
This activity develops students’ research skills and their ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form. Further objectives include increasing the students’ knowledge in a variety of curriculum areas through acquaintance with recognized leaders in their respective fields, and development of awareness of the character traits and values that contribute to success. The final project serves as a valuable adjunct to the curriculum in several subject areas.