In this unit, students will work to create their choice of a presentation on an Alabama citizen who has made a difference in the state, as well as the nation.

paper, pencil, planning sheet for conducting research (see attachment)

PowerPoint or other presentation software (for multimedia presentation), Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, or other desktop publishing software (for newsletter or brochure), Microsoft Publisher, Netscape Composer, or other web page creation software (for web site)

Students should have prior experience working with Searchasaurus and SIRS Discoverer, databases in AVL. However, if students don't have experience in these databases, mini lessons on using the databases would be necessary as part of this unit.

1.)Have students reflect on the question "How can I make a difference?" After giving them time to reflect and jot down some ideas, discuss the ideas together as a class. Further discuss the idea that there are many areas in which individuals can make a difference (i.e. politics, humanity, military, sports, music, etc.) Explain that there are many Alabamians that have indeed made a difference in the state, as well as the United States.

2.)Use the following URLs to expose the students to some names of famous Alabamians and their impact. Use this time as a continuation of building their background knowledge. Also, have students share if they've heard of a particular person and what they already know about them. Record the responses on a piece of butcher paper (in a KWL fashion) to list all the items already known about these famous Alabamians.
(Famous Alabamians from 50 States.com)
A listing of famous Alabamians and the accomplishment for which they are most famous.

3.)Continue allowing the students to peruse the sites on famous Alabamians to build their knowledge on these people. As the students are exploring, have them be formulating questions related to these people such as "What would I like to know about these people?" "Which person that I don't already know anything about would I like to explore in depth?" Have students write their responses in the W portion of the the KWL chart on the butcher paper.
(Alabama Department of Archives and History)
This section contains information on individuals who have been inducted into Official Halls of Fame established by the Alabama Legislature. Each hall of fame is governed by its own board and has its own selection criteria.

4.)Allow students to individually choose a famous Alabamian to focus on their project of "How can I make a difference?" Once the student chooses an Alabamian, research will begin using the Alabama Virtual Library, specifically utilizing Searchasaurus and SIRS Discoverer.
(The Alabama Virtual Library)
Click on Elementary Resources and use Searchasaurus and SIRS Discoverer for this research project.

5.)As students begin gathering information for their research presentation, conduct mini lessons on summarizing and paraphrasing as needed. A planning sheet students can use when conducting their research is attached.

6.)Students will compile their research into a presentation which includes background information on the famous Alabamian, what made that person important, what the student learned from the Alabamian regarding how he/she can make a difference, and a works cited page. The teacher may opt to add more slides as he/she sees fit. For an example of what the teacher might expect of a student presentation at this grade level, you may email the author of this lesson plan.

7.)After students complete projects, they will share them with the class or other audiences as desired.

8.)Finally, the students should revisit the original question "How can I make a difference?" Based on what they've learned from these famous Alabamians, have the students finish the L part of the KWL. Students could describe characteristics and virtues they would like to develop in their own lives, which could lead to future follow-up character education projects and discussions.

See the attached rubrics for an example of assessment for the slideshow presentation, newsletter or brochure, and website. Also consult http://rubistar.4teachers.org to create your own.

Mini lessons on utilizing information from AVL might be necessary for struggling readers. Mini lessons on technical aspects of presentations and publications might be necessary for students not familiar with the applications.