Thursday, January 19: class will meet in the library
Friday, January 20: class will meet in the library
Tuesday, January 24: class will meet in the library
Wednesday, January 25: Project is due!
Real Life Superhero Project
Real-world heroes do not have to wear a cape, have spider-like senses or possess special powers. Outside of the comic universe, real heroes live among us and often receive no recognition for their heroic actions. Heroes might be working towards peace and freedom, campaigning for a greener Earth, or helping others with everyday needs. Often times we use the words “hero” and “idol” interchangeably when referring to someone famous. What differentiates a hero from an idol? Who are your heroes? Who are some of the most famous heroes of the past and present?
Task
Have students choose a hero they would like to celebrate. You might focus their choices in a specific area, like science or math, or have them choose a hero in your community. Choose a hero then, conduct research, create a poster, flyer, video, web site, or other media resource to educate your classmates on this hero and how their actions are, or were, heroic. Start by having students, or teams of students who are collaborating, brainstorm what they already know about this person. This will help them identify words and phrases they can use to locate more information. Research the hero, their causes, and their actions. Possible information sources include the school library, online resources, newspapers, videos, and interviews.
As students conduct their research, make sure they can answer the following questions:
Create
Students should combine the facts and stories from their research to write a composition or narrative introducing the hero and why this person deserves a hero’s title. Work with them to determine how they might best share and show the story of their hero. Details and organized writing are essential in conveying how this person displays the qualities of a hero. Even if students are producing a poster to demonstrate understanding, a solid story about the person will help to guide their visual work.
Share
Once a narrative has been composed, have students decide what type of product they will create to showcase their hero. Then, students should decide which pieces of the narrative they will use to direct their work. They should return to the research process to find media that supports their ideas. This might include first-person video interview segments, photographs, images they will use as models for their own illustrations, and so on.
Regardless of the type of product students choose to create, the media should include:
Work should be saved, exported, or printed so that it can be shared.
At first, The Real Life Superhero Project was conceived as an avenue to shine some light on this new breed of activism and altruism, through a photographic installation to benefit the established organizations the super heroes believe in. Now, what began as a gallery exhibit, has come to serve as the launching pad of something far greater—a living, breathing community that inspires people to become the positive forces for change we all can be. To become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.