TechnoBiography
Item Number: INT-BIOGRAPHY
Description:
DIGITAL BIOGRAPHY LESSON PLANS: Capture the interest of middle school students with an imaginative and unique project to integrate technology and curriculum. Students pick a noteworthy figure, hero, scientist, leader, or artist to write a life story, list achievements, display personal artifacts in a media gallery, and more.
TEACH ADVANCED WORD PROCESSING SKILLS: Using Google Docs or Microsoft Word, students build a complex document with heading styles, table of contents, graphic organizer, table, illustrations, and links. Optional activities show how to insert a video, customize page layout, bookmark a link, make a bumper sticker, and design a certificate.
KICKSTART ESSENTIAL RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Using a scaffolded model, students discover the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information online. They learn reference skills that can be applied in upcoming research assignments: a bibliography is created with citations of the sources used.
READY-MADE LESSON PLANS: Teacher Guide in PDF format lists learning objectives and integration ideas. Assessment tools – checklists and marking sheets – are customizable. Student Workbook develops independent work habits, with step-by-step, illustrated instructions.
PICK ONE PROJECT OR MANY: Pick one to four single projects and receive them as digital downloads. Purchase 5 or more, a complete middle school set, or a package of all grade levels and receive them shipped on a USB drive, including a binder with an overview and project descriptions.
Technology Integration: History, Language Arts, Social Studies
Technology Skill: Graphics, Word Processing
Program: Microsoft Office, Word, Google, Google Docs, Google Drawings, Office Online, Word Online, PowerPoint Online
Assignment 1: What is a Biography?
Examine sample biographies to acquire insight into the role of a biographer.
Assignment 2: Brainstorm a Topic
Generate names of notable people. Select a topic. List inquiry questions.
Assignment 3: Research using Tertiary Sources
Consult an encyclopedia to locate basic facts. Classify information using an organizer.
Assignment 4: Research using Secondary Sources
Gain in-depth knowledge of the person’s life from quality websites. Track information sources.
Assignment 5: Research using Primary Sources
Identify significant artifacts associated with the person such as a speech, diary, or medal.
Assignment 6: Research Checklist
Confirm readiness to write biography by completing a checklist.
Assignment 7: Create a Title Page
Apply word processing skills to design a title page for the biography.
Assignment 8: Set the Document Structure using Styles
Set document structure with heading styles. Customize styles and insert a table of contents.
Assignment 9: Write a Personal History
Synthesize research to summarize the person's early life, family, education, and career.
Assignment 10: Make Graphic Organizer of Contributions
Showcase the importance of the person’s accomplishments using an eye-catching diagram.
Assignment 11: Design a Media Gallery using a Table
Highlight the contributions of a person using artifacts. Link readers to additional information.
Assignment 12: Cite Sources in a Bibliography
Document sources of information in a bibliography. Practical tips help to format the list.
Assignment 13: Biography Checklist
Self-evaluate the biography using a checklist. Revise the content based on the examination.
Assignment 14:Share Your Biography with Readers
Reflect on the learning experience. Respond to questions about the person’s life or legacy.
Optional Biography Lesson Plans for Google Docs/Microsoft Office
- Insert a Video: Embed or link to a clip.
- Customize Page Layout: Adjust margins, insert headers/footers and more.
- Connect to Artifacts using a Bookmark: Insert a link to an artifact.
- Make a Bumper Sticker: Make a saying or quote based on the person's life.
- Create a School Award: Design a certificate of recognition.
Terms of Use
Use TechnoBiography with unlimited users at your site. A site is a physical location such as classroom, school, learning center, daycare, library, or home. If you teach at multiple sites, you will need to purchase one set for each location. Individual projects are downloadable. Order 5 or more projects or a set and receive a USB drive. Transfer the files to all devices at your site. View the PDF teacher guides and workbooks digitally or print as many as you need. Files CANNOT be posted in public domain.