A Millennium Commemorative
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. |