PBL: A LESSON BEFORE DYING PROJECT
The following are instructions for each entry document in your PBL Packet:
1. Instructions: each group member gets their own copy of the instructions. You will tape, staple, or glue them in your Interactive Notebook, or you can put it in a pocket folder.
2. Social Contract: everyone’s first and last name goes on a line. Then, read it and sign and date it. Place it back in your folder until we return from Spring Break so I can sign it. You will keep the original in your group folder as a reminder and I will keep a copy in case you misplace your group copy.
3. Contact Log: Everyone write your gmail and phone number on the one sheet. When I return, I will make copies for each person in the group. You will keep these in your Interactive Notebook so that when you are working on the project at home and need to collaborate with your group, you will be able to reach them.
4. Organizational Chart: You will look at the list of responsibilities listed at the bottom of the chart. Then, you will choose the job you want to be responsible for. The Project Manager goes at the very top. The other boxes mean that you report to the Project Manager (this person is your leader). There are more boxes than there are jobs. This is because sometimes, responsibilities may arise that you didn't anticipate and some (or all) group members may have to have more than one job.
5. Argument. Whomever's job it is to do the writing in your group will write your group number in the space provided.
6. KWL Chart.
7. Right to Terminate. Leave this one blank until you need to use it. I hope you do not have to, but it happens.
1. Instructions: each group member gets their own copy of the instructions. You will tape, staple, or glue them in your Interactive Notebook, or you can put it in a pocket folder.
2. Social Contract: everyone’s first and last name goes on a line. Then, read it and sign and date it. Place it back in your folder until we return from Spring Break so I can sign it. You will keep the original in your group folder as a reminder and I will keep a copy in case you misplace your group copy.
3. Contact Log: Everyone write your gmail and phone number on the one sheet. When I return, I will make copies for each person in the group. You will keep these in your Interactive Notebook so that when you are working on the project at home and need to collaborate with your group, you will be able to reach them.
4. Organizational Chart: You will look at the list of responsibilities listed at the bottom of the chart. Then, you will choose the job you want to be responsible for. The Project Manager goes at the very top. The other boxes mean that you report to the Project Manager (this person is your leader). There are more boxes than there are jobs. This is because sometimes, responsibilities may arise that you didn't anticipate and some (or all) group members may have to have more than one job.
5. Argument. Whomever's job it is to do the writing in your group will write your group number in the space provided.
- Then, you will write a clear, debatable thesis statement about a social or political issue from A Lesson Before Dying that is still relevant today. Your argument should take a position on the issue and be something that can be supported with evidence.
- Under the "Ideas" section, you will list at least five key points that support your argument. These can be examples from the book, real-world connections, research topics, and/or possible solutions.
- Be prepared to discuss your argument with the class.
6. KWL Chart.
- Based on your argument, as a group, under the "K" column, you will write everything everyone knows about the topic already without looking anything up. These can be facts, ideas, prior knowledge from the book, or relevant real-world issues.
- Under the "W" column, you will write down questions that you wonder about or are curious about. Think about what you need to learn to support your argument.
- You will not complete the "L" column until the entire project is completed.
7. Right to Terminate. Leave this one blank until you need to use it. I hope you do not have to, but it happens.
Things to Consider
1. Time/Project Management. Where and when are you going to work on the project? How are you going to manage your time to create written and visual texts to meet your due date? You will need access to computers and anything else you think you will need.
2. Evaluation. How will you assess your work to ensure it meets the project criteria? What steps will you take to improve your final product?
3. Collaboration. How will you divide responsibilities among group members? How will you ensure that everyone contributes equally and stays accountable?
4. Presentation & Engagement. How will you make your argument compelling for your audience? What strategies will you use to keep your presentation clear, engaging, and persuasive?
1. Time/Project Management. Where and when are you going to work on the project? How are you going to manage your time to create written and visual texts to meet your due date? You will need access to computers and anything else you think you will need.
2. Evaluation. How will you assess your work to ensure it meets the project criteria? What steps will you take to improve your final product?
3. Collaboration. How will you divide responsibilities among group members? How will you ensure that everyone contributes equally and stays accountable?
4. Presentation & Engagement. How will you make your argument compelling for your audience? What strategies will you use to keep your presentation clear, engaging, and persuasive?
Rubrics
You'll be rated on your project based on the metrics outlined in the following rubrics:
View or Download Your Grading Rubric
View or Download Your Presentation Rubric